Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE iconic Mbende Jerusarema dance is set to dominate the Mashonaland East Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance provincial finals tomorrow.
Five of the ten competing groups will showcase variations of the dance.
The finals will be held at Camp and Caravan in Murehwa.
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 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.The Matabeleland South provincial finals are set for Saturday.
A total of ten groups will compete at Colleen Bawn Beer Hall.
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 set-ups and are bringing original Matabeleland South dances from their respective communities,” he said.
