23/01/2024
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Meet Tanaka aka Glitch
Gweru-bred dancer Tanaka ‘Glitch’ Sakala (23) made Zimbabwe proud after scooping a gold medal in contemporary dance at the prestigious Havana competition in Cuba.
Sakala’s dazzling performance wowed the judges and earned him top honours in the highly competitive event, making him a hero both home and abroad.
On Saturday, the Gweru-born dancer ‘Glitch’ took the stage with dancers from around the world in the Havana dance competition.
In a thrilling performance, he faced off against competitors from countries such as the United States, Canada, Russia, Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Romania, Italy, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, China, and Belgium.
At the end, Sakala emerged victorious, raising the country’s flag high and bringing glory to his hometown and making history as the first ever Gweru-based dancer to win the prestigious Havana dance competition.
Speaking to The Herald yesterday, Glitch said the road to the international acclaim was not a mere walk in the park as he faced financial hurdles.
Faced with this predicament, he reached out to the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
“The ministry helped me with flight tickets, assistance with visa processing, meals and accommodation.
“But above all, I thank the Almighty for making my dream a reality,” he said.
Apart from financial challenges, Glitch’s family and friends did not accept his career path
“I was a joke to my family and friends they did not believe in me but in 2023 I was recognised by an international dance organisation named IDO and they were holding competitions in Mexico but I failed to attend due to financial constraints,”
Disappointed at his failures, Glitch bowed down, but an opportunity arose when the Ballet Beyond Borders came.
“I was angry at everyone who did not believe in me because I knew l had the capacity to win. I auditioned for BBB online competing against dance crews and solos as well as in the open category. I was the only one chosen to represent Africa,” he added.
The Mkoba born dancer has performed at different platforms including the National Independence Day Commemorations and high performances in Gweru.
He has been working as a dance instructor in Harare and Gweru. As he seeks to empower the youth through dance.
He entered the Global competition on Ballet Beyond Borders Competitions organised by Charlene Carey from United States of America in collaboration with Litz Alfonso Dance School in Cuba who are the sponsors.
