Mwanza Glen
Mwanza Mainza Glenn is a dancer, choreographer, fashion designer and entrepreneur who hails from Georgetown, Guyana. He attended St. Agnes Nursery and Primary Schools, then went on to Richard Ismael Secondary and Tutorial High School. Upon leaving Tutorial High School, he ventured into customer service for six months at Qualfon, Guyana Inc. Following this, he became his own boss.
Mwanza’s creativity has been molded by his biggest supporter, his mom who was a seamstress. At nine years old, he created designs and wraps, which his mother would eventually use for some of her customers.
Mwanza is a dancer and choreographer. Twenty-two years ago, he began dancing at church. Following this, he joined the Guyana National School of Dance, after which he joined the National Dance Company of Guyana where he spent eight years before resigning in 2015. While a member of the National Dance Company of Guyana he performed national and internationally. He is versatile in dance styles such as modern, contemporary, folk, and Afro-Caribbean.
As a dancer, Mwanza worked with several organizations and academic institutions across Guyana. He facilitated capacity building sessions through dance for children and prepared many school children for the annual National Inter-school Mashramani Dance Competition. This year (2020), he was a dance instructor at the Virtual Summer Workshop Series for children of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. Currently, he is the Assistant Director of Free Souls Dance Theatre Company where he also dances.
Mwanza is a choreographer. His choreographic ability has afforded him to work with many schools in various regions in Guyana. Some of the institutions that have benefitted from his choreographic expertise are Let’s Dance; Dance Studio 2008 Recital; and Unique Arts. His choreography was also featured in Leon Saul’s play, Obeah in Court.
As a director, in 2011, Mwanza also had the opportunity to function in the role of the Arts Director for the President Film Endowment Project, Beached. In addition, he has directed a Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport’s event where African fashion was featured. Earlier this year, he directed the Bartica Republic Flag-raising Ceremony.
Mwanza is a fashion designer and entrepreneur. The Wanza Designs is a Brand that was established in 2009, and the Wanza Designs Studio was launched in 2016. This well-known and highly sought Brand has won many pageants, graced many stages, copped several awards, and has been the choice of many local celebrities and politicians. Wanza Designs are for the young, the senior, girls, boys, women, and men. Its scope is limitless.
In 2011, Mwanza’s work was featured at Theatrical Spectacular. He was the featured designer of the final act which brought in the Afro-centric theme of the Guyana Fashion Weekend. This show was staged by Guyanese designer, Sonia Noel. Other national events where Mwanza’s work was showcased, included Guyana’s Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport – Emancipation Celebration; the National Dance Company of Guyana’s Celebration of African Heritage, and Roriama Wedding Expo in Guyana. Internationally, his work has graced stages in the New Horizon Model Extravaganza in Barbados, Red Runway in Trinidad and Tobago, and Mission Catwalk in Jamaica.
Mwanza’s love for pageantry has fostered him the opportunity, to not only judge, but also to prepare wardrobes for several pageants. He has worked with Miss Universe Guyana, Miss World Guyana, Miss Bartica Regatta, Miss United Nations Guyana, Miss Guyana Africa Roots, Miss Jaycee Guyana, Mother and Daughter Pageant, Miss Berbice “I am Big Deal” Pageant, Miss Amerindian Heritage, Miss Caribbean Talented Teen, and more.
Mwanza has been recognized for his work. In 2015, he was the recipient of the Youth Award from the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. In 2018, he was awarded the National Best Choreographer from the Ministry of Education, Children’s Mashramani Dance Competition. In 2019, he received Young Entrepreneurial Award from The Brand Youth - 40 Under 40, and in 2020, he again received the Children’s Mashramani Dance Competition, National Best Choreographer from the Ministry of Education.
The journey and adventure of Mwanza’s works are ever growing. Whether experimenting with fabric or movement, his voyage is beyond limits. He believes everything is achievable with the right mind set, drive and passion. Wanza’s Designs Brand is retailed at the Wanza’s Designs Studio and Showroom located in Georgetown, Guyana, South America.