admin10 provinces will battle it out for top honours at the event that will also mark the festival’s 49th edition after its inception in 1963.
Harare will be represented by Mufakose-based Batsiranai Traditional Dance Group, who specialise in Dinhe, while Midlands province will have Wadzanai Dance Group who will be showcasing mbakumba.
Swerengoma Arts Ensemble, who are not new to the festival, will showcase their mbende dance moves from Mashonaland Central.
All eyes will be on Ben Arinoti from Arcturus Mine from Mashonaland East province, who have been perennial underdogs and harbour ambitions of scooping the coveted grand prize.
Amabiza specialists Inqama Yephondo will be out to put Matabeleland South on the map with their unique dances while their compatriots, Idwala Elikhulu who do mbende and hail from Matabeleland North, will also compete.
Bulawayo will have Imvimbi Arts showcasing their umchongoyo dances while Bembera Mbakumba Masvingo and Mutimukuru School of Arts will represent Manicaland on the same dance category.
Last year’s winners, Villa 1 Nyau Group from Mbare, will be the guest group.
“We are happy that this year’s edition comes as a way of preparing for the festival’s Silver Jubilee to be celebrated next year.
“We are grateful for the support we have been receiving from Delta Beverages since 1963 when the festival was launched.
“We appealing to people from all walks of life to come and celebrate with us this year as we turn 49,” said Nyadzisai Mirisawu, the acting director of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers’ Association.
Online Reporter