A vibrant dance movement is turning heads and changing lives through energetic performances that use rhythm and street choreography not just to entertain, but to uplift and offer young people an alternative to drug and substance abuse.
This mission has earned widespread praise for The Black Italians, a Skhothane dance crew committed to relieving stress and providing a healthy outlet to counter destructive habits linked to drug use.
According to the Bulawayo City Council’s latest Gender, Safety and Health Section Performance Report, the alarming rise in drug and substance abuse among youths has been attributed to the city’s failure to provide adequate empowerment programmes.
Crew founder Ashton Nkiwane said the group is receiving positive feedback from the public, reflected in the growing number of invitations they receive each month.
“In March last year, we were just three. Then more joined and we became six. Now we’re almost 15 to 20 boys. We decided to form a group, and so far, the response has been amazing. We usually perform street dance-offs and sometimes in nightclubs,” Nkiwane said.
He added that strangers occasionally offer them money after performances, which helps relieve stress and supports their mission to inspire youth and steer them away from drugs.
The crew actively engages young people from their neighborhoods, keeping them occupied and motivated through dance.
“Through dance, we encourage people to take action in the fight against drug and substance abuse. It’s also a way to show young people that they can earn a living in the entertainment sector despite the high unemployment rate. We use art to create positive change in society,” he said.
- Ezimnyama heads for European tour
- Gweru duo aims to export Zim music
- VMCZ raises media complaints awareness to residents associations
- Ghetto dances: When love of money goes beyond bounds of sanctity
Keep Reading
Nkiwane emphasized that identifying and recruiting young people vulnerable to drug abuse requires a sensitive and supportive approach. As a result, the crew targets local community centers and schools, focusing on the 17–24 age group.
One of their success stories is Sgubhunator, a 23-year-old Skhothane dancer who rose to popularity after joining The Black Italians. His journey highlights the group’s role in promoting Bulawayo’s fashion and music scene.
Looking ahead, Nkiwane said the group hopes to expand its initiative, aiming for international collaborations that could contribute to the broader fight against drug and substance abuse.
“We see ourselves evolving into a prominent force in Bulawayo, especially in the townships. With our unique style of fashion, dance, and music, we could attract more local and international attention, potentially leading to collaborations with global brands, artists, or influencers,” he said.
Skhothane culture is a flamboyant and controversial youth subculture that originated in South African townships in the early 2000s. It centers on showmanship, style, and status—often expressed through extravagant dance battles and conspicuous consumption.
