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Zimbabwe Culture


Zimbabwe has possibly the highest literacy rate in Africa, and English is widely spoken, even in some very remote areas. As is the case in Africa, some traditional beliefs, medicine, folklore and religious ceremonies are still very much part of rural life. The Zion Christian Church has a huge following, and there is a considerable symbiosis between Christian and indigenous practices.

Zimbabwe music is a vibrant affair, with the well-known musician Oliver Mtukudzi who has exported his sounds to Europe and States, possibly Zimbabwe’s most respected muso. A veteran singer, Tuku, as he is known, is recognized as a voice of united consciousness amongst locals, and enjoys a massive following.

Zimbabweans are generally very sporty people and have produced some top class sportsmen and competitors over the years. Names include Nick Price (golf), Graeme Hick and Heath Streak (cricket), Peter Ndhlovu (soccer), Byron Black (tennis) and Mark McNulty (golf).

The walls and structures of one of Zimbabwe’s treasures, The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, date back to the 13th century. This ancient settlement inhabited by descendants of the present Shona people is considered as one of earliest great African early civilizations. There is evidence of a substantial inter-continental trade network as well as further a field with India and the Far East. Incidentally, the name Zimbabwe is derived from the words ‘dzimba dzemabwe’ which means ‘houses of stones’ in Shona. This refers to the ruins, and attests to the deep rooted culture of Shona people with this stirring land.
 

Throughout Zimbabwe, the evidence of a colonial influence is prevalent. As a result, a predominant service culture amongst locals is evident. With a long history of tribal conflict, colonial resistance and internal strife, Zimbabweans are on the whole remarkably tolerant and courteous people. With quick smiles and sharp wit, locals can be engaged in most topics ranging from sport to wildlife. Political conversations however, are seldom shared with strangers or in public.

The population in Zimbabwe is made up of 11 million citizens. The precise breakdowns of ethnic groups are difficult to source, but it’s estimated about 75-80% belong to the Shona tribe. They are considered the original inhabitants of the region and are found mostly in the north, central and eastern areas of present day Zimbabwe, and are considered as the ruling class. The Ndebele people make up about 10-16%. Originally from Zulu descendants who migrated north in the early 19th century. Smaller ethnic groups such as the Tonga, Shangaan and Venda people constitutes less than 10%, while white Caucasians and Asian ethnic groups make up a minority.
 

The quality of Zimbabwean stone and woodcarving is internationally recognized. Magnificent sculptures are commonly found in craft markets and roadside vendors. Metalwork, carpet weaving, paintings and sculptures are all hand crafted, making lovely gifts to take home.
 

One of the oldest Zimbabwean traditional legends is that of the great River God, or Nyaminyami. With an origin amongst the Tonga people from the Kariba region of the Zambezi Valley, Nyaminyami was said to be an ancestral spirit (Mudzimu) which looked over his people and provided them with food, (allegedly from his own body). When the colonialists started to build the Kariba dam wall as a hydroelectric scheme, Nyaminyami was at first angered at this invasion of the sacred river. The harsh floods and a series of accidents attested to his aversion to the damming of the Zambezi. His anger however soon calmed, and the symbol of Nyaminyami (a snake and walking stick) is worn by river guides and fishermen as a rite of passage to the waters of the Zambezi River.