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Fungai Muderere
CHIBUKU Neshwamwari 10 provincial finalists will on Saturday converge on Masvingo’s Mucheke Stadium where they will take to the stage to fight for the top honours.
The contest will feature year 2022 winners Dapuraunanzwa Arts Ensemble from Manicaland and Bolamba Performing Arts from Matabeleland South. Matabeleland North’s Pezhuba Pachena will be making their fourth appearance at the National Finals, while Khaya Arts from Bulawayo will be making their second appearance.
“It’s going to be a big fight, we hope to give out our very best,” said Khaya Arts director, Future Dube.
He added: “Our preparations for the finals have gone on well. We will keep our fingers crossed for the desired results.”
The groups which came out tops in the provincial finals walked away with US$2 500 while the first and second runner ups will received US$1 500 and US$1 000 respectively.
The national finalists for the 61st edition of the annual festival will vie for substantial prizes, with the first-place winners receiving US$15 000, the second-place winners getting US$10 000 and the third-place winners will go home with US$7 000.
In addition to the traditional dance menu, local celebrated musicians Jah Prayzah, Killer T and Tocky Vibes are set to take to the stage and spice up the annual event.
Chibuku Neshamwari is sponsored by Delta Corporation through its Chibuku brand and organised by Zimbabwe National Arts Council (NAC) and Zimbabwe National Traditional Dances Association (ZNTDA).
The festival has been running since 1963.
Below is the list of groups, their provinces and the type of dance they will perform in the competition:
1. Bulawayo – Khaya Arts (Mutshongoyo Dance).
2. Harare Province – Culture Warriors (Dinhe Dance).
3. Manicaland – Dapuraunanzwa Arts Ensemble (Mbakumba).
4. Mashonaland Central – Dzimbahwe Dance Group (Chinyambera).
5. Mashonaland East – Nyaungwe Dance Group (Mbende Dance).
6. Mashonaland West – Budiriro Arts (Mhande).
7. Masvingo Province – Gango Traditional Dance (Mbakumba).
8. Matabeleland North – Pezhuba Pachena (Nsumbuke Dance).
9. Matabeleland South – Bolamba Performing Arts (Setapa Dance).
10. Midlands Province – Mkango Malawi Nyau Club (Malawi Nyau)..
Online Reporter