Delah Dube’s artistry is not confined to the stage —it is a movement, a vision for Africa’s creative future.
A poet, singer, actor, and entrepreneur, Dube is crafting a legacy that fuses personal expression with social transformation. She embodies what it means to be a visionary artist: bold, authentic, and deeply committed to inspiring change.
Born and raised in Botswana, with roots in Zimbabwe and South Africa, Dube’s childhood was enriched by the diverse culture of Southern Africa. “Books were always a constant in my life,” she reflects. Her early exposure to literature and music became the bedrock of her creative pursuits. From devouring thick novels as a teenager to drawing inspiration from African literary greats like Chinua Achebe, she discovered how words could transport, heal, and connect.
“What if we were never colonized? What would our future look like?”
Delah Dube
For Delah, art was not just a pastime—it was a calling. “I always knew that creativity was part of my life. It wasn’t just something I did; it was something that came naturally to me,” she shares. Whether experimenting with fabrics and colors or writing poetry inspired by lines from books she admired, Dube’s artistic identity took shape early.
Delah Dube’s art is deeply rooted in themes of sensuality, healing, and Afrofuturism.
She vividly recalls performing a powerful piece about the female experience at a poetry night, unknowingly sparking a wave of connection with her audience. “I had no idea my words were relatable,” she says, reflecting on the night that shifted her path toward advocacy for women’s liberation and empowerment.
This connection to her audience has led Dube to advocate for women’s rights and youth empowerment. “I’ve been invited to speak in spaces around sexual reproductive health and women’s liberation. It’s a journey I never anticipated, but it’s one I’m honored to be on,” she shares.
Her exploration of Afrofuturism stems from a desire to reimagine African identity and culture. “What if we were never colonized? What would our future look like?” she muses. Through sound, writing, and performance art, Dube reconstructs narratives of African deities and cultural relics, blending them with modern elements to create works that challenge and inspire.
“In Europe, there are systems in place—venues, legal frameworks, and entire ecosystems that support the arts. In Africa, we’re still building that foundation,”
Delah Dube
When discussing authenticity in African art, Delah believes it is about staying true to one’s vision while embracing dynamism. “Culture is not static; it evolves. As artists, we should have the freedom to explore and redefine it,” she asserts.
She acknowledges the challenges of cultural appropriation but sees a silver lining: African artists now have a platform to assert ownership of their narratives and creations.
As someone who has performed on international stages, Delah observes the infrastructure gap that African creatives face. “In Europe, there are systems in place—venues, legal frameworks, and entire ecosystems that support the arts. In Africa, we’re still building that foundation,” she notes.
Beyond creating art, Delah is focused on building structures that will support and sustain African creativity. “Formalizing my business activities is a priority,” she says. “But I also dream of creating a cultural hub, a center where we can produce amazing art that will live on for years. Art that will age like fine wine.”
Delah is a vocal advocate for the formalization of Africa’s creative industry. She envisions a future where the arts are integrated into education systems and viewed as legitimate career paths. “The creative industry has the potential to drive economies, create jobs, and foster tourism,” she emphasizes.
“I want to create more and touch different social groups,” She says passionately. “I’m building an audience that’s hungry and ready for it. I know I’ll be working with different creatives, especially young people, who need guidance and the right environments to create. And there’s so much more.”
Dube envisions this hub as a space for collaboration and innovation, a haven for young artists to thrive. “I want to offer opportunities and bring people along with me. Whether it’s short-term gigs or long-term collaborations, it’s about building an ecosystem where we all rise together.”
“Mobility for African artists is a huge issue,” she notes. “It’s easier to tour Europe than it is to tour Africa.
Delah Dube
Delah’s vision extends beyond the arts to policy and governance. She believes that policy change is critical for the growth of Africa’s creative industries. “We need policies that address funding, investment, infrastructure, and freedom of expression,” she asserts.
For Delah, policy is not just about supporting individual artists—it’s about creating an environment where the creative industry can contribute to economic growth. “Mobility for African artists is a huge issue,” she notes. “It’s easier to tour Europe than it is to tour Africa. Policy change could address issues like visas and cross-border collaboration, making it easier for artists to work together.”
Her commitment to influencing policy is rooted in her belief in cultural diplomacy. “Soft power can help change the narrative about Africa,” she says. “By positioning ourselves for investment and global recognition, we can ensure that African art and culture are celebrated and respected worldwide.”
As she looks to the future, Delah Dube’s plans are as ambitious as they are inspiring. Over the next five years, she aims to establish herself as a thought leader in the creative industry, influence policy, and create a cultural hub that nurtures young talent.
“I’m interested in contributing to governance and leadership through research, writing, and cultural initiatives,” she says. “Good leadership in the arts is essential, and I want to be part of that change.”
Her entrepreneurial endeavors will also continue to grow. From organizing events to producing music and literature, Delah is committed to building a sustainable ecosystem for African artists.
“I rarely perform alone anymore,” she says with a smile. “Every opportunity I get, I bring someone else along. It’s about creating opportunities and lifting others as we rise.”
Delah Dube’s work is a powerful reminder that art has no boundaries. It is a tool for liberation, connection, and transformation. “Art is supposed to be without borders,” she says. “When we put a border around it, we stifle its essence. True art opens our hearts and imaginations, allowing us to think beyond our circumstances.”
