Online Reporter
Mathew Masinge-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
GREEN Stars Dance Troupe will carry the hopes of Harare province at this year’s Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival finals after claiming the spot at a tightly-contested affair on Saturday.
The group was rewarded after a well-choreographed display of their Chinyambera dance routine at Hurudza Bar in Mabvuku.
For their efforts, the group walked away US$2,500 richer.
Chingwilizano Cha Achewa (nyau dance) came second while Pasichigare Arts were third with their Muchongoyo dance. They also took home US$1500 and US$1000 respectively.
Green Stars Dance Troupe now join seven other contestants who have already booked their place at this year’s finals set for July 19 in Mutare.
“We are now at the peak of the showcase and we are excited that this year’s participants have been displaying a high level of professionalism making the competition a vibrant celebration of our culture and heritage through traditional dance.
“We are now gearing up for an exciting national finals in Mutare and, with the level of showcases we have witnessed so far, it means all participants will give their all,” said Delta Corporation marketing director, Irimayi Muzorewa.
Groups which have so far booked their places in the finals include Goromonzi Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland East, Jeketera Renyaungwe (Masvingo), Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North), Katawa Dance Group (Mashonaland West), Gure Unde (Midlands), Semvumba Arts Ensemble (Manicaland) and Sekusile Dance Group (Matabeleland South).
Bulawayo is set to host its provincials at Manor Hotel on Saturday while the last preliminary will be at Tipaz Night Club in Shamva on July 5 for contestants from Mashonaland Central.
The grand prize for the overall winners has been set at US$15,000, with second and third-placed finalists receiving US$10,000 and US$7,500, respectively.
This year’s finals are running under the theme, “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane.”
