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Mathew Masinge
MUREWA’S Nyaungwe Arts Production dance group have won this year’s edition of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival.
They have taken the prestigious gong for a record fifth time.
The 15-member group won the competition in 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2024.
They showcased the Mbende (Jerusarema) dances and shrugged off competition from nine other contestants at the finals held at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.
Nyaungwe Arts Production were rewarded with a US$15 000 cheque by organisers, Delta Corporation.
Harare’s Culture Warriors came second while last year’s winners Dapurahunanzva took third place. For their efforts, both groups pocketed US$10 000 and US$7 500 each respectively.
“We are excited to win the prestigious dance title for the fifth time.
“It was a tough battle against a number of previous winners and I thank every member of the team for showing determination and skill on stage,” said the Nyaungwe Arts Production secretary, Mattersettled Nyikadzino.
Nyikadzino said their dream is to showcase their dance around the world.
“Our wish is to show the world our cultural dance practices, we have made it locally and now our focus is to try and perform at different cultural festivals in neighbouring countries,” he said.
The group said they have been running a number of projects, including poultry and small-scale farming, at their base in Murewa.
They also run a mentorship programme at a number of schools in Murewa.
Organisers, Delta Corporation, commended the level of competition among participants.
“It has been a wonderful journey to the national finals and we say congratulations to the people of Mashonaland East,” said Delta Corporation marketing director Irimayi Muzorewa.
“We had an exciting final and we thank every participant who made their shot at the grand prize.
“As a brand, we are happy to continue associating ourselves in preserving all cultural practices within the scope of the competition and pledge to grow it bigger in the next edition.
“To our customers in Masvingo, we say thank you.”
It was also the day when superstar Jah Prayzah returned to the Masvingo stage with an electric performance during the after party.
The lanky star churned out hit songs including Goto, Mdhara Vachauya, Chiremerera and Chimwe Nechimwe.
Dancehall star Killer T also made waves with his “Kana Ndanyura” hit song by running the dance challenge on stage.
He also took fans down memory lane performing old songs.
Tocky Vibes, who was the first on stage, also had a good performance.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter