Online Reporter
Mathew Masinge
THE search for the top traditional dance group has gathered momentum as four groups have so far booked their participation at this year’s Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival finals.
Katawa Traditional Dance ensemble, from Zvimba North, are the latest additions after booking a spot at a preliminary round held in Banket at the weekend.
The Mashonaland West-based group hogged the limelight with an explosive Mhande dance routine to secure their spot at next month’s national finals.
They beat nine other contestants and have joined Undi Gure (Midlands), Semvumba (Manicaland) and Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North), who have also booked their spot to the national finals.
All the groups took home US$2 500.
At the Mashonaland West contest, Zhandu Kanyandu were the first runners-up while Rimuka Stars were the second runners-up with their Zambia Nyau.
The two groups walked away US$1 500 and US$1 000 richer.
Katawa Traditional Dance group leader, Tatenda Tagarira, said they were now setting their eyes on the big prize.
“We overcame the first hurdle, which is booking our spot at the national finals, and what’s next is for us to perfect our art so that we impress the judges at the national finals.
“Congrats to my crew and we dedicate the success to the people of Zvimba North,” said Tagarira.
He said they also use their group to fight drug and substance abuse in their community. “We formed our group as a way to fight the scourge of drug and substance abuse while also taking a proactive action in guarding against cultural colonisation.
“We also have a responsibility to safeguard and promote our culture to ensure that our children also receive it and pass it down from generations to generations,” he said.
dyton mupawaenda
Online Reporter