adminFarai Kuvirimirwa Entertainment Reporter
Nyau dance group Chitukuko Zambia emerged as winners of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival Harare provincial competitions that were held in Mbare on Saturday.
The group proved to be the favourites with many people that thronged at the event that was held at Pfumojena Bar when they took to the stage with various regalia ranging from the ‘baboon costume’ to the ‘dog-faced’ Nyau masks.
They won $500 while Pasichigare and another Nyau group Gasani Moto from Nyabira who emerged as number two and three respectively went away $300 and $200.
This year’s event theme is: “Inzwa unzwe ngoma yekwedu” and the provincial finals attracted more than 15 groups which came from various districts in Harare.
Pfumojena Bar proprietor Maidei Mujuru said they were happy to host the event which attracted traditional dancing groups from various districts.
“It is good in that the event is in line with township tourism encouraged by the Government. The people of Mbare have a happy culture and now their way of life is being revived through art. Mbare is the place where renowned artistes such as Safiro Madzikatire and Sonny Sondo emerged from and made it in the entertainment circles,” she said.
Albert Nyathi who was among the judges said this year’s event was mainly focusing at the originality from the groups.
“We looked much into creativity of the dancers. Dance is about entertaining and if people enjoy, it pushes the participants to do more. We liked the venue because it is where local entertainment dominated during colonial times,” he said.
Delta Sales and Distribution manager Francis Sithole said this year’s competitions started at district level in an effort to scout for raw talent at grassroots levels.
“We started the competitions from various districts in Harare and we also decided to hold the event here in Mbare because it is used to be the hub of entertainment. We are impressed with the outcome of the event and there was a significant improvement with regards to performances. It was a successful event which also marked and guaranteed the upkeep of our traditional dances and performances,” said Sithole.
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