IYASA

The Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts, a combination of Ndebele and English phrase which means Freedom of the Youth, officially known as IYASA, is a Zimbabwean dance group which is based in Bulawayo, the second capital city of Zimbabwe. IYASA was established in 2001 by Nkululeko Innocent Dube.[1][2] It started as a drama creative group at Mpopoma High School in Bulwayo.[3] It then advanced into  a professional platform for young people who have interest in Arts and Culture in 2001.

IYASA
Background information
Origin	Bulawayo
Genres	Traditional/Cultural Music
Years active	2001 - Present

Awards and Recognition

IYASA has toured many countries including  Czech Republic , France, Spain, Australia and Austria.[4] In 2013, three of the  group members, Noma Mkhwananzi, Silethemba Magonya, and Pespise Magonya appeared on New York Billboards.[5]

In 2013 IYASA was nominated for the Belgian Young Audiences Musical Awards (YAMA) for their play, “Sleep well, Sweet Moon .”[6]

IYASA at Borovany in Czech Republic

IYASA has won five NAMA Awards. These awards include Best Dance Group (3 times), Video of the Year Award and People's Choice Dance Group Award. They also won the International Ambassadors Award (Czech Republic). Furthermore, they won Best Dance Group and Video of the Year Award, conferred by the Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA)

References

1. "Iyasa - Pindula". www.pindula.co.zw. Retrieved 2019-02-23.
2. "Iyasa continues to produce stars". The Standard. 2019-10-20. Retrieved 2020-01-16.
3. News, The Sunday. "Iyasa founder's journey to self-discovery". The Sunday News. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
4. News, The Sunday. "Euro tours have not made us rich : Iyasa". The Sunday News. Retrieved 2019-02-23.
5. "Iyasa appears on New York billboards". Bulawayo24 News. Retrieved 2019-02-23.
6. Herald, The. "Iyasa nominated for prestigious award". The Herald. Retrieved 2019-02-23.