tawandamusarurwa
Dennis Chimanzi
PHENOMENAL!
This aptly sums up the recently held Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival finals.
The well-attended and well-organised event attracted thousands of revellers, who came to witness 10 provincial groups battling it out in the annual traditional dance competition on July 29.
So massive was the attendance that, at some point, security details had to shut entrances as the venue had been filled to capacity.
The event, which marked the festival’s 60th anniversary, had all the ingredients of a top show. In fact, it has arguably been one of the best events on the local entertainment calendar so far.
Top Government officials, socialites and celebrities graced the event.
“This is an important event and I am glad it has recovered from the effects of Covid-19. It was oversubscribed this year. I am told that some people were turned away at the gate. I think next year, we should consider an even much bigger venue,” said Dr Biggie Samwanda — the director of arts and culture promotion and development in the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.
Competing ensembles clearly came prepared as they all delivered top-shelf acts that left revellers clamouring for me.
However, after careful consideration by the adjudication panel, it was Sekunjalo MaAfrica, from Bulawayo, that was declared the eventual winner. The group walked away with the top prize of US$15 000.
Harare’s Yarira Ngoma Arts secured the second position and pocketed US$10 000, while Makarekare — a group from Mashonaland East — was third-placed, walking away with US$7 500.
“It would have been painful if we did not win. We practised, came prepared and left nothing to chance,” said one of the Sekunjalo MaAfrica members.
Revellers were convinced with the outcome.
“I feel the judges were spot on. It was a tight contest but all the three winners were deserving. The group from Bulawayo came prepared and showed a lot of character in its act,” said Andrew Mashonganyika, a reveller.
Punctuality
The festival started and ended at the prescribed times.
Similarly, there were no hitches; everything went on smoothly.
The first group to set the mood on the stage, around 10am, was from Mashonaland Central.
By 3pm, the contest had come to an end, with each participating group having been given equal time to showcase its magic and the winners announced.
The adjudication team included officials from the Zimbabwe National Dancers Association; and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, who are organisers of the festival, in conjunction with Delta Beverages.
Soon after announcement of the winners, top musicians — among them Jah Prayzah, Nutty O, Selmor Mtukudzi and the energetic Van Choga — took turns to entertain the crowd.
First on stage was Selmor, daughter of the late Oliver Mtukudzi. She delivered a well-polished act.
She played some of her father’s hit tracks such as “Tozeza Baba” and “Mutserendende”.
“I’m pleased with the turnout. This is a clear testament that people still value our culture. We need to have more festivals of this nature so as to keep promoting our tradition,” said Selmor.
Carrington Simbarashe Chiwadzwa, better known as Nutty O, followed.
The audience could not have enough of his hit song “Handipere Power”, off his last offering “Mustard Seed”.
Jah Prayzah unleashed both new and old songs. His set was solid, proving why he is highly ranked within and outside the country’s borders.
“I have no doubt Chibuku Neshamwari is one of the best festivals and competitions in the country. This is a signal that our traditional music is still relevant and we must encourage young artistes to take it up. I am open to recording them,” said renowned music producer, composer and guitarist Clive Mono Mukundu.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter