Africa is home to many centuries-old traditions and cultures some of which still remain a mystery even
among Africans themselves. However, in Southern Africa, none of these ancient traditional practices is
more, fascinating and enigmatic than the Gure tradition. So secretive is this tradition that people only
get to see them when they perform their dances in public. But even when you see them dancing, weird
masks and outfits will conceal their true identities from you.

Gures as people who practice this tradition are commonly known are members of a subculture of clan
tribesmen who often gather at secluded spots to perform their traditional rituals. For one to become a
Gure, you have to first pass through a secret initiation where you are schooled and tested about your
ability to keep secrets and to follow some of their traditional do’s and don’ts. What really happens
during these secret meetings is ‘classified but it is widely believed that they practise ancestral worship
and use of black magic among other tribal traditional practice activities like use of black magic.

A brief history of Gures in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, Gure culture was introduced by immigrants from Zambia and Malawi who came to work
in mines and farms during the Rhodesia Federation era in the fifties and sixties. Back then in the
colonial era, this culture was mostly confined to farming and mining compounds where most of these
immigrants worked and lived. Out there, Gure dancing sessions were almost the sole source of weekend
entertainment for many Africans. By the time Zimbabwe attained Independence in 1980, Gure traditions
had already spread to most Zimbabwean urban centres including the capital city Harare.

Gure masks, outfits, and mysteries.

Even though, Gure customs and practices still remain a sort of a mystery to many Africans who are
outside their extremely closemouthed culture. In southern African countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia,
Malawi, and to a lesser extent Mozambique, many people still believe that they possess magical and
supernatural powers that can be used in their favour or to cast spells against their foes. On the other
hand, some dismiss them as an outdated and primitive practice. Even though, in Zimbabwe where I was
born and bred, for instance, Gures are despised and revered in almost equal terms.

If Gures’ perceived magical powers do not shock you, their masks and outfits can. Depending on the
Gure group clan, Gure masks can be in the form of primeval headgear that is adorned with strange
objects like snake skins, wild bird feathers, and even teeth or tails of wild animals. Others can resemble
unconventional human faces, ghosts or dragons or even gods. Most Gure masks always attempt to
depict a creature that is unearthly, weird or even obscene in some cases.

But whatever face depicted, most Gure masks are either comical or out rightly petrifying to the
beholder. It is widely believed that among the Gures, the masks are scarred items, the soul of the Gure
to be more precise not just something to scare you. In some Gure groups, it is rumoured that every
mask symbolizes a rank or status in the group. These ranks, according to Gure insiders, cannot be clearly
understood by mere mortals outside the reticent Gure circle

Gure dance shows.

Even though some people regard their practices, masks and beliefs as primitive, Gure dance shows have
helped them to remain relevant in modern cultural and intertainment circles. Long back Gures used to
limit their dances ceremonies to their local communities mostly at occasions like funerals, weddings or
get to gather occasions. Gure dances are always free of charge and they are usually conducted at open
spaces where different Gure sects compete in outwitting each other on the dance stage.

Whatever the reason they perform dance shows for, their unique and exciting dancing styles are a
magnet to the crowds. Powered by intense drum beating, singing, ululating and whistling, Gure dancers
in their bizarre masks and outfits are always a delight to watch. For many Gure dance show fans, it is
these dancing styles rather than the myths surrounding them which separate them from other
traditional Zimbabwean dancers.

In a way, these regular dance sessions have provided them with a constituency of loyal fans both locally
and internationally. Gure dance styles can range from slow to quick and simple to aggressive moves.
Some might seem coordinated whilst others appear to be without any common pattern. Then there are
other dance moves where the dancer just appears to dancers some sexual overtones.. Like many other
traditional dancers dance are backed by drummers and singers who provide the rhythm for the dancers.

Present day Gures

In Harare which is the epicentre of everything modern in Zimbabwe, there seems to be very little space
for the so-called ancient cultures. But to the surprise of many, Gure culture has not only survived the
onslaught of modernity, but it has adapted well to its demand. Today Gure groups have their
association, something not expected from the so-called “primitive cultures”.

Even on the entertainment scene, Gures are no longer confined to documentaries or high-density
suburbs. In Harare, Gure dancers sometimes times perform at major and regular international crowd-
pulling events like The Harare Agricultural Show, Harare International Street Carnival and Harare
International Festival of The Arts (HIFA). During major national or public events like The Independence
Day Celebrations, they are always a crowd favourite and in some cases a draw card on their own right.

But wherever you will see Gure dancers in Africa, they will always be putting on masks. During the
dance shows some Gures interact with fans while others even dance with them. But however friendly
the Gures might be to you, it is the ultimate taboo to try to unmask them or see their faces because in
this tradition, the Gure’s identity must always remain a secret.