Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
Ten diverse dance groups are set to compete in the 2024 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival’s Matabeleland South provincial finals tomorrow.
The event, known for its vibrant celebration of culture through traditional dance, will take place at Collen Bar, located just a few kilometres from Gwanda.
This year’s festival, organised in collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), carries the spirited theme “Tamba Tione, Gida Sibone!” which translates to “Dance so we can see, dance for us to watch!”
The 10 groups will showcase a variety of traditional dances, promising a day filled with cultural richness and entertainment. Participants include Siyabangena performing the Muchongoyo dance, Rural Arts in Motion with the Ijukwa dance and Inqama Yophondo presenting the Amabhiza dance. Bolamba Performing Arts will perform the Setape dance, while Blanket Mine Chiwoda brings the Chihoda Yao dance to the stage.
Also competing are How Mine, dancing the Beni Arinoti and How Mine Gure, which will showcase the Zambia gure dance. The Isitshikitsha dance will be performed by the Sekusile group and the Bira dance will be presented by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Beitbridge camp.
William Ndinde, the NACZ acting communications and marketing manager, expressed excitement about the preparations.
“Everything is in place for us to host one of the first provincial finals in Matabeleland South province, coinciding with Mashonaland East. We expect another year of fun and pomp through dance.” —@mthabisi_mthire
Online Reporter