Chronicle Editor
Showbiz Reporter
With Bulawayo province preparing to close the 2024 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival provincial finals this weekend, event organisers have announced that the national finals will be heading to Masvingo province.
The finals, set for July 27, will take place at Mucheke Stadium, where 10 traditional dance groups from the country’s provinces will battle it out for top honours.
So far, provincial competitions have been held in nine provinces, with Bulawayo preparing to host its finals at Phekiwe Bar on Saturday. Ten groups will vie for the golden spot to represent the city.
Event organisers, Delta Beverages, said: “Preparations are well underway for the Chibuku Neshamwari national finals to be held on July 27 at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo. The finale promises an exhilarating showdown as 10 groups vie for the top prize.”
They said the provincial finals held thus far have garnered significant attendance.
“They have sparked enthusiasm among our consumers, creating valuable sales opportunities for the hosting outlets. Additionally, they have showcased a variety of talented competing artists.”
Shortlisted groups from provincial finals are Nyaungwe Dance Group (Mashonaland East), Bolamba (Matabeleland South), Pezhuba Pachena (Matabeleland North), Dzimbahwe Nengoma (Mashonaland Central), Culture Warriors (Harare), Gango (Masvingo), Mkango (Midlands), Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensemble (Manicaland) and Budiriro Arts (Mashonaland West).
The group that comes out on top will receive US$15 000, with US$10 000 and US$7 500 set aside for the groups that take second and third place, respectively. Attendees of the finals will be treated to a double dose of entertainment as Jah Prayzah, Killer T and Tocky Vibes have been lined up to perform at the after-party.
Entrance will be free for all, giving those in the host province a rare opportunity to watch the country’s top artistes perform live at no cost. The 2024 edition is being held under the theme Tamba Tione, Gida Sibone!
The competition, held in collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association, promises an exhilarating display of talent and cultural pride on the day.
Online Reporter