malvernmugadzikwa
Society Reporter
KHAYA ARTS, a traditional dance troupe that specialises in mutshongoyo, breezed into the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national final after winning the Bulawayo provincial competition.
The event was held at Phekiwe Beer Hall on July 13.
The Bambanani women’s group, an ensemble that showcases the isitshikitsha dance, was the first runner-up, with Isizwe Sabatha, which focuses on the beni arinoti dance, claiming the second runner-up spot.
Khaya Arts will meet nine other provincial final winners in the national final, which will be held at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo on July 27.
Of the 10 provinces, it was only Bulawayo that was yet to come up with a winner.
In the national final, 10 groups will fight for the US$15 000 first prize.
The group that will come second will take home US$10 000, with the third-placed ensemble walking away with US$7 500.
“The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival 2024 edition commenced on May 27, 2024 with provincial competitions. To date, we have successfully hosted provincial competitions.
“These events have garnered significant attendance, sparking enthusiasm among our consumers and creating valuable sales opportunities for the hosting outlets. Additionally, they have showcased a variety of talented competing artistes.
“Preparations are well underway for the Chibuku Neshamwari National finals to be held on July 27 at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo,” said the event sponsor Delta Corporation in a statement.
The finale promises an exhilarating showdown.
Nyaungwe Dance Group, which specialises in the mbende dance, will represent Mashonaland East province. Bolamba, a group representing Matabeleland South, will try to charm both the judges and those who will attend the free show with their unique setapa dance.
Matabeleland North will be well-represented by Pezhuba Pachena, a group that majors in the nsumbuke dance.
Mashonaland Central will be represented by Dzimbahwe Nengoma, which is known for its energetic chinyambera dances.
Culture Warriors, armed with the dinhe dance, will represent Harare.
Gango, which has shown mastery in mbakumba, will represent Masvingo province, with Mkango dance group (Midlands) trusting the Malawi nyau dance to do the magic for it.
Mutare-based Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensemble (mbakumba) represents Manicaland, while mhande specialists Budiriro Arts will represent Mashonaland West.
Apart from the contestants, established musicians Jah Prayzah, Killer T and Tocky Vibes are also set to perform.
The dance competition has proved to be popular, with multitudes of fans attending the provincial finals.
Online Reporter