Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE highly anticipated Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance festival finals kick-off tomorrow at Mutare Showgrounds, bringing together 10 elite traditional dance groups from across the country.
The event, scheduled to run from 10am till late, promises to be a thrilling spectacle of cultural excellence.
Making their debut at the finals, Manicaland representatives, Semvumba Arts Ensemble, are confident of springing a surprise despite being pitted against seasoned provincial rivals.
Semvumba Arts Ensemble leader, Takudzwa Matete expressed the group’s readiness for the contest.
“The day is upon us, and we are ready for the contest. We know it won’t be easy, but the whole group is bubbling with confidence. We are here to shake things up,” he said, further revealing that they chose to perform the Dinhe dance to showcase its beauty, cultural significance, and address pressing social issues.
“Through this performance, we aim, not only to entertain, but also to educate people about our heritage, while tackling real issues like drug abuse, child marriages, and community violence. Our goal is to empower young people to see themselves as agents of positive change through culture and storytelling,” he said.
The event will also feature performances by Undi Gure from Midlands, who will showcase Zambia Nyau, and Katawa Traditional Dance from Mashonaland West, who will perform Mhande.
Matebeleland North will be represented by Imvimbi Arts from Victoria Falls with Umzansi Dance. Masvingo will be represented by Jeketera Renyaungwe, who will showcase the Mbira dance, while Matebelenald South will be represented by Sekusile dance group (Isitshikisa dance).
Mashonaland East will be represented by Goromonzi Arts, while Harare will be represented by Grean Stars Dance who will dance to Malawi Nyau.
Formed on March 12, 2024, by its leader, Matete, Semvumba Arts Ensemble seeks to harness the power of performing arts to tackle social issues.
The 23-member group, including 10 female performers, is bursting with confidence, convinced they can pull off a stunning upset against seasoned provincial champions.
Semvumba Arts Ensemble’s primary objectives are to preserve and promote Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage through captivating performances, while showcasing the country’s vibrant traditions.
Additionally, the group seeks to educate audiences about pressing social issues, such as drug abuse, child marriages, and community violence, through impactful storytelling and dance.
The ensemble also aims to empower young people to become agents of positive change within their communities, fostering self-esteem, confidence, and cultural identity.
For the national finals, Semvumba Arts Ensemble will perform the Dinhe dance — a traditional celebration of a bountiful harvest — also known as Mhembero Dinhe dance.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Manicaland provincial manageress, Carol Makoni said the stage is set for the contest.
“We are wishing the Manicaland representatives the best. They have really done well to prepare for this contest. We have a feeling that they will do us proud. We are urging people to come in their numbers and be part of the festivities. This is more than just a competition as it is a celebration of talent, culture and community spirit. The group has shown incredible passion and dedication, and now is the time for us to rally behind them. Let us show the nation the pride and strength of Manicaland’s creative spirit. It is a historic event for us in Manicaland, and we are glad to announce that we are ready to host the event,” she said.
Top performers, Jah Prayzah, Alick Macheso and Enzo Ishall, will perform live on stage after the competition which is expected to end at 4pm.
Jah Prayzah will be taking his newly-released album, “Ndini Mukudzeyi” to his legion of fans in Mutare, while Macheso, a darling of many, will be expected to belt out hits plucked from his rich discography.
Zim-dancehall ace, Enzo Ishall, is also expected to shine on the night.
