adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
RECENTLY crowned Chibuku Neshamwari winners, Makarekare dance group from Murewa, say the key to their win on Saturday was originality, training and dedication to their art.
Performing the Mbende dance, the group formed last year to preserve culture, beat nine others at a national traditional dance competition held at White City Stadium in Bulawayo.
Chinyakare (Mashonaland Central) and Budiriro Arts (Mashonaland West) took second and third positions respectively.
Makarekare, a 15-member group pocketed $4,000 which they will use to buy more instruments and costumes.
The group’s manager, Willard Muchapondwa said the secret behind their success was long hours of rehearsing dances that they were familiar with.
“I believe we won because we rehearse a lot and perform dances that we’re familiar with. Mbende is from our home area and people are familiar with it. So teaching group members how to dance Mbende is easy as it’s embedded in our culture. We’re determined to remain the best in the country,” said Muchapondwa.
He said when they entered the Chibuku Neshamwari competition, they did not expect to win as they were competing against veteran groups who have been in the entertainment industry for years.
“We formed the group last year in Murewa to preserve our culture through the arts.
“Little did we know we would emerge winners of such a celebrated competition. This is quite a big achievement for us,” he said.
The group’s focus is now on commercialising their acts.
“We hope to deliver quality performances in the future so our prize money will be used on instruments and costumes.
“We want to package our acts well with professional sets,” said Muchapondwa.
Other groups that participated at the national competition which was for the first time held in Bulawayo, were Jahunda Community Arts (Matabeleland South), Gango (Masvingo), Wundi Zambia (Midlands), Shingayi (Harare), Umkhankaso Wamajaha (Matabeleland North), Dhumatasangana (Manicaland) and Ezimnyama dance group (Bulawayo).
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter