Batsiranai crowned Harare dance kings

Zimunhu Bar in Epworth.
Although the competition was among 11 groups from various areas in Harare, it was, however, last year’s national winners of the festival Villa 1 Nyau Group who stole the limelight with their thrilling nyau dances.
The event saw Batsiranai Traditional Dance Group from Mufakose being crowned the winners of the provincial finals walking away with US$500 for their impressive dances that were steeped in rich Zimbabwean culture.
The group automatically qualified to represent Harare province at the national finals to be held on September 8 in the Harare Gardens where they will clash with contestants from all the country’s 10 provinces.
Batsiranai Traditional Dance Group specialised in muchongoyo and dinhe dances in a competition that was dominated by Nyau groups and their energetic and well-choreographed dances accompanied by the sound of drums that mesmerised the large crowd that thronged Zimunhu                       Bar, arguably the biggest bar in Epworth.
Clad in colourful attire comprising yellow and green as well as animal skin, showed why they are the reigning traditional dance champions.
The dances told stories of traditional rituals and occasions.
“It is encouraging to note that there are still people performing these dances. Our traditional muchongoyo dance is still in existence and this (dance) is one way of showing that our culture is still alive,” noted Patrick Ndambi from Chitungwiza who was part of the audience.
Leader of the group, Shaft Motani, said they were thrilled to win the award.
“We are happy to emerge winners in this competition. We have been researching on the dances for many years and improving on the variations. We trained youths until they were ripe for the competition and one thing we now understand is that these dances we perform are a reflection of our culture and identity,” he said.
In second place was Chitukuko Zambia Nyau from Beta Bricks in Mt Hampden who went home US$300 richer while Dzivarasekwa-based Lilongwe 2 Malawi Nyau Dance Group were third pocketing US$200 for their efforts.
However, it seems some of the groups failed to understand the requirements of the competition after one group, Madhonza Makuru, which is a mbira music outfit, did a musical performance instead of showcasing their dancing skills.
Kennedy Kachuruka, the president of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers’ Association, who together with Delta Beverages run the dance festival, said: “We are happy that the groups are still upholding and promoting our culture.
“We also want to thank Delta Beverages for the support they have been rendering to the dance festival since its inception in 1963. They  have also been supporting us in capacity building and administrative issues which has made this festival a success over the years.”
ZNDTDA marketing manager and national treasurer Nyadzisayi Mirisawu urged prospective groups who want to participate in Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival not to be swayed by foreign influences.
“Let us embrace our culture through our dance. We should not be swayed by foreign influences. Dance is also an industry which can sustain people if it is given the respect it deserves,” she said. 
Patricia Murambinda, marketing manager for Delta Beverages, who are the promoters of the festival, as well as the assistant directors of the National Arts of Zimbabwe, Nicholas Moyo and Audrey Charamba, were among the officials who graced the event.
This Saturday, the competition goes to Mashonaland East province where it will be held at Nyameni Beer Hall in Marondera.
In the previous weeks, the event has been held in Midlands, Mashonaland Central and Harare provinces.
Last year’s winners, Villa 1 Nyau from Harare, will be the guest performers at the national finals in September.