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Obey Sibanda Entertainment Correspondent
THE usually sleepy mining town of Gwanda was on Saturday a hive of activity with hundreds of people thronging the town to witness How Mine Chihoda group win the Chibuku Neshamwari Provincial Dance Competition. By 12pm hundreds of people had already gathered at an open space at Colleen Bawn’s business centre to witness the cultural dance extravaganza.
A local group Bolamba was the first to take to the stage with their Mchichimba cultural dance.
Second on the stage were Izothamlilo with Amajukwa, then Ngiyesaba with Mchongoyo followed by the winners of traditional dance competition, How Mine Chihoda.
How Mine Gure and Bulambo, a group from Gwanda, came second and third respectively.
How Mine Chihoda as winners walked away with $600, the second and third run up walked away with $400 and $300, respectively.
The other groups went home with $100 for taking part in the event.
How Mine Chihoda sent the crowd into a delirium because of their bodily movements.
Speaking on the sidelines of the gathering, president of Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA) Kennedy Kachuchu said he was happy that the event was a success.
“The event was a success as evidenced by the number of participants. Only one group out of the 10 did not come to participate at this year’s festival due to financial constrains. We also like to thank Delta Beverages for spearheading the program and for partnering with us. The event was not going to be same without them,” said Kachuchu.
Inqama Yophondo last year’s provincial winners performed as the guest group and were given $200, as a token of appreciation.
ZNDTA president said the purpose of the show was to motivate artists so that they keep themselves geared for other competitions.
“The purpose is to give audience entertainment at the same time conscientising them with the importance of culture,” he said.
Online Reporter