Tawanda Marwizi Lifestyle Correspondent
All is set for this year’s 54th edition of the Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Festival to be held today at the White City Stadium in Bulawayo. There are 10 dance groups drawn from the all the country’s provinces which are expected to clash today as they showcase their skills in cultural dances.
In an interview, Zimbabwe National Traditional dancers Association(ZNTDA) director Kennedy Kachukura said the programme is meant to explore cultural dances in Zimbabwe and invites all music and dance fanatics to be there.
“We are very excited about this event that is meant to showcase our own cultural values through dance. So each province is going to perform a different dance. We have Muchongoyo, Majukwa, Jerusalema, Gure Wankuru, Chinyambera, Tetapa, Chioda Amabhiza and Bimhe,” he said.
Kachura also said winners are expected to walk away with their cash prizes.
“The ultimate winners will get $7 000 whilst the first and second runner-up will be given $5 000 and $3 000 respectively,” he said.
The groups that have qualified for the national contest are Macca Sensational (Manicaland), Black Amakweze(Matabelaland North), How Mine Chioda (Matabelaland South), Ezimnyama (Bulawayo), Chipolepole Zambia Gule (Midlands), Dzimbahwe Dance Group (Masvingo), Chinyakare (Mashonaland Central), Budiriro Cultural Dance Group (Mashonaland West), Goronzi Arts (Mashonaland East)and Culture Warriors (Harare).
Redwing Mine Traditional Dance Group of Manicaland won last year‘s competition.
The annual traditional dance showcase, which is run by Delta Beverages through their Chibuku brand, technical partners National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Traditional Dance Association, has churned out a number of talented traditional dancers.



