
Shadreck “Shaddy” Moyo’s journey into dance began long before Pandazz Dance Hub became a recognised name.
It traces back to his childhood, when he was just a young boy moving through Zimbabwe’s vibrant dance scene, quietly discovering a language that existed beyond speech.
“My journey began in Zimbabwe's vibrant dance scene years ago as a young boy, where I found my voice through movement,” he said.
He explained that although he grew up dancing mostly alone, his passion eventually demanded influence, guidance and mentorship. As he grew, he began working with different people who sharpened his craft and helped shape him into the artist he is today.
This personal evolution led him to a bigger vision — the establishment of Pandazz Dance Hub in Kuwadzana. What began as a small crew in a densely populated ghetto grew into a refuge for creativity and a shield against social pressures.
“I founded a small crew in a small ghetto called Kuwadzana,” he said. The mission was simple but urgent:
“We wanted to create a space where youth could express themselves, stay away from drugs and steer clear of negative influences.”
It was a dream built on faith and discipline — one that would later earn national recognition. Their victory at Dreamstar Season 9 marked a defining moment, validating years of preparation, late-night rehearsals and unwavering belief.
“Our win at Dreamstar Season 9 was a testament to the power of hard work and faith,” he said. It proved that a movement born in the township could rise to national stages.
For Moyo, dance is more than choreography. It is storytelling, healing and truth-telling all at once.
“For me, ‘Speak through movement’ is about letting our bodies tell the stories we can't always put into words,” he explained.
This philosophy powers his style — a rich blend of Afro-fusion, gospel choreography, kuduro and Zimdancehall influences. He says his faith strengthens his creative direction, allowing him to produce routines that uplift and resonate with audiences across the country.
His presence online has expanded that reach even further. The viral “Madedido” TikTok dance challenge surprised even him.
“I was inspired by the energy of the track and the creativity of Zimbabwean dancers,” he said. He simply wanted to create something fun that dancers could experiment with.
Related Stories
“I’m thrilled it took off!” he added, acknowledging how digital spaces have given dancers a new way to express and connect.
As lead choreographer for Pandazz, Moyo understands the weight of expectation behind every performance. He describes the process as challenging but rewarding.
“As we say, ‘hapana chiri easy’,” he said.
His breakthrough moment came with the routine I AM AFRO, which he says was created to celebrate African — specifically Zimbabwean — identity.
“It was all about embracing our roots and showcasing the beauty of African, Zimbabwean culture,” he said.
The production resonated deeply with audiences, cementing Pandazz as cultural storytellers rather than just a dance crew.
Collaboration has also played a significant role in shaping his artistic path. Moyo highlighted the impact of working with Cliff Creatives, known for visually striking concepts.
He said Cliff’s “mind-blowing ideas always make the food taste delicious,” a metaphor for the strong creative synergy between them.
Combined with the influence of #shaddystiffler — now a cultural identifier — Pandazz has evolved into a movement that celebrates pride, identity and Zimbabwean culture.
Now, the crew is preparing for its next chapter. Their TikTok audience continues to grow, they are exploring new outreach ideas, and they are gearing up for a highly anticipated trip to China.
“We’ve got plans to leverage our TikTok presence and Dreamstar wins to reach a broader audience… maybe even collaborate internationally,” he said.
Their mission remains rooted in elevating Zimbabwean culture while inspiring the next generation of dancers and creators. Pandazz is expanding into media production and community outreach, exploring new ways to tell Zimbabwean stories through dance and digital art.
Their recent project, The Cowboys in Ruzhowa, reflects their appetite for experimentation and commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
From a young boy dancing alone to a choreographer shaping a generation, Shadreck Moyo’s story is written in grit, intention and an unwavering belief that dance can change lives.
His rise from Kuwadzana is not just a personal triumph — it is a testament to what Zimbabwean talent can build when given space, faith and a rhythm that refuses to die.
Leave Comments