BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Precious Mathuthu, a 27-year-old member of the renowned IYASA (Inkululeko Yabatsha  School of Arts) group, has been making waves in the arts scene with her captivating performances.

We caught up with her at the Tourism Gastronomy in Victoria Falls, where she shared her journey, passion, and aspirations.

“It’s nice to be part of this group,” Precious says with a smile.

“It’s a free space for us as youths to learn different things beyond just arts and performance that can impart our knowledge in the future.”

Precious joined IYASA in 2013, and her talent and dedication have taken her to various countries, including South Africa, Botswana, and Malawi.

She has performed in numerous productions, including the popular “Sjaiva Sibancane” video which was her first appearance in the production.

“IYASA has that unique spice that tastes good,” she says, explaining what draws her to the group. “People love our performances, big time!”

With her vast experience in dancing, singing, and acting, Precious sees herself managing artists and becoming a choreographer in the next ten years.

“I’m talented, and I grasp things easily,” she says confidently.

IYASA, has been a force to be reckoned with in the arts scene since its inception in 2001.

The group has toured several countries, including France, Spain, and Australia, and has won multiple local and international awards.

With a focus on empowering young people, IYASA works with around 30-40 youths and has partnered with 40 schools across the country to create productions that tackle issues affecting the youth, such as drugs and substance abuse, and climate change.

As Precious continues to shine in the arts scene, her story serves as an inspiration to young people everywhere, showing that with passion, dedication, and hard work, anything is possible.

BY BAYANDA NKATHA

Sheynnis Palacios, the current Miss Universe World, arrived in Victoria Falls on Wednesday as part of her world tour before relinquishing her crown in November.

During her two-day visit, she experienced the best of Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings, including a sunset cruise, interaction with wildlife, and a tour of the Falls.

“I am impressed by the hospitality of the Zimbabwean people,” Palacios said. “Everyone is so welcoming, and Victoria Falls is breathtaking. I will definitely market this beautiful country.”

Palacios was accompanied by Tendai Hunda, Miss Universe Zimbabwe license holder, Brooke Bruk-Jackson, Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2023, and Zodwa Mnkandla, a Miss Universe board member.

They were hosted by Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, wife of Vice President Constantine Chiwenga.

Baloyi-Chiwenga, chairperson of Miss Universe Zimbabwe, emphasized the significance of Palacios’ visit. “This is our way of saying, ‘Come and visit Zimbabwe; it’s safe.’ We are thrilled to have Miss Universe World as part of our strategy to market the ‘Brand Zimbabwe’ campaign.”

Palacios’ visit comes shortly after Nicaragua opened its embassy in Harare, strengthening ties between the two nations. As the first Nicaraguan to win Miss Universe, Palacios is making her maiden visit to Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe.

She had previously represented Nicaragua in the 2017 Teen Miss Universe pageant and the 2021 Miss World pageant.

“I am excited to be here and experience all that Zimbabwe has to offer,” Palacios said. “I will ensure that I market this beautiful country and encourage others to visit.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Bulawayo-based arts group, Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa), is set to release a new album titled ‘Rise Up’ by the end of August.

The group’s founder and director, Nkululeko Innocent Dube, revealed this in an interview with VicFallsLive.

“‘Rise Up’ is our latest project, and we’re excited to share it with the world,” Dube said.

“Our last hit, ‘S’jaiva Sibancane’, was well-received, and we’re hoping to repeat that success with this new album.”

Iyasa, has been a force to be reckoned with in the arts scene since its inception in 2001.

The group has toured several countries, including France, Spain, and Australia, and has won multiple local and international awards.

But Iyasa is more than just a performance group.

“We’re a school of arts, and our mission is to incubate young people,” Dube explained.

“We don’t do auditions; we train and teach. All we need is passion, interest, and dedication.”

The group works with around 30-40 young people and has partnered with 40 schools across the country to create productions that tackle issues affecting youth, such as drugs and substance abuse, and climate change.

One such production will be taken to Germany for an international exchange program.

With ‘Rise Up’, Iyasa is set to take their music to the next level. As Dube rounded, “By the end of the year, we want people to be dancing to our music and enjoying what we do.”