Tatenda Chabarwa is a Zimbabwean-born performing artist whose work as a dancer, choreographer, and musician transcends geographical boundaries. Rooted in the rich artistic traditions of his homeland, Tatenda has cultivated a dynamic career, collaborating with leading international companies while simultaneously nurturing his own unique artistic vision.

Tatenda Chabarwa explores new choreography based on Zimbabwean traditional rhythms, chants, and melodies. He is driven by a fascination with the power of frequency on the body, nature, and all living beings. The practice explores African identity, culture and spirituality through the lens of dance and live music. Tatenda's artistic practice delves into the origins and foundations of human behaviour within and beyond performance spaces. He utilises the sonic realm – Zimbabwean traditional rhythms, chants, melodies, and ancient instruments – as a core element, developing gestural languages that emerge from this sonic foundation.

"I am fascinated by how the power of frequency influences the body, nature, and all living things," Tatenda explains. "I believe the sonic space is the first language of creation, a language that continues to connect communities and shape our understanding of the world.”

Following his formal training and graduation from the Dance Trust of Zimbabwe, Tatenda gained invaluable experience as a full-time performer with Tumbuka Dance Company Zimbabwe. He currently thrives as a freelancer, lending his talents to the critically acclaimed Dunia Dance Theatre in Brussels, Belgium, and Company Nora Chipaumire in the United States. In 2024, Tatenda's exceptional talent was recognised when he was selected as a DanceWeb recipient in Vienna, Austria.

Tatenda: I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for considering my request for financial support. I have been accepted into the master's programme at the Amsterdam University of Arts [DAS Choreography]. However, I am facing financial constraints that are hindering my ability to pursue this opportunity. I am reaching out to request financial assistance to cover my tuition, which amounts to 7,375 euros, and my living costs, which amount to 12,625 euros.

If you are a friend of a friend, or even a kind stranger who has come across this, you can find more about me on my Instagram handle, company_chabarwa, and on YouTube, Tatenda Chabarwa.