In the vibrant, ever-evolving landscape of African art, few creatives have embraced multidisciplinary storytelling with as much fluidity and passion as Kuda Rice. The Zimbabwean artist, writer, and poet has carved out a space where music, theatre, spoken word, visual storytelling, and fashion intersect seamlessly. His journey is not defined by convention but rather by an unwavering commitment to artistic expression in its most dynamic forms.
Fresh from his recent win at the 23rd National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) for Outstanding Poet, Kuda Rice stands at a pivotal moment in his career. His award-winning work in spoken word, deeply rooted in themes of love, social justice, and identity, has resonated with audiences far beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. Yet, for Kuda, this recognition is not a culmination but a launchpad for even greater creative exploration.
“For me, storytelling is the thread that weaves through music, fashion, film, and spoken word,” Kuda reflects. His artistic journey began with poetry and writing—his first love—before expanding into other disciplines. He has never viewed these forms as separate entities but rather as interconnected vessels of expression. His work is defined by an acute awareness of the human condition, navigating complex social narratives with a rare depth of emotion. Whether through poetry, theatre, or visual storytelling, Kuda’s artistry remains firmly anchored in authenticity. “At its core, my work reflects my individual experiences and those of others, serving as a mirror for society to introspect and drive change,” he explains.
The Zimbabwean creative industry is rich with talent but fraught with challenges. Limited resources, infrastructural shortcomings, and a lack of financial support make it difficult for artists—especially those in the literary sector—to thrive. “Our environment isn’t too accommodating for creatives,” Kuda admits. “It’s even harder for those in the literary industry, which is mostly overlooked and lacks adequate funding, if any.” Yet, rather than being stifled by these challenges, he has found innovative ways to propel his career forward. Strategic collaborations with organisations such as the British Council have provided him with platforms to showcase his work while fostering sustainable opportunities for other creatives. These partnerships, along with his relentless drive, have allowed him to push boundaries and amplify his artistic voice.
Beyond poetry and theatre, fashion is another crucial facet of Kuda’s artistic identity. As a model, curator, and content creator, he views fashion as an extension of storytelling. “The more I worked with designers, the more I realised how important storytelling is to the design process,” he notes. Each collection, each piece of clothing tells a story—whether personal, historical, or cultural. For Kuda, embodying these narratives through fashion is yet another way to communicate emotion and meaning.
Winning a NAMA award has opened new doors, and Kuda is poised to take full advantage. He is currently developing one of his original stories into a film, partnering with a local production company to bring his vision to life. Simultaneously, he is working on a music album that fuses poetry with sonic artistry, a project that promises to redefine how audiences engage with spoken word. His ambitions, however, extend beyond traditional media. The next five years will see him venturing into virtual reality (VR) storytelling, creating immersive experiences that revolutionise how poetry is consumed. Additionally, he envisions incorporating visual art into spoken word performances, curating exhibitions inspired by his poetry.
“Africa has numerous stories to tell, and creatives in our communities are at the forefront of that storytelling,” Kuda asserts. With the world increasingly embracing African art, he sees himself as part of this global movement—one that does not require him to compromise his authenticity. “There isn’t a need to adjust my work to fit an international audience; they are looking to be introduced to new narratives that don’t exist in their realms.”
Kuda Rice’s ultimate aspiration is to inspire a cultural shift—one that encourages experimentation, challenges conventions, and fosters meaningful artistic conversations. “I want to empower future generations of artists to stay true to their vision, experiment fearlessly, and push boundaries,” he says. If his trajectory is any indication, Kuda is well on his way to leaving an indelible mark—not just on Zimbabwe’s artistic landscape but on the world stage. His work is a testament to the power of storytelling in all its forms, and as he continues to evolve, so too will the narratives he brings to life.
For Kuda Rice, the journey is far from over. It is only just beginning.
