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Online Reporter
THE Chamba Chamakolo Nyau Cultural Festival that will be held in Mufakose, Harare, on September 29 seeks to demystify some of the negative aspects that are associated with the Nyau traditional dance.
Gule Wamkulu dancers are often viewed as a secretive and ritualistic society. They also have a reputation for violence.
Notice Tinei Mazura, one of the organisers of the festival, invited culture enthusiasts to come and learn more about the Chewa culture.
“We are often portrayed as backward, uneducated and violent. Some people even believe that we are wizards.”
“We are therefore inviting people to come and learn more about our culture. Those that are going to attend will leave the venue with different perceptions,” Mazura said.
Kennedy Kachuruka, the president of both the Gule Wamkulu Dance Association and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association gave a brief historical background of the Nyau dance.
“This dance originated from Malawi. It is just like any other traditional dance like Mbakumba. Our reputation was tarnished by copycat groups that are committing crime whilst hiding behind our culture,” Kachuruka said.
Apart from Mufakose-based groups, Nyau dancers from Chitungwiza, Stoneridge and Domboshava, among other places, are set to perform.
Online Reporter