Harare, Zimbabwe – In a world where cultural connections can sometimes feel distant, a new children’s program is bridging the gap between generations and continents. Enter “Mhamha Shona Show,” a vibrant initiative designed to teach the Shona language and celebrate its rich culture.

The show was recently premiered on all online social media platforms ie, Facebook, Youtube and TikTok, and it’s already making waves as an exciting adventure for kids both in Zimbabwe and the diaspora.

Mhamha Shona Show was created and produced by Kuda Gutu, directed by Lisa Gutu, Yeukai Mhandu featured as Mhamha Shona, the show also features the voice of Elroy Musiiwa and Monalisa Chivandire as the two puppets Tsuro and Gudo.

Kuda Gutu, the creator and executive producer of the Mhamha Shona Show explained the inspiration behind the creation of Mhamha Shona Show.

‘’I live in the diaspora and wanted my children to learn the Shona language and culture. I noticed how quickly they were learning from shows like Sesame Street and Ms. Rachel, and that inspired me to create something similar but focused on Shona. The vision was to make a program that children in both Zimbabwe and the diaspora could enjoy while learning and connecting to the language and culture,’ explained Gutu.

Gutu highlighted the potential impact of the program on children learning Shona, expressing a vision where it fosters a deeper connection to their roots and enhances their cultural identity.

“I believe Mhamha Shona will help bridge the gap between generations and cultures. For children in the diaspora, it gives them access to their roots in a fun, simple way. For children in Zimbabwe, it reinforces their cultural identity and builds pride in their everyday language. My hope is that wherever they are, kids will feel connected, confident, and joyful while learning Shona,’’ highlighted Gutu.

He further explained challenges faced during the production of the show.

‘’We faced some big challenges. During editing, the building caught fire and afterward we had no electricity for over two weeks. To finish, we had to use a generator. On top of that, aligning everyone’s schedules was difficult, so we weren’t able to film the season in order—we had to shoot based on team availability. It was challenging, but those hurdles taught us resilience and creativity,’’ added Gutu

With its colorful puppets, catchy songs, and interactive storytelling, “Mhamha Shona” transforms language learning into a joyful experience.

Lisa Gutu, the director of the show emphasized that the creative vision for the program is to create an atmosphere where education and entertainment go hand in hand. 

‘’The vision is to create a joyful, interactive classroom experience that is fun, colorful, and simple—yet deeply connected to Shona culture. The show is designed for children everywhere, whether they’re growing up in Zimbabwe or living abroad, so they can learn the language and celebrate their heritage in a relatable way,’’ emphasized the director

At the heart of the show are two charming puppets, Tsuro and Gudo, who bring a playful spirit to each episode.

Monalisa Chivandire, who portrays Tsuro/Tendai the energetic rabbit, shared her experience on the show, highlighting that her favorite song to sing.

“I love singing the Shona Colors Song! Colors are bright and fun, and every time we sing it, I feel like children in Zimbabwe and all over the world are painting with Shona words together,” shared Monalisa