Thando Siziba
Arts and Entertainment Reporter
Bulawayo – In an era where entertainment is increasingly associated with nightlife and substance abuse, cultural advocates are urging a return to traditional forms of amusement that once united communities while imparting wisdom and moral lessons.

Folktales, once a cornerstone of African culture, served as both entertainment and education. Passed down through generations by grandparents, these stories—often shared around fires or during communal gatherings—featured clever characters, cultural values, and life lessons. Listeners would laugh at the famous Umvundla loNteletsha folktale, reflect, and carry forward the wisdom embedded in these narratives.

“Folktales groomed children to become better individuals, instilling values that shaped their futures,” said Charles Mavhunga, a renowned author and cultural analyst.

“The contrast with modern nightlife is stark. Where folktales preserved culture and fostered community, today’s entertainment often promotes individualism and hedonism.”

The shift from storytelling to nightclubs and alcohol as primary entertainment sources has raised concerns about cultural erosion and public health.

Excessive drinking and drug use, frequently glamorized in contemporary media, have been linked to mental health crises, violence, and shortened life expectancies among youth.

Local artist Mxolisi “Yung Dope” echoed these concerns in an interview with ZIM GBC News:

“Today’s entertainment glorifies drugs, nudity, and violence—none of which add value to our culture. We’ve lost the essence of what truly nurtures a noble generation.”

Health experts warn of the dangers.

“Substance abuse damages the brain and heightens mental health risks, derailing lives,” said a senior Nurse from Engutshine Mental Hospital.

Mavhunga emphasized the broader societal implications:

“The normalization of reckless behavior in nightlife settings reflects deeper cultural shifts. We must question how these narratives impact youth development and values.”

Calls are growing to revive traditional arts—folktales, music, and dance—as healthier, culturally enriching alternatives. As the adage goes,

“A people without knowledge of their past is like a tree without roots.”

Reconnecting with these roots, advocates argue, could redefine entertainment’s role in nurturing future generations.

Zim GBC News 2025