adminThe Entumbane-based ensemble won a ticket to represent Bulawayo province at the annual traditional dance competition after outclassing nine other hopeful groups in the city.
In an interview, director of the group, Blessing Chakomoka, said his group had begun preparing for the national finals where the crème de la crème from the country’s 10 provinces would all be eyeing the first place position.
“Preparations for the national finals are on track now and we started rehearsals yesterday (Tuesday) and we will continue until we leave for Harare on Thursday next week,” said Chakomoka.
He said he would be travelling with the 14-member group to the finals where he promised they would strive to bring the first prize to Bulawayo.
“We are working hard and we are promising that we would do our best to bring the first prize to Bulawayo,” he said.
Imvimbi Arts was founded in 2001 before splitting in 2004 after a mass exodus of band members who moved across the Limpopo in search of greener pastures.
Chakomoka said the group specialises in a number of dances such as mutshongoyo, amabhiza, gumboot and classic dances.
The competition will be held at the traditional venue, Harare Gardens and the group which comes out victorious will pocket $4 000, while the first runner-up will walk away with $3 000 and the second runner-up will walk away $2 000 richer.
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional competition is an initiative of Delta Beverages in collaboration with the National Arts Council whose main objective is to promote the appreciation and development of ethnic traditional dances in Zimbabwe.
The competition seeks to showcase over 40 different African dances in Zimbabwe among them isitshikitsha, imbube, jerusarema, nyau, chimutare, dinhe, mbakumba, mhande and ngororombe.
The festival, which started in Zaka, Masvingo province, is marking its 47th anniversary this year.
Last year, Villa One from Harare was crowned the 2011 national winners ahead of Umkhathi Theatre Works from Bulawayo.
The provincial finals, which began on 6 June,are held every year culminating in the national finals that take place in Harare every September.
Online Reporter