Simba Λrts

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VISION

Our vision is to create opportunities, empower marginalized youth, generate jobs through dance, art, and sports, and ultimately ensure that the arts contribute meaningfully to community development.

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MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to:

• Elevate dance arts as a recognized profession.

• Promote unity and collective strength through the philosophy of Ubuntu.

• Empower marginalized communities through creative arts, with a special focus on dance, education, and community-building initiatives.

 

BENEFICIARIES

Our programs primarily benefit the broader community, with a particular focus on youth and differently-abled individuals from minority groups.

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VALUES

• Strength in Unity

• Originality

• Creativity

• Diversity

• Courage

• Action

• Inclusion

 

OUR STORY / BACKGROUND

Simba Λrts is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to empowering marginalized women, youth, and differently-abled individuals who are passionate about the creative arts, particularly dance. Since our inception in 1997, we have consistently nurtured new talent, helping young artists to grow and thrive within society and on the global stage.

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The name "Simba" is derived from the Shona language of the Bantu people in Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa, meaning "strength." This name reflects our core values of strength and unity.

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The organization was founded by brothers Tendai Zuze Fulukia (known as Apostel) and Simbarashe Norman Fulukia (known as Simba). They were born and raised in the vibrant streets of Mbare Township, Zimbabwe, by their father, Pertos Kapanga Fulukia, a retired City of Harare Clerk, and their late mother, Letwin Chimtashu, a devoted housewife and apostle from Karoi District, Mashonaland West Province.

From a young age, Tendai and Simba were driven by a passion to create opportunities, empower youth, and develop their community through dance and the arts. In 1997, they established the organization, initially operating underground, and have been committed to their mission ever since.

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Simba Λrts has evolved over the years, growing from its humble beginnings to become a recognized force in the arts. Today, the organization operates in two countries and six regions: Bergen, Mbare Township, Hatcliffe,Murehwa and Victoria Falls City.

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Co-founders Simba and Tendai Fulukia continue to lead the organization, with Tendai managing operations in Zimbabwe and Simba overseeing activities in Norway.

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Simba Arts offers a wide range of programs that promote cultural expression, creativity, and community engagement. These initiatives span contemporary dance, traditional dances, ethno-music, arts and crafts, and fitness classes, all aimed at enriching the cultural landscape of our communities.

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1. Dance Programs:
Our dance programs include workshops in contemporary and traditional dance, providing a platform for artistic growth while preserving and celebrating Zimbabwean and African dance traditions.

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2. Music and Ethno-Music Workshops:
Participants in our ethno-music workshops explore African and global musical traditions, learning about different instruments, rhythms, and vocal styles in a hands-on, creative environment.

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3. Arts and Crafts:
Our arts and crafts programs celebrate Zimbabwean and other cultural craftsmanship, offering participants the chance to explore various visual arts techniques and expressions.

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4. Fitness and Wellness Classes:
Recognizing the importance of health, Simba Arts offers fitness classes that blend traditional dance with modern exercise techniques, promoting physical and mental well-being.

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5. Community Festivals and Events:
Simba Arts is the driving force behind community festivals and events such as the Bergen Afro Arts Festival and Unlimited Xpressionz (UnX), which celebrate cultural diversity and provide platforms for minority voices.

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6. Educational Outreach:
We are dedicated to educational outreach through workshops, guest lectures, and mentorship programs, empowering young artists, especially from minority backgrounds, with the skills and support they need to succeed in the cultural sector.

Through these diverse programs, Simba Arts fosters community, promotes cultural diversity, and empowers individuals to connect through the arts.