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Reckson Mandizvidza Entertainment Reporters
Nyau dancers proved to be a force to reckon with recently when they took all the top spots during the Midlands Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival competitions.
The provincials finals which were held at Zaire Gardens in Mkoba 6 in Gweru saw the three top spots being taken by Zikuvave Zambia from Kwekwe who took the pole position, followed by Zikuvave Gure Malawi from Zvishavane while on third place was Maglas Chimutare from Zvishavane, all being groups who specialize in Nyau dances.
Although the competition was stiff, with more that seven performers from different districts vying for the top spot and the privilege to represent the province in the national finals, the Nyau ensembles proved to be a real force as they produced spellbinding performances and managed to sweep the top posts. Organisers and sponsors of the event, Delta Corporations through their Marketing Manager Patricia Murambinda said they were happy with how the event transpired.
“We are truly happy with the outcome of the event.
“The overall picture is that there was a significant improvement in as far as performances were concerned, the groups which were present really proved to have done their homework.
“It was a successful event which also marked and guaranteed upkeep of our traditional dances and performances,” said Murambinda.
Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association Director Kennedy Kachuruka said although the event was a success there were concerns that some of the traditional performances were facing the danger of extinction.
“The event was truly amazing as different groups presented different styles but the concern was that some of the performances were not really up to scratch and as much as we are trying to safeguard our heritage there is a looming danger of some of these practices fading out.
“As custodians of traditional performances we have already lined up a number of workshops where we will rope in experts in the different dances so that our artistes can learn a thing or two as we fight to keep our heritage alive,” he said. To date most of the provinces have already held their finals with only three provinces left, Harare included with its finals set to take place on the July 28.
Winners from all the provinces will clash in the national finals which have been pegged for August 23 in Harare Gardens.
Online Reporter