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Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya
TEN groups have been selected to represent the Bulawayo province at the Chibuku Neshamwari provincial traditional dance competition finals next week.
The 10 groups – Khaya Arts, Imvimbi Arts, Ingwenyama Arts, Woza Africa Arts, Sekunjalo Ma Africa, Iluba Lemvelo, Abangane, Jaiva Traditional Group, Thandanani Women Ensemble and Bambanani are going to battle it out at Habane Beer Garden in Esigodini on June 11. Last year’s provincial winners, Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble, will perform at the finals as a guest group.
The group which will come out tops will automatically secure a spot at the national finals to be held at White City Stadium next month. They will be joined by nine other groups from the country’s 10 provinces.
Bulawayo co-ordinator of the Chibuku Neshamwari traditional dance competition – Trust Madolo Gumbo – said preparations were going on well with participating groups hard at work.
“Preparations for the annual traditional dance competition are now at an advanced stage. Ten groups are going to partake with the winner set to represent the Bulawayo province,” he said.
Gumbo said some of the competing groups will be trying their luck for the third time.
“Some of the groups have been resilient as they keep coming back. Some have even gone to the finals more than two times.”
So far, Harare and Mashonaland Central provinces have hosted their finals with Matabeleland North expected to host its own on Saturday at Kulya beerhall in Binga.
Maramuro Dance Group won the Harare competition while Kulawe Dance Group emerged victors in Mashonaland Central.
Midlands finals will be held in Kwekwe on June 18 at Patsime Tavern with Masvingo finals taking place on July 2 at Huruyadzo Gardens in Chivi.
The fun comes to Matabeleland South on July 9 for finals at Blanket Mine beerhall in Gwanda. From there, groups will start preparing for the national finals on July 30.
Online Reporter