A BRIEF HISTORY OF ZIMBABWE

The roots of Zimbabwean civilization stretch far back in time, weaving a tapestry of cultural and political innovation. The tale begins with Bantu-speaking farmers who, during the Iron Age, traversed the Limpopo River, bringing with them new agricultural techniques and ironworking skills. These migrants laid the foundations of early Zimbabwe—a cultural legacy still evidenced by the imposing stone walls of Great Zimbabwe, an architectural marvel that served as the nerve center of an influential precolonial state flourishing between the 11th and 15th centuries.

Great Zimbabwe, which gave the modern nation its name, was a political and economic powerhouse whose influence rippled across Southern Africa. The city was part of an extensive trading network, exchanging gold, ivory, copper, and iron for luxury goods from as far afield as China and the Persian Gulf—a testament to the globalized nature of medieval commerce. Its ruins, among the largest stone structures in Southern Africa, embody the zenith of precolonial Zimbabwe’s cultural and architectural sophistication.

The arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century marked the beginning of foreign intervention in Zimbabwe, but it was not until the late 19th century that European incursions had a truly seismic impact on the region. The advent of British imperialist Cecil Rhodes and his British South Africa Company ushered in a new era, as his charter from Queen Victoria granted the company sweeping administrative and economic control over the area—a stark departure from the sovereignty once known by the builders of Great Zimbabwe.

Rhodes’s legacy remains deeply controversial, emblematic of the era’s imperialism and its grievous repercussions for the indigenous population. Land was appropriated, local governance structures were undermined, and the native Shona and Ndebele peoples were consigned to lives of subjugation and exploitation.

ZIMBABWE ARTS AND CULTURE

Zimbabwe has a long history of creative expression, evident in the numerous rock paintings scattered across Mashonaland and Matabeleland, as well as in its sculpture traditions. Traditional art in Zimbabwe encompasses a wide range of skills, including basket weaving, pottery, sewing, and the carving of stools from single pieces of wood. The Shona people are renowned for their intricate wooden carvings of idols and ancestral figures, while the Ndebele are celebrated for their colorful textiles and hand-painted designs.

Music is also central to Zimbabwean culture. While many indigenous rhythms have been influenced—or at times overshadowed—by international styles such as rock and pop, the country still preserves much of its traditional music. The mbira (thumb piano) remains a beloved instrument, and sungura is a popular contemporary genre. Song and dance continue to play vital roles in community life, reflected in a rich array of traditional performances such as Jerusarema, Muchongoyo, Amabhiza, Mbakumba, Ingquza, Chiyobera, and Ngungu.

However, Zimbabwe has struggled to derive significant value from its expressive sector. Most successes within the various sub-sectors have occurred at an individual level rather than as part of a coordinated national strategy. The government has provided limited funding for the arts since independence, despite the sector’s vast potential to generate both economic and social benefits if effectively developed and promoted.

Globally, according to a UNESCO and Ernst & Young report, the creative economy employed 30 million people and generated US$2.25 trillion in revenue—or about 3% of global GDP—in 2013. This figure surpasses global telecommunications (US$1.57 trillion) and exceeds the GDP of countries such as India, Russia, and Canada.

A more recent UNESCO report notes: “It is received opinion that the arts and culture sector in Zimbabwe is fragmented, economically challenged, and suffers from weak strategic vision and governance structures.” In an April 2023 article, lawyer Leonard Chisvo similarly observes that Zimbabwe’s music industry faces numerous challenges that hinder its growth and limit its contribution to the economy—including piracy, lack of funding, inadequate infrastructure, low digital literacy, and outdated legal frameworks.