Online Reporter
Mathew Masinge
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
HEAVYWEIGHT artists Jah Prayzah and Alick Macheso have been roped in to perform at this year’s Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance festival grand finale in Mutare.
The two superstars need no introduction to the Chibuku stage and they are expected to bring fireworks at the finals slated for July 19 at Mutare Showgrounds.
The festival, which showcases various cultural practices, will also feature Zimdancehall hitmaker Enzo Ishall and The Vibrant Band.
Jah Prayzah’s camp has confirmed their participation at the prestigious event.
Jah Prayzah will be fresh off his Canada tour which is coming up on July 11 and 12.
For Macheso, the trip to Mutare is yet another chapter to take his shows around the country.
“Tisangane pa Mutare apo kumakomoyo varungu, mabhozida edu. Tichave nenguva yakanaka batikirai tifare tese.
“I am ready to empower young artists in Manicaland and share the success of the industry,” said Alick Macheso. Delta Corporation marketing director, Irimayi Muzorewa, said they were looking forward to an exciting after-party in Mutare.
“I can confirm that we are up for an exciting event in Mutare as we host this year’s Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival.
“The participants have been displaying their highest level of talent come July 19,” said Muzorewa. Nine provincial finalists have already booked their places at this year’s grand finale, which promises to be an exciting outing emphasising the integration of diverse cultural aspects.
Groups which have so far booked their places 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 (Manicalaand) and Sekusile Dance Group (Matabeleland South), Green Stars Dance Troupe (Harare) and Sekunjalo MaAfrica from Bulawayo.
A winner from Mashonaland Central is expected to be crowned this Saturday at Tapaz Night Club in Shamva.
Hosted by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), this year’s final is running under the theme; “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane.”
