Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
UNDOUBTEDLY Manicaland’s most popular and widely travelled arts and cultural group — Dapurahunanzva is undergoing a rebranding exercise as they embark on new horizons, joining the guitar world and venturing into Afro-fusion music.
They are now blending their hardcore traditional marimba sounds with modern Euro-centric instruments.
Having performed at various editions of the Chibuku Neshamwari provincial and national traditional competitions, the group is set to participate in this year’s Chibuku Road to Fame Manicaland provincial competitions, scheduled to take place in Mutare in July.
The group made Manicaland proud a few years ago after scooping the top prize at the National Chibuku Neshamwari finals.
Earlier this year, they represented Zimbabwe in India at the Surajkund Arts Festival, held in Faridabad, Haryana, a global event attended by numerous countries from across the globe.
It will be interesting to see how Dapurahunanzva navigates the Chibuku Road to Fame stage with their unique fusion of traditional and modern instruments.
Should they excel and secure a spot in the top three, or even clinch the top prize, they would make history as the first group from Manicaland to compete and win in both the Chibuku Neshamwari and Chibuku Road to Fame competitions.
Chibuku Road to Fame is a talent search programme in Zimbabwe, renowned for discovering and nurturing musical talent. The competition culminates in a grand finale, where finalists compete for a cash prize and a recording deal.
In contrast, Chibuku Neshamwari is a celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and traditional dance, and is recognised as Zimbabwe’s biggest traditional dance festival.
Dapurahunanzva’s director, Keavan Simomondo said the group is ready for new challenges.
This week, the group stole the show at the commemoration of the Day of the African Child, held at Chancellor Primary School.
The ensemble’s high-energy performance showcased Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, entertaining and inspiring the audience.
Under the theme “Be proud of your identity”, the ensemble’s choreographed dances, vibrant costumes, and infectious rhythms transported the audience to the heart of African culture.
Their dedication to preserving and promoting Zimbabwean traditions was evident in every step, song, and drumbeat. The International Day of the African Child commemorates the Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976, honouring the students who fought for their right to education.
This year’s celebration highlighted the importance of promoting children’s rights, education, and cultural heritage. Dapuraunanzva’s performance not only entertained, but also educated the audience about the significance of African culture and identity.
Simomondo also thrilled the audience with his literary prowess, singing songs and reciting poetry that evoked memories of the Apartheid Era in South Africa.
His ability to craft rich poems in both English and Shona kept the audience enthralled.
“As Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensemble continues to shine, the group is undergoing rebranding and preparing for new challenges. We are working towards their participation in the Chibuku Road to Fame competition, where we will showcase our unique Afro-fusion music style, blending traditional marimba sounds with modern Euro-centric instruments. This will undoubtedly be a litmus test for us.
“We are ready for the challenge and are working diligently to master the basics and become a formidable Afro-fusion group. It is evident that we have talented, disciplined, and focused dancers and instrumentalists who are willing to take Dapurahunanzva to even greater heights,” said Simomondo.
Their music promises to be humble, mature, and culturally rich, reflecting the group’s commitment to preserving Zimbabwean heritage.
Additionally, Dapuraunanzva is expanding into urban agriculture, aiming to supplement the group’s income and recruit more youths.
This initiative seeks to remove young people from the streets and engage them in meaningful activities, steering them away from substance abuse and illicit brews.
