Nine dance groups vie for place in Chibuku national finals

Last year’s provincial winners Umkhathi Theatre Works, are expected to provide entertainment in between the breaks as the guest group.

In a statement yesterday, William Nyandoro, programmes officer in the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, said all was set for the annual show which will start at 1pm.

He urged people to come in their numbers and support the dance groups.

“Groups set take part at the provincial finals include debutants Ziyawa Community Rehabilitation Initiative Entertainment, Ezimnyama Dance Group, Imvimbi Arts and Minana Brothers. 2007 national winners Thandanani Womens’ Ensemble, 2010 provincial winners Kwabatsha Dance Company, Ingwenyama Arts, Lilizela Dance Group and Chimtale Dance Group complete the line-up for Saturday’s traditional dance fiesta,” said Nyandoro.

He said dance groups will showcase various traditional dances that are found in the country.

“The groups will showcase a variety of dances found in Zimbabwe that include umchongoyo, mzansi, isitshikitsha, imbube and ndau dances,” said Nyandoro.

He said winners of the competition will walk away with $500 and qualify for the national finals set for 8 September in Harare.

“The winner will walk away with $500 and will qualify for the national finals while the second best group will get $300 with the group coming third getting $200. All the groups participating at the provincial finals will get participation fees,” said Nyandoro.

Chibuku Neshamwari is coordinated by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in conjunction with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association. It is sponsored by Delta Corporation through the Chibuku traditional beer brand.

The traditional dance festival seeks to promote the appreciation and development of ethnic traditional dances found in Zimbabwe.