adminArts Correspondent
Traditional dance is culturally important in Zimbabwe and when different groups meet for a performances excitement, competition and thrills are always expected.
For years now there has been a competition for the traditional dance groups known as Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Competition, which has brought together various groups of many traditional styles.
The Neshamwari Dance Festival is targeted at dance groups and was aimed at practising and preserving traditional dances through this festival.
On Saturday, thrills, joy and surprises are expected when nine districts in Mashonaland East clash at the provincial competition at Murewa Cocktail Bar in Murewa.
About 10 groups from the province will be battling for supremacy as the winner will make it to the finals that will be held in Harare.
At last year’s event Jerusarema/Mbende group Ngoma Dzepasi from the same province won the competition at national level.
The same group will give merry makers and guests entertainment as the guest performer. Several groups have benefited from the competition as they have won several prices and exposure in the arts industry.
The programme has managed to preserve Zimbabwe’s rich dance culture. Delta Beverages through its Chibuku brand is the main sponsor of the event that has been initiated by Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe provincial programmes officer for Mashonaland East Ernest Njaravani said they were preparing for the big event in the province.
Every year winners of the competition at provincial level clash at national level with groups fighting for supremacy in the prestigious event.
Online Reporter