Fortune Munsaka in the Chatroom
with
Mr. Mathew Ndlovu

FM: Who is Mathew Ndlovu, the Artist?
MABEKWANKOSI: I am Mathew Ndlovu, Jijili, Mabekwankosi…. A teacher in Magazi primary school. I did my secondary school in Komayanga secondary. I obtained my diploma in education at Zimbabwe Open University. Currently, l am doing my second year at ZOU(Honors degree in Educational management and administration) . I have a certificate in Visual and performing arts, certificate in choral conducting, diploma in adjudication. I obtained these from MCS. I have level 1 athletics officiating certificate, Grade C umpiring certificate and Grade C netball coaching certificate.
FM: You have been a name in the Zimbabwe scene and serving well in your professional area. What has been your impact in the education system, your community and the Country at large?
MABEKWANKOSI: I have been training learners and performing in different occasions. In arts l train drama, Traditional dance , imbube and choir. Most learners have benefited some have got scholarships, some have been called by professional dance groups. Some have won money.

FM: When did you start Coaching school learners in TD and other performances?
MABEKWANKOSI: I started coaching TD on 2008 when l started temporary teaching at Komayanga primary school. That same year l started poetry.
FM: What is the inspiration behind the Artistry that you do? And do you have any name for the group that you lead?
MABEKWANKOSI: The name of the Senior team is Jijili arts. The inspiration is to groom children who are academically compromised to earn a living through arts. I also have passion for arts. Especially visual arts.
FM: What can you say is the significance of folk and Traditional Dance in this era of multi contemporary dances?
MABEKWANKOSI: Traditional dance and folklore helps us to restore our culture and cascade it to the young generation.
FM: Traditional Dance is made up of different Dance styles or so, with your group, do you have a specific style or you do all of them?

MABEKWANKOSI: We do all African traditional dances.

FM: What challenges have you faced since you started Coaching school learners on Traditional Dance?
MABEKWANKOSI: We face financial challenges. We don’t have enough money to buy attire and transport the artists because we get invitations from far away places
FM: How do people respond to your career as a dance Coach?
MABEKWANKOSI: Some respond negatively, they don’t understand that it’s more artistic than ritual
FM: Any achievements in the past years upto now?
MABEKWANKOSI: A lot. We have been winning different prizes both as a team and individuals.

FM: Given enough resources and opportunity, where do you see yourself and your team in the next years to come?
MABEKWANKOSI: We see ourselves moving around the world entertaining people.
FM: Do you have any specific criteria that you use to select your dancers? Please elaborate.
MABEKWANKOSI: We do dance auditions.
FM: You are an Author, a poet, a herbalist and TD Coach of some sort, how do these intersect in your career?
MABEKWANKOSI: These are all arts so they don’t contradict. Plus lam a teacher, l have all the time l need.
FM: How can people access your works or get to be entertained by your group?
MABEKWANKOSI: Facebook page Mathew Ndlovu, TikTok Jijili. Live performance 0786477418

FM: Any last words to someone who wishes to follow your steps?

MABEKWANKOSI: Those who wish to join arts should have passion for arts and be determined

FM: Thank you Mr. Ndlovu for joining us in the chat room. We wish you all the best.