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Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
Last week the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Competition provincial finals began in Murehwa and Makarekare dance group won the Mashonaland East contest. With traditional dance considered as culturally important in Zimbabwe the competition continues this week with different traditional groups from Matabeleland South performing at Malaxo Beer Hall in Beitbridge tomorrow.
For years now there has been a competition for the traditional dance groups, which has brought together various groups of many traditional styles.
The Neshamwari Dance Festival is targeted at dance groups and was aimed at practising and preserving traditional dances through this festival.
So when the groups meet ahead of the provincial competition a lot is expected as they will be fighting to book a place in the final competition that will be held in Bulawayo.
About 10 groups from the province will be battling for supremacy as the winner will make it to the finals.
At last year’s event, How Mine Chimkaro from the same province won the competition at provincial level.
Several groups have benefited from the competition as they have won several prices and gained exposure in the arts industry. The programme has managed to preserve Zimbabwe’s rich dance culture.
Delta Beverages through its Chibuku brand is the main sponsor of the event that has been initiated by Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
Every year winners of the competition at provincial level clash at national level with groups fighting for supremacy in the prestigious event
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