Iyasa embarks on a long European tour

DAZZLING Zimbabwean multi-award winning dance group, Inkululeko Yabatsha Arts School,  (Iyasa), who have been on a long tour in Europe for four months now are scheduled to conclude the expedition in Montenegro.

Iyasa has held European tours since 2002 and are presently based in Vienna, Austria.

The founder and director of the group Nkululeko Innocent Dube said the group's flirtation with Europe for over the past decade has been fruitful and felt that it was their mandate to uplift the country's arts standards.

"We have been doing shows in Austria and neighbouring countries. We are also aiming at uplifting our country's arts standards high, and we are doing our level best and a lot of people seem to be appreciating our work", he said.

He also mentioned that the group was aiming on gaining mileage across the globe and to be awarded with several international awards.

"I am impressed with the support we have been getting from the Europeans. I don't see us failing to land the best award in the arts industry worldwide with our authentic performances and collaborations, he said.

Dube said that they would leave Vienna today for Montenegro and would be there for a week, connect to  the Czech Republic then return to Austria to conclude the tour in a collaborative act with fellow countrymen Insingizi.

"We go to Montenegro for a week, then connect to the Czech Republic for three weeks, return to Vienna for a collaborative show with Insingizi, who are based in Austria and some Austrian musicians. The show will be titled "one world project band", after that we will then return home at the beginning of August," said Dube.

Dube said the European tour had become an annual agenda and it coincided with summer programmes in Europe.

"We always hold an annual international tour that coincides with summer programmes in Europe. We collaborate with friends, contacts, promoters that we have acquired over the years. It is a very expensive endevour, as we fund ourselves from the income we make from shows. However, there are benefits for the group and individuals involved. We can wish for better but we cannot complain. It has made our brand as Iyasa grow to international standards and also created a lot of opportunities for us and our artistes as individuals. An example is Future who out of these expeditions landed himself an opportunity to study in Austria,"  he said.

He also noted that Iyasa had become a trademark in the arts industry in Europe and was confident that they would grow to be a worldwide trademark.

"We have been well received by all nationalities here otherwise we would not be doing this for the 10th year running," he added.

Iyasa is Zimbabwe's multi award-winning performing arts school for youth established in 2001 to support and promote the best interests of young musicians, dancers, actors and poets.

It has since expanded to be a resource centre for most established and upcoming artistes, especially musicians, singers and dancers.

Iyasa has a talented and committed team of skilled and highly trained artistes in music, dance, drama and poetry, film and other genres.

Through comprehensive workshops, projects, training, programmes and performances in and outside Zimbabwe, Iyasa plays an integral role in the development and promotion of the arts industry in Zimbabwe. The group has become a household name in Zimbabwe and perhaps the world.