Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Art, Entertainment Hub
CHINYAMBERA dance ensemble, Grean Stars, has emerged victorious in the Harare preliminaries of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival held at Hurudza Beerhall in Mabvuku last weekend.
For its triumph, the group secured a place to represent the province at the national finals scheduled for July 19 at Mutare Showgrounds in Manicaland.
This accomplishment marks a significant achievement for the group, which showcased exceptional talent in traditional dance.
Grean Stars triumphed during the preliminaries, which featured more Nyau dancers who have maintained their dominance in other parts of the country.
Nyau dancers have even gained the admiration of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe for popularising their culture.
For them, dance has become a staple, as they frequently hold their rituals in many ghettos around Zimbabwe. This was evident at Hurudza Beer Hall in Mabvuku last Saturday, where the contest was tough, giving the judges a challenging time to collate data.
Chingwilizano Cha Achewa, known for their Malawi Nyau dance routines, finished in second place, while Pasichigare secured third position.
In addition to the victory, Grean Stars walked away with a prize of US$2 500 and now has the chance to compete for the grand prize of US$15 000 at the national finals.
With this win, Grean Stars joins seven other groups that have qualified for the grand finale, including Jeketera Renyaungwe from Masvingo, Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North), Katawa Dance Group (Mashonaland West), Undi Gure (Midlands), Semvumba Arts Ensemble (Manicaland), Sekusile Dance Group (Matabeleland South), and Goromonzi Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland East.
At the provincial level, winners receive US$2 500, while second and third places are awarded US$1 500 and US$1 000, respectively.
At the national level, the overall winners will take home US$15 000, with the second and third placed finalists receiving US$10 000 and US$7 500, respectively.
This year’s festival, conceived by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), has seen heightened competition due to the substantial prize money at stake.
In keeping with this year’s theme, “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane,” the provincial finals have progressed smoothly, with all participants leaving with prizes.
Looking ahead, the Bulawayo provincials will take place at Manor Hotel on June 28, followed by the Mashonaland Central finals at Tipaz Night Club in Shamva on July 5.
For over 60 years, the festival has served as a beacon of traditional arts, revitalising indigenous dance forms and empowering local communities.
As the festival progresses, each province will showcase its unique cultural identity through dance, with competitions held at various venues.
It should be noted that Nyau dancers have consistently gone above and beyond to showcase their unique culture, with Undi Gure being a prime example.
After narrowly missing out on the opportunity to represent the Midlands province last year, Undi Gure remained focused and successfully secured the top spot this time around.
In the previous year’s competition, Mkango Malawi Nyau Club from Midlands took first place, followed by Undi Gure in second and Pasichigare Kandodo in third.
Last year’s champions, Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland East, captivated audiences with their breathtaking performance of the Mbende dance, clinching the national title at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.
It was another tough contest in Masvingo last year, considering that all the finalists are now investing significant effort into this contest, which has shaped many careers.
With monetary prizes at stake, the competition is expected to be fierce in the grand finale, as each ensemble showcases its finest moves, rhythms and costumes.
Consolation prizes will be awarded to all participating groups, with the top three receiving substantial rewards.
For Harare province, hopes are pinned on last weekend’s winners, Grean Stars.
Their victory not only highlights their dedication and skill in traditional dance but also sets the stage for an exciting national competition.
As they prepare for the finals, anticipation builds for what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent and cultural heritage.
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival not only provides a platform for cultural expression and preservation but also offers significant economic opportunities for participating groups.
By valuing and promoting traditional dance, the festival contributes to the appreciation and safeguarding of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come.
It is encouraging to see traditional dances being valued for their role in promoting and preserving these traditions.
Peter Tanyanyiwa