adminFor their efforts Imvimbi Arts walked away with $500.
In second place were 2010 provincial winners Kwabatsha Dance Company and third place went to Chimtale Dance Group, walking away with $300 and $200 respectively.
Thandanani Dance Ensemble, who were the 2007 national winners, came fourth.
Imvimbi Arts were doing the mchongoyo dance and the judges gave them the ticket to represent the province in the national finals. The judges were former Amakhosi artiste Fortune Ruzungunde, Sikhangele Masunda from ZBC and Petros Mabhena, a lecturer in art at the United College of Education.
Speaking after the announcement, director of the group, Blessed Chakomoka, promised to bring the national crown home.
He said this was the second time participating in the competition.
“The last time we were in the competition was in 2004. We are happy that we won and all the hard work has paid off. We shall work hard in practising and we want to assure the people of Bulawayo that we shall bring back the crown,” said Chakomoka.
He said the 13-member group are into the arts full-time and practise at Entumbane Hall.
“The group broke up after 2004 when other members went to South Africa to pursue greener pastures. We then regrouped last year and we decided to compete this year. We practise at Entumbane Hall,” said Chakomoka.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe programmes officer, William Nyandoro, said they wished the best for Imvimbi arts. He said the competition was good and groups showed that they had practised.
“The level of competition was high and we as National Arts are satisfied. We shall continue supporting this initiative with our partners Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association and Delta Beverages to enhance culture,” said Nyandoro.
Other groups that participated in the competition were Ziyawa Community Rehabilitation Initiative Entertainment, Ezimnyama Dance Group, Minana Brothers, Umdada Group, Blanket Mine, Ingwenyama Arts and Lilizela Dance Group. They did dances such as mzansi, isitshikitsha, imbube and nyau.
Chibuku Neshamwari is coordinated by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in conjunction with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association. It is sponsored by Delta Corporation through the Chibuku traditional beer brand.
The traditional dance festival seeks to promote the appreciation and development of ethnic traditional dances found in Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter