Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The iconic Mbende Jerusarema dance is set to dominate proceedings at the Mashonaland East Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance provincial finals, taking place on Saturday, where five of the ten competing groups will showcase variations of the historic performance.
The finals will be held at Camp and Caravan in Murehwa, bringing together some of the province’s most vibrant traditional dance groups in a celebration of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
This year’s participating groups include Marondera Gule (Nyau), Marondera Prison (Mbende), Nzwananai TD (Kwinimbi), Tayedza TD (Jekunje), Zvemberi Arts Unlimited (Mbende), Toitamba Yamangwende (Jiti), Mutoko Prison (Mbende), Vimbiso TD (Mbende), Murehwa Prison (Mbende) and Dzamwauruka (Mbira).
Mbende Jerusarema, which originates from the Murehwa and Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP) communities, is recognised as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The Murehwa Culture Centre serves as its reference point for safeguarding and preservation.
The dance, historically known as “dembe” or “mbende” (meaning “mole” in Shona), is rooted in themes of fertility and community expression, and remains one of the most widely performed traditional dances in the region.
Meanwhile, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival continues to gain momentum nationwide, with the Matabeleland South provincial finals also set for Saturday. A total of ten groups will compete at Colleen Bawn Beer Hall under the theme “Siyakhal’ Is’gubhu Mngane”, with five emerging ensembles adding fresh energy to the competition. The participating groups are Bolamba Culture Birds, Blanket Mine Ben Arinot, Mgijima Dance Group, All Purpose Cultural Dance Group, Blanket Mine Chioda, Insukamini Dance Group, Iphupho Lethu Dance Group, ZPCS Beitbridge, UFasimba Dance Group and Siyabangena Dance Group.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) Matabeleland South provincial arts manager Percy Vela said the rise in new entrants reflects growing interest and competitiveness in the traditional arts sector.
“Ten groups have registered for the competition this year. We’re excited to have five new groups join the Chibuku Neshamwari competition, a positive development for the province. Matobo district has contributed two groups, while Mzingwane district has brought in three groups,” said Vela.
He added that most of the participating groups are drawn from rural communities and are expected to present authentic traditional dances unique to their areas.
“All the groups are coming from rural setups and are bringing original Matabeleland South dances from their respective communities,” he said.
– Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
