Chibuku Neshamwari Bulawayo finals on this weekend

WITH a number of Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival provincial competitions done, attention shifts to the Bulawayo edition slated for Saturday at Manor Hotel.

The 10 groups competing are set to be announced on the day as per the competition’s rules.

The event organised by the Chibuku Delta Beverages brand with the help of the country’s arts governing body, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association is celebrating 60 years this year. It continues to promote the preservation of indigenous dances.

This year, the festival is being run under the theme, “Bira Remadhanzi, 60 Years Sithokoziswa Ngezomgido”.

Speaking ahead of the Bulawayo competition, NACZ provincial arts manager Cleopatra Dube told Chronicle Showbiz that preparations are at an advanced stage.

“Preparations with regards to the Bulawayo Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals are at an advanced stage. The names of the groups that will be competing to be Bulawayo’s crown jewel are still a mystery. They will be named on Saturday.

“That’s standard procedure and patrons should come in numbers to enjoy our traditional showmanship on full exhibit,” Dube said.

Last year, Amabhiza outfit, Ulenje won the provincial competition and it remains to be seen if they are giving the competition another try this year.

The Bulawayo edition will precede the Mashonaland West one slated for Gatsi Beer Garden in Chegutu next weekend. Manicaland will host its finals at Dzonzai Gaza in Chipinge on July 8 followed by Matabeleland South at Malaxo Beerhall in Beitbridge on July 10. The last provincial finals will be held in Harare at Makomo Bar in Epworth on July 15.

The annual traditional competition extravaganza roared into life on May 27 with successful provincial finals in Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland North, Masvingo and Midlands. Seasoned Imvimbi Arts, Swerengoma Arts, Jeketera Renyaningwe and Kwekwe-based Mbada Dance Group have emerged as the winners so far, earning the opportunity to represent their provinces at the highly anticipated national finals.

The provincial competitions across the 10 provinces in the country will culminate in a national final where the finalists will battle it out for the top spot on August 5. For their efforts, the groups are being presented with monetary prizes at both provincial and national levels with the one that will win the national finals set to pocket US$15 000, the second-placed US$10 000 and US$7 500 for the third-placed group.

Last year, Dapurahunanzva, a group from Mutare won the national competition and it is only a matter of time before lovers of traditional dance find out this year’s national winners. — @MbuleloMpofu