Chronicle Editor
Angela Sibanda, Showbiz Reporter
Ulenje traditional dance group is set to represent Bulawayo at the Chibuku Neshamwari national finals after winning the provincial competition on Saturday.
The Bulawayo provincial competition was held at Manor Hotel with the first-time winners overjoyed.
The Njube-based group could not hide their excitement after the results were announced as they screamed and flooded the stage together with their “homies”, Umkhathi Theatre Works arts members who accompanied them in celebration.
In 2019, the last competitions before Covid-19 brought the event to a halt, the group came second.
Ulenje leader, Mthokozisi Moyo, said this gave them hope that they were capable of winning. He said they had faith in their craft and the efforts they had put in during practice with the win coming as a fulfilment of their expectations.
For this year’s competition, the 10 member-group exhibited amabhiza dance.
“During practice, we dedicated ourselves and members of the group worked tirelessly, something which sometimes, worried me. However, we expected to win this one because in 2019, we almost did and that on its own, gave us a reason to push harder.
“We’re excited to have won and gotten an opportunity to represent Bulawayo. We’ll do all that we can to bring something positive back home,” said Moyo.
The group was up against Mthwakazi, Woza Africa, Isizwe Sabatsha, Iluba Lemvelo, Khami Maximum, Jaiva Arts, Ibutho Performing Arts, Bambanani traditional dance group, and Thandanani women’s ensemble.
Isizwe Sabatsha emerged second while Bambanani was third.
The event was spiced by performances from comedian Uncle Zex Mdawini and voluntary acts from local artistes who took to the stage and showcased their talents during commercial breaks.
The competitions have already been held in provinces that include Masvingo, Matabeleland North, and South with Midlands province set to hold theirs this coming weekend.
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