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REDWING Mine traditional group, also known as Ben Arinoti are this year’s winners of the Chibuku Neshamwari Dance competition after out-dancing nine other groups at the provincial finals held in Chipinge last Saturday. The group based in Mutasa stood still in the wake of determined groups as well as a bumper crowd that stormed and jam-packed Dzonzayi Complex.
Dhumatasanga and Musapingura were seated on second and third places respectively.
The 16-member group received $500 prize money, while Dhumatasanga who exhibited Mbende dances received $300. Chokoto dance specialist Musapingura went away with $200.
Although it was a thrilling and tightly contested competition that saw most groups putting their all with verve and passion, Ben Arinoti saw their victory coming even before jumping on to the stage.
“We were well prepared for the competitions. We knew victory was ours. We were extra determined to take the accolade home and we did not mind about our competitors. We are happy and we will continue shining,” said group director, Tupele Mdala.
Vivid are the memories of 2011 to the group when they came out tops at the same competition at Chikanga Hall.
History repeated itself in fashion, but something bigger awaits them – the Chibuku Neshamwari national finals.
“Representing Manicaland is an honour. We will not sit back and relax, but work even harder and do our province proud,” Mdala added.
Ben Arinoti is a dance that originated from Malawi. The dance was popularized locally by Redwing Mine workers in Mutasa from 1997 after they realised that there was no entertainment at the mine.
Their elegant costumes are synonymous with those of local and regional police officers.
And as energetic as the officers are supposed to be, the dancers who included smartly dressed women oozed much energy on stage much to the delight of hundreds of admirers who attended the competition.
Two Zimbabwe Prison Correctional Services outfits, ZPCS Echoes Arts Group (muchongoyo) and Mansa Mutare (dinhe) who were tipped to win also put up well-choreographed acts, but could not match the prowess of some of their rivals.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe provincial manager, Jonah Muchayi expressed satisfaction over the way the annual competition proceeded.
“Groups participation was superb. We would like to thank the Chipinge community as well as Chipinge businessman (Dzonzayi) for hosting us. We wish Ben Arinoti the best in their future endeavours,” Muchayi said.
Online Reporter