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THE biggest traditional dance fiesta in the country reached its climax on Saturday when the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival finals were held in Masvingo.
Ten groups, drawn from all the country’s provinces, battled it out for the grand prize, which was a cool US$15 000 cheque.
The runners-up walked away with US$10 000 while the third placed group took US$7 500.
Murewa’s Nyaungwe Arts Production dance group won this year’s edition of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival.
They are a powerhouse and won the festival for a record fifth time.
The 15-member group also won the competition in 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2024.
Harare’s Culture Warriors were second while last year’s winners Dapurahunanzva were third.
Nyaungwe Arts Production showcased the Mbende(Jerusarema) dances at the finals held at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.
Nyaungwe Arts Production secretary, Mattersettled Nyikadzino, said their dream is to showcase their dance around the world.
“Our wish is to show the world our cultural dance practices, we have made it locally and now our focus is to try and perform at different cultural festivals in neighbouring countries,” he said.
We agree with him.
We have always felt that there is an opportunity for the traditional dance groups to showcase their talents around the world. We have always felt that there are grand benefits waiting for such groups out there around the world.
The same way that we are sending our musical bands to tours around the world is the same way that these traditional dance groups should consider touring the world.
One can tell that they have the potential to really make a mark around the world.
Analysts have always argued that entertainment fans in Europe, the United States and Australia are hungry for such unique acts.
They say that these fans are not attracted to music which comes from our bands because there are many good bands around the world to quench their thirst.
So, these fans want something unique, something which they don’t usually see on their doorstep and that is why we believe there is an opening for the traditional dance groups.
The analysts say this is the real reason that a band like Mokoomba generates more interest among European and American audiences than let’s say Jah Prayzah and his band.
Mokoomba are unique and they play a unique sound which the European and American crowds do not usually hear from the bands in their countries.
Mokoomba are currently on a tour of the United States and, unlike many of our local bands, they are not playing for crowds which are dominated by Zimbabweans out there.
They are playing for crowds which are predominantly American.
We believe that our traditional dance groups can do as well as Mokoomba if they are given a chance to tour the world.
They have a unique product which can generate a lot of appeal out there.
Online Reporter