Chibuku Neshamwari reaches climax

Problem Masau Arts Correspondent
THE wait is over as 10 groups will clash at the annual Chibuku Neshamwari dance finals tomorrow in the Harare Gardens.
The groups are Lilongwe Nyau (Harare), Umkhati Theatre Production (Bulawayo), Chiredzi Prison, Chipinge Prison, How Mine Chihoda (Matabeleland South), Umcangazo Wamajaha (Matabeleland North), Rarira Dendera (Mashonaland East), Budiriro Arts (Mashonaland West), Gweru Prison (Midlands) and Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble (Mashonaland Central).
Albert Nyathi will entertain the crowd.

Judging from the provincial winners list, there will be diverse cultural dances on display.
Lilongwe Nyau will exhibit Nyau dance originally from Malawi while Umkhati Theatre Production from Bulawayo will showcase Tswana dance from Botswana.

Other groups such as Budiriro Arts, Chiredzi Prison and Guruve Marimba will showcase traditional Shona dances.
First and second runners-up will get US$3 000 and US$2 000 respectively

Nyadzisai Mirisawu from Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association said this year the festival will be more special as Neshamwari will be celebrating its Diamond Jubilee.

“We are happy with the preparations so far. The organisation has grown and we want to thank Delta for the support they have rendered us over the years,” she said.

Delta Beverages, through their popular Chibuku beer brand, began sponsoring the dance competition at its inception in 1963.
The competition is run as a tripartite partnership amongst sponsors Delta Beverages and technical partners National Arts Council and the Zimbabwe Traditional Dance Association.

“As a Zimbabwean company, we value the privilege of promoting and celebrating our culture and heritage, which is all part of what it means to be proudly Zimbabwean to us. Through our Chibuku brand, we have been committed to the arts for over 50 years as Delta Beverages”, said Stan Meck, Chibuku brand manager.

Meck promised a fun-filled event saying that preparations were well on course and the public should expect an exciting                                    event.

“Chibuku is the people’s beer and Harare Gardens is the place to be tomorrow. Our consumers will enjoy great entertainment, free of charge and get to interact with  their favourite brand in a friendly environment”.

The competition comes at a time when Delta has launched a new product, Chibuku Super, and they will be looking at the competition as an opportunity for lucky consumers to sample the fast-selling product.

Over the years, Chibuku Neshamwari finals have been characterised by pomp and fanfare. The event has also proved that traditional dances are as exciting as they are unique. Batsiranai Dance Group were last year’s winners.

Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival is not a new name in talent search shows in the country.
It now shares the same status with Star Brite, Chibuku Road to Fame and Music Crossroads.