Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Reporter
Four vehicles are up for grabs for revellers during this year’s Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival final in Harare, with organisers saying preparations are well on course.
Organised by Delta Beverages, the finale will be held at Harare Gardens on August 13 and will see 10 dance groups battling it out for the top honour.
The dance competition returned after a three-year hiatus owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the first provincial finals held on May 28.
The 10 finalists are Dedza Chitandidzo Nyau (Harare) who presented the Chewa Malawi-Gulewankulu dance, Goromonzi Arts (Mashonaland East) who will fly high the Mbende Jerusarema dance and Dzimbamabwe TD Group from Masvingo, who will showcase a dance named Majukwa.
The rainbow province of Matabeleland South will be represented by Bolamba Performing Arts with their trademark Setapa dance, while Pezhuba Pachena Dance Ensemble from Matabeleland North will put ice on the cake with their popular Nsumbule dance.
The City of Kings and Queens will present the Amabhiza dance through Unlenje Arts whereas Manicaland will present the Mbakumba dance through Dapurahunanzva group, same as Budiriro Arts from Mashonaland West.
The Midlands province will have their art showcased through the Malawi Gure dance to be presented by M’kango Nyau, while Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland Central will showcase the Dinhe dance.
The organisers said the event will be filled with pomp and fanfare with attendees set to walk away with prizes.
“It will truly be an exciting day, as we are also set to conduct the Chibuku Big 60 Promotion Grand Draw, where four consumers will win brand new Nissan Navara single cabs,” reads part of the statement.
“Preparations have begun in earnest for the Chibuku Neshamwari National Final to be held on Saturday 13th of August 2022 at Harare Gardens. The competitions will be graced by well-known performing guest artistes. We look forward to crowning the 2022 Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Festival winners.”
Bulawayo traditional dance group, Ezimnyama was the last winner after winning the national competition in 2019, their second win after emerging victorious in 2017.
A tripartite partnership between Delta Beverages, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association, the competition that was launched in 1963 has served as a launchpad for the careers of many traditional dance groups. -@mthabisi_mthire
Online Reporter