Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
FOR the first time in many years, Manicaland will host the Chibuku Neshamwari national finals next Saturday — a potentially-scintillating contest pitting 10 traditional dance groups from across the country.
Also, this will be for the first time in history, where biggest artistes in the country — Jah Prayzah and Alick Macheso will share the stage in Mutare.
The country’s two sought-after musicians will share the stage alongside Zim-dancehall sensation, Enzo Ishall in an day-long event that will be full of festivities.
The event will be held at Mutare Showgrounds along Magamba Road. It starts at 10am and the artistes will perform from 6pm when the main contest ends.
Manicaland will be represented by Semvumba Arts Ensemble.
Midlands will be represented by Undi Gure, who are expected to showcase Zambia Nyau, while Mashonaland West will be represented by Katawa Traditional Dance who will dance to Mhande.
Matabeleland North will be represented by Imvimbi Arts from Victoria Falls, with Umzansi Dance.
Masvingo will be represented by Jeketera Renyaungwe, who will showcase the Mbira dance, while Matabeleland South will be represented by Sekusile Dance Group (Isitshikisa dance).
Mashonaland East will be represented by Goromonzi Arts, while Harare will be represented by Grean Stars Dance who will dance to Malawi Nyau.
Who is Semvumba Arts Ensemble?
The name of the group is inspired by the timeless wisdom of ancestors, who used the Shona proverb, Kurwa semvumba, which means to fight like a wildebeest, as a rallying cry to motivate and empower each other in the face of adversity.
For generations, this powerful metaphor has been a beacon of hope and resilience, urging people to confront life’s challenges with unwavering determination and strength.
The group adopted the name as a testament to their commitment to harnessing the power of art to drive positive change and overcome the social and economic hurdles that communities face.
The group was formed on March 12, 2024 by group leader, Takudzwa Matete, with the aim of using performing arts to address social issues.
Semvumba Arts Ensemble comprises 23 members, including 10 ladies.
The group’s primary objectives are to preserve and promote Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage through vibrant performances, showcasing the country’s rich traditions, and to educate audiences about pressing social issues, such as drug abuse, child marriages, and community violence, through powerful storytelling and dance.
Moreover, the ensemble aims to empower young people to become agents of positive change within their communities, fostering self-esteem, confidence, and cultural identity.
Although this will be the group’s inaugural performance at a traditional dance event of such magnitude, some members are seasoned performers, having participated in notable festivals and competitions, including Jikinya Festivals, NAPH, and NASH, during their primary and high school years.
For the national finals, the ensemble will perform the Dinhe dance, a traditional celebration of a bountiful harvest, also known as Mhembero Dinhe dance.
“We chose this dance because it is lesser-known in Manicaland, and we wanted to showcase its beauty and significance. By performing the Dinhe dance, we aim, not only to entertain, but also to educate our audience about the rich cultural heritage of our community,” said Matete.
On their strategy for the national competition, Matete added: “We are humbled and overjoyed to have won the provincial competition on our first attempt! It is an honour to represent Manicaland at the national contest. As we prepare, we have intensified our training, perfected our choreography, and fine-tuned our performances to ensure a flawless execution on stage.
“Additionally, we have been engaging with local communities to amplify our message, build a stronger support base, and inspire others to join the fight against social ills. Our goal is, not only to excel in the competition, but to leave a lasting impact that resonates with audiences nationwide.”
