Online Reporter
Gift Moyo, [email protected]
BULAWAYO’S hopes of reclaiming the prestigious Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival title now rest on Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble, with the acclaimed group, which won the competition in 2017 and 2019, intensifying preparations for the national finals set for Saturday at the Harare Gardens.
Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble heads into the finals determined to once again outshine the country’s best traditional dance groups and bring the coveted title back to the City of Kings.
The road to the national finals began on May 9, with provincial competitions held across the country to identify the best traditional dance groups. The ensemble secured its place at the national showcase after delivering a commanding performance during the provincial competition, convincing judges that it was the standout act to represent Bulawayo.
Founder and artistic director Phibion Ncube said rehearsals have become increasingly intense as the group fine-tunes every aspect of its performance ahead of the highly anticipated contest.
“The rehearsal room is full of tension as we prepare for stiff competition like this. We have to make sure that we get everything right. The artists are excited and can’t wait to join the other provinces and compete in the finals,” said Ncube.
He revealed that the group will perform the same routine that earned it victory in the provincial competition, while refining and strengthening the Tsustsube dance presentation for the national stage.
“We’ll present the same dance as it is the one which earned us a ticket to represent our province. We’ve put in extra effort towards this dance because, as Ezimnyama, we don’t limit ourselves in terms of doing dances that are found only in Zimbabwe. We are optimistic that the fans will enjoy what we have prepared for them,” he said.
For Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble, the competition presents another opportunity to showcase Bulawayo’s rich cultural heritage while reinforcing the city’s reputation as a breeding ground for outstanding traditional performers.
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival finals will bring together provincial champions from across the country. Masvingo will be represented by Musa, performing the Bira reVadzimu dance. Dzimbahwe Nengoma will carry the hopes of Mashonaland Central with the Chinyambera dance, while hosts Harare will be represented by Shingai Dance Troupe, showcasing Mbakumba.
Matabeleland North’s Amakhosikazi Cultural Ensemble will perform Isitshikitsha, while Mashonaland West’s Pisa Pisa Nyau Malawi will present the Gulewankulu dance. Manicaland will be represented by Dapuraunanzva Dance Ensemble with Mbakumba, Midlands by Chipolopolo Zambia Nyau performing the Zambia Nyau dance, Matabeleland South by Bolamba Culture Birds with Tsutsube, and Mashonaland East by Marondera Gure Arts Group Chewa, presenting Gulewankulu.
