Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts ,Entertainment Hub
Fresh from winning the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance provincial finals for Masvingo province, Chivi-based arts ensemble Jeketera Renyaungwe is now eyeing the big prize at national level.
With the top prize money of US$15 000 at stake, the 15-member dance group is optimistic about their chances, given their preparedness.
Last weekend, they outclassed nine other groups at the provincial finals held at Maisazanengere Beer Hall in Chiredzi.
Dzimbadzemabwe came in second, while Darerimwe was voted third.
At the provincial level, the winners receive US$2 500, while second and third places are guaranteed US$1 500 and US$1 000, respectively.
At the national level, the overall winners will take home US$15 000, with second and third-place finalists receiving US$10 000 and US$7 500 respectively.
For their triumph, Jeketera Renyaungwe joins other groups that have advanced to the national finals, including Imvimbi Arts from Victoria Falls (Matabeleland North), Katawa Dance Group from Raffingora (Mashonaland West), Gure Unde from Gweru, and Mutare-based Dinhe experts Semvumba Arts Ensemble.
In an interview, Prince Mutsauki, the spokesperson for Jeketera Renyaungwe, expressed their ambitious hopes.
“We are happy to have made it to the national finals, and we are now aiming for the big prize at the national level. We are confident that we have what it takes to win, judging by our preparedness.
“It was clear we were going to win the Masvingo provincial finals based on our readiness,” Mutsauki emphasised.
“Everything was on point, from wardrobe to choreography and the overall performance of the group. We have a strong desire to excel, and we are proud that our hard work has finally paid off.”
Mutsauki noted that they will not rest on their laurels after last weekend’s triumph.
“We are busy with rehearsals as a group. What unites us is that we come from the same village, making it easier for members to meet and rehearse as a team. We are simply doing what we love; dance is a calling for us.
“I would like to thank everyone who is supporting us, and we promise not to disappoint at the national level,” he added.
Conceived by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), this year’s festival has seen heightened competition due to the substantial prize money at stake.
True to this year’s theme, “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’s gubhu Mngane,” the provincial finals have progressed smoothly, with all participants not leaving empty-handed.
Losing finalists have received consolation prizes during the provincial finals, which are currently in full swing.
The search for the Mashonaland East representative will take place on June 14 at Padhana Sports Bar in Mutoko.
The representative for Matabeleland South will also be selected on June 14 at Malaxo Beerhall in Beitbridge.
In Harare, Hurudza Beer Hall in Mabvuku will host its provincial finals on June 24, while the Manor Hotel will host the Bulawayo finals on the same day. Tipaz Night Club in Shamva will host the Mashonaland Central finals on July 5. For over 60 years, the festival has served as a beacon of traditional arts, revitalising indigenous dance forms and empowering local communities. As the festival progresses, each province will showcase its unique cultural identity through dance, with competitions held at various venues. Last year, Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland East stole the spotlight with a breathtaking performance of the Mbende dance, clinching the national title at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.
The group is expected to perform at the 2025 edition, where they will certainly pass the crown to new champions.
Thus, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival not only provides a platform for cultural expression and preservation, but also offers significant economic opportunities for participating groups.
