Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
KATAWA Arts group, a traditional dance outfit from Zvimba North, has set sights on winning the Chibuku Neshamwari national finals and use the opportunity to revive the state of cultures before the colonial era.
The group, which will represent Mashonaland West Province at the national finals set for Mutare on July 19, has revealed that it intends to revive and popularise traditional dances that were used by forefathers and ancestors.
Founder of the group Tagarira Tatenda said he formed the initiative last year and hopes it will play it’s part in uplifting traditional dance to back in the days.
“I formed the group in 2024 and we now boast of young, energetic and talented 30 members. Our objectives include mainly preserving our culture and making the arts sector a professional field where artistes have a sustainable source of income.
“We performed Mhande because it shows how our ancestors used to communicate with Zame before whites came,” he said.
He said there are hands on the deck in ensuring that the province claims the top prize.
“We are so excited about winning in the preliminary rounds and this has boosted the youths as they will now believe there is life in dancing traditional dances.
“We are going to undergo massive training, research more on the dance so that we win,” said Tagarira.
Katawa Arts group are set to face off with other groups that have qualified for the national finals that include Sekusile Dance group (Matabeleland South), Goromonzi Arts (Mashonaland East), Jeketera Renyaungwe (Midlands), Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North), Katawa Dance Group (Mashonaland West), Gure Unde (Midlands) and Semvumba Arts Ensemble (Manicaland).
The journey continues with upcoming provincial finals set for Harare at Hurudza Beer Hall, Mabvuku (June 24), Bulawayo at Manor Hotel (June 24), and Mashonaland Central at Tipaz Night Club, Shamva (July 5).
At the provincial level, winners will receive US$2500, while second and third places are guaranteed US$1500 and US$1000, respectively.
At the national level, overall winners will take home US$15000, while second and third place finalists will receive US$10000 and US$7500, respectively. For over 60 years, the festival has been a beacon of traditional arts, revitalising indigenous dance forms and empowering local communities.
As the festival progresses, each province will highlight 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 aim to 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.
