Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The Chibuku Neshamwari traditional dance competition continues on Saturday, June 14, with preliminary rounds scheduled in the provinces of Matabeleland South and Mashonaland East, where 10 groups from each province are set to battle it out.
In Matabeleland South, the cultural showdown will take place at Malaxo Beerhall in Beitbridge, while Padhana Sports Bar in Mutoko will play host to the Mashonaland East leg of the competition.
The Matabeleland South line-up includes Dumba Dance Group, ZPCS Beitbridge, Ufasimba Dance Group, Siyabangena Dance Group, Sekusile Isitshikitsha, Blanket Mine Chioda, Lilizela Dance Group, Howmine Ben Arinot, Howmine Gure, and Blanket Mine Ben Arinot.
Representing Mashonaland East, the defending champions following last year’s win by Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble are Buja Nengoma, ZPCS Mutoko Prison, Goromonzi Arts Ensemble, Nzwananai Arts, Tayedza, Zvemberi Arts, Mndera, Varipasi Shangara, ZPCS Murewa Prison, and Chikombe. The winning groups from each province will qualify for the national finals, joining those already through – Jeketera Renyaungwe (Midlands), Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North), Katawa Dance Group (Mashonaland West), Gure Unde (Midlands), and Semvumba Arts Ensemble (Manicaland).
The journey continues with upcoming provincial finals set for Harare at Hurudza Beer Hall, Mabvuku (June 24), Bulawayo at Manor Hotel (June 24), and Mashonaland Central at Tipaz Night Club, Shamva (July 5).
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derick.khumalo