Engineering by Day, Dancing by Heart: Cupcake’s Du...

Engineering by Day, Dancing by Heart: Cupcake’s Dual Dream

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

Rising Zimbabwean creative Trish Musonda, popularly known as Cupcake, is proving that academic ambition and artistic expression can coexist.

She is successfully balancing a demanding engineering programme with her fast-growing career as a choreographer, influencer, and content creator.

The 19-year-old engineering student at TelOne Centre for Learning has become a notable force in the entertainment scene, earning choreography collaborations with musicians such as Atenda Chinx, Nomsa, Denzel, and the late Garry Mapunzure.

“Oh my goodness, nobody taught me to dance. I don’t need lessons,” she said. “Choreography comes naturally, so that already saves me time. I can focus on my engineering work—coding and stuff like that—and do choreography when it’s needed.”

Cupcake said her secret to balance lies in proper time management and the fact that choreography is often project-based, allowing her to plan around her academic schedule.

“As a choreographer, I don’t have to be in the dance studio every day. I usually commit about two to three hours to choreography, then the rest of my time goes to schoolwork,” she said.

She added, “Engineering gives me structure. I’m passionate about both, so I make time for both.”

Cupcake’s choreography style is rooted in emotion and storytelling. Referring to her tribute work on Mapunzure’s track Let’s Go Home, she explained that she draws inspiration from lyrics and rhythm.

“Dance is about rhythm, lyrics, and vibe. On that song, he says ‘let’s go home,’ so I dance to the words. If he says ‘call my phone,’ I do a move that shows I’m calling. I’m telling a story through movement,” she said.

Her approach to choreography for viral content is inclusive and deliberate. Speaking about her work on Nomsa’s video, she said her goal was to ensure accessibility for people without formal dance training.

“I wanted something smooth. Not too basic, but steps that anyone could follow,” she said. “Nomsa is not a dancer, but she looks good in the video because the choreography was easy to follow.”

Cupcake’s professionalism has also helped her stand out in a competitive digital space. She said consistency, discipline, and self-respect define her brand.

“You see me today, you see me tomorrow, you see me next week. I’m consistent,” she said. “And I don’t compromise. Some dancers end up doing funny stuff just because the artist wants that. I do what I’m comfortable with.”

“I don’t mix business with pleasure. If we shoot a video, we shoot the video—then I leave. I don’t party with clients. I don’t exaggerate things. I just work.”

Cupcake said she is intentional about the kind of content she puts out, especially considering her influence on younger viewers.

“I make videos I’m comfortable showing my mom. She’ll be like, ‘Yes, my daughter, we love this,’” she said. “I want parents to be proud when their kids say I’m their role model. My content should be suitable for any age group.”

Despite operating in a society still adapting to non-traditional careers, Cupcake said she has never faced rejection for choosing dance and content creation.

“My family is super supportive. If I tell them I have a gig in Mutare, they just say, ‘Okay, my daughter, travel,’” she said. “The only criticism I face is online in the comment section—but not in real life.”

Cupcake encouraged young creatives to pursue all their passions.

“If you’re passionate about multiple things, don’t limit yourself. Don’t say, ‘Because I’m doing engineering, I can’t dance,’” she said.
“Follow your dreams. I want people to say, ‘She’s an engineer and a dancer too.’ I want to give others hope.”

She said working with established musicians adds pressure, but also validation.

“It means a lot. It proves they trust me with their work,” she said. “Atenda Chinx trusted me. Garry Mapunzure trusted me. Denzel trusted me. Nomsa trusted me. So I give it my all.”

“The trust they put in me motivates me to take their work seriously. Everyone benefits—the musician and the dancer. It gives others a chance to see my work and maybe want to work with me too.”