adminSimbarashe Mutizwa Showbiz Reporter
2014 Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Festival Bulawayo province winners Sekunjalo MaAfrika dance group have promised to bring back the national champions’ trophy to Bulawayo.Umkhathi Theatre won the national finals last year and Sekunjalo yesterday said they were going all out to ensure they bring the trophy back home.
Last month, Sekunjalo MaAfrika dance group made its first appearance at this year’s Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Festival provincial competitions and did not settle for less as they scooped the first prize. They shrugged off competition from eight groups and reserved a place for themselves at the national finals being held at the Glamis Arena in Harare in August.
The traditional dance group was founded in 2012 in Bulawayo’s New Magwegwe suburb by Arnold Ndebele – a man who was passionate about the arts. The 24-year-old Mahatshula-based artiste, who is now the group’s director, began his career at Dumezweni Primary School where he was in the drama and traditional dance club.
After school, he decided to develop his career by joining Ingwenyama Arts in 2009 before moving to Kwabatsha Arts in 2010.
His stay at Kwabatsha Arts was not a smooth one as he had a vision, but unfortunately had no one to share it with as he was the youngest group member.
“When I was at Kwabatsha Arts, I realised that I differed with my group members as I had a vision that was totally different from theirs. I was the youngest then and people rarely ever listened to me and my ideas,” he said.
After realising he had gained experience and could stand on his own, Ndebele decided to separate with Kwabatsha to set up his own dance group. That is when Sekunjalo MaAfrika was born.
The group boasts of 13 young, artistic and energetic members including Priscilla Mthunzi, Noreen Munyemwa, Nontokozo Maseko, Brian Moyo, Caroline Phiri, Stanford Bayana, Patience Dliwayo, Mgcini Ndlovu, John Shoko, Mziyoxolo Netha, Andile Moyo, Brandon Moyo and Arnold Ndebele.
Now four years later, his group has emerged as the Bulawayo province Chibuku Neshamwari victors, beating renowned groups.
“When I started my group, I used the same dances I had learnt from the previous groups I was in. Sekunjalo MaAfrika does traditional and modern dances including umtshongoyi, stapa, mbakumba, chinyambire, mhande, umzansi, isitshikitsha and amantshomane,” Ndebele said.
He said preparations for the Chibuku Neshamwari national finals were progressing well. The group is raising funds for the trip to Harare and costumes through performing at weddings, corporate functions and school events.
“We are preparing for the finals and raising resources for the trip to Harare. We hope to purchase costumes fit for the competition as our group has to be presentable,” he said.
Online Reporter