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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
FAST paced, energetic and well choreographed are words that fittingly describe the dance group Sungura Masters.
The youthful group has made a name for itself in dance circles to such an extent that they are now being hired by musicians to support their acts during their shows.
Their most famous supporting act was when they upstaged sungura legend Alick Macheso during a show at Jabula Inn two years ago.
The then six-member group comprising three males and three female dancers showed why their name suggests superiority to other groups with highly energetic dances that brought cheers from fans that had come to see Extra Basso.
The men did the famous Borrowdale Dance at breakneck speed with Extra Basso and Mberikwazvo watching the action closely.
The group last year had a successful tour of South Africa where they held 32 shows and made a name for themselves.
They were in South Africa courtesy of Killen Golide Tshuma and Bhekimpilo “Mr Breeze” Siziba.
Next month the group is going back to South Africa to record a DVD with Mr Breeze in Hillbrow.
The DVD recording is for the song Chigaro Changu. But who are Sungura Masters? This week Saturday Leisure (SL) spoke to the group (SM) about their tour and what the future holds.
The group comprises Yolanda Moyo 20, Buhlebenkosi Ncube, 21, Thandeka Mabhena, 21, Lizwilenkosi Nyoni, 23, Nesbet Nzou, 24, Celesani Ndlovu, 27 and Dumisani Ndlovu, 29.
SL: When did you meet?
SM: We met on September 23, 2010 at the Siziba Youth Centre. We saw each other dance and we liked what we saw from each other and then we grouped. Some of us live in the same neighbourhood and by virtue of that we teamed up.
SL: How is the entertainment industry for you?
SM: We are at work. Dancing is not a side thing we do or a hobby, but it is something that we take seriously. So when we are on stage we give it our best and then we dance our hearts out. This art form puts food on our table.
SL Obviously for the girls in the group your parents had misgivings about what you were doing, have they accepted your form of employment?
SM: Yes you know they were at first sceptical about what we were doing but now they have accepted what we do. In fact their attitude changed after we went to South Africa to tour there with Mr Breeze, which is when they saw that what we are doing was bearing fruit.
SL: Where do you want to take Sungura Masters?
SM: We want to take Sungura Masters to levels that no one in Zimbabwe can achieve. We know that there is no group in Zimbabwe that can challenge us in terms of dancing. That is why we call ourselves Sungura Masters; we are the top sungura dance group in the country.
SL: Where does Sungura Masters practise their dance moves?
SM: We practise every day at Njube Youth Centre. This is because we have shows over the weekend at places such as Xtreme Lounge and we want to be in top shape for shows. As we said before we take dancing as a business and that is why we have a company called Sungura Masters.
Online Reporter