Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Harare Bureau
Those who follow Bulawayo-based musical and dance production Songs of Lozikeyi could by now be acquainted with this outstanding dancer who takes every opportunity to impress his audience.
He is Mehluli Dube, known by his stage name Gomes.
The versatile Bulawayo-based dancer and choreographer has already written his own piece of history from the humble streets of Njube township in Bulawayo to the world stage.
His talent has taken him all over the world, performing with Songs of Lozikeyi.
Gomes has impressed in the United States, France, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Kenya.
Lately, Gomes was part of Songs of Lozikeyi group that performed at the Zimbabwe National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai recently, where left many mesmerised by his talent.
This time around, Gomes was on the traditional drums, and his drum beating skills impressed many.
He shared his experiences with The Herald in a recent interview, where he said dancing was his passion that he started it at a tender age.
“God chose me to dance and I chose to make a career out of it.
It is always good to do what you love for a living.
I was raised by a single parent, my mom.
My childhood background is not what a parent can wish for any child out there.
I like to mention my mom in every conversation that requires my background because she is my hero.
“She has been driving me to strive to excel in my everyday life.
I come from a family of seven and I am the sixth born.
I did my primary education at Ingubo Primary School and completed my secondary education at Lobengula High School.
“I grew up near a youth centre where a lot of activities used to take place, and the first time I heard the sound of a drum beat I knew I was born for this because I would stop whatever I was doing and start to dance.”
Gomes said during his heydays, he would organise a group of other children and teach them dance moves.
“One day, one of the senior members of the dance company that used to practice at the youth centre (Sipho Mpofu) saw me and other kids practicing at my place and he was impressed with the talent and how we were so passionate.
“Sipho decided to register a performing arts theatre group called Rays of Hope and I was one of the founding members of the group in 2002 when I was 11-years-old.
“We used to grace the ZBC ‘Kidznet’ programmes like ‘StarKidz’ and also did a silver jubilee jingle on ZBCTV when Zimbabwe was celebrating 25 years of Independence.”
Gomes said because of his talent, the community grew to love him.
“I was young and the community loved me and they even love me more now.
I think they were the reason why I thought of becoming an artiste professionally at a very young age.
Another reason is because I was privileged to be on television from a very young age.
“From my region, dancing has never been for women.
In Matabeleland, dance has been for both genders, although there are specific dances that can be dominated by women and vice-versa.”
Commenting on the Expo 2020 Dubai experience, Gomes said it came at the right time.
“The experience in Dubai was refreshing and I needed that space.
It was a learning process, working with different artistes.”
Gomes has taken part in both local and international festivals including the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), Shoko, Intwasa and the Bulawayo Arts Festival.
He has travelled to countries such as the United States, France, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Kenya.
Gomes owes his success to Matesu Dube and Saimon Phiri.
“I have two role models. The first being Matesu Dube, who is now on tour with Umkhathi Theatre in India.
I like his leadership qualities and how he has trained me to become who I am today.
“I learnt a lot under his supervision and even today I still look up to him for his amazing work in the dance industry.
“My second role model is Saimon Mambazo Phiri.
This man has played a huge role in what I have become.
He is an amazing person that has stunned the world with his outstanding work.
I like the way he has been challenging me to work beyond my limits.
Whenever you hear about my growth, always know that he has an impact on that.”
Gomes called for arts bodies and authorities to treat the dancing profession the same way they treat other genres such as music, acting, sculpting and visual arts.
“Dancing is a profession that needs one to work extra hard to provide for the family,” he said.
“The challenge now is on how the profession is still being interpreted in society.
There are a few people or institutions that value dance as a profession, and that it’s a challenge.
Even your own family will not take you seriously.”
Gomes said a lot needed to be done, especially by top officials in the arts sector.
“The basic part is to value us dancers the same way you would value other professions,” he said. “
A lot of good dancers have left the industry due to lack of value, appreciation and support.
We are always seen as a secondary business.”