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Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
MUTARE-BASED mbakumba dance group, Dapurahunanzva out-danced nine other groups to be crowned Manicaland provincial winners at the Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Festival competitions held at Chinyausunzi Bar in Sakubva last week on Saturday.
Thrills and spills, glitz and glamour characterised Zimbabwe’s premier traditional dance competition which returned after a two-year Covid-19 induced hiatus as all groups put up top drawer performances, fighting for the coveted prize.
But there had to be one winner.
Dapurahunanzva which comprises youthful men and women showcased scintillating and well-choreographed mbakumba dances which charmed adjudicators who included Chenhaka Trust director, Taurai Moyo and arts guru, Phillip Magwati from Masvingo.
They walked away with US$2 500, while second-placed Chivaraidze Prison Dance Group from Chipinge District received US$1 500.
Perennial winners, Ben Arinoti from Redwing Mine did their best, but they were not good enough to claim the top spot and landed third position. They walked away with US$1 000.
Chivaraidze performed the Muchongoyo dance, while Redwing Mine showcased their trademark, Ben Arinoti dance.
It was not an easy task for the adjudicators to come up with the winners as all groups looked geared and well-prepared for the contest.
Dapurahunanzva will battle with other provincial winners at the national contest to be held on August 6 in Harare.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Manicaland provincial manageress, Carol Makoni said she was pleased with the highest level of competition exhibited by the Manicaland groups.
“The performances were exceptional.
“All the groups performed pretty well and this is a sign that traditional dance in Manicaland is improving with each day and there are better days ahead.
“Considering that the groups were on a sabbatical for two years, the competition lived up to its billing.
“We are confident that Dapurahunanzva will represent us well at the national finals and we wish them all the best,” she said.
One of Dapurahunanzva’s directors, Keaven Simomondo said: “We are elated with the feat.
“Team work, dedication and hard work paid off.
“It was a very tough contest and everyone was determined to win. We are extremely happy and we have started preparing for the national competitions.
“We know it will not be easy, but we will give it our best shot and bring the national crown home.”
One of the adjudicators, Moyo said it is important for groups to hire choreographers or trainers when they prepare for future competitions so that they showcase polished acts.
“The performances were good. Some of the groups showed that they invested more of their time preparing for the competition.
The winning team did very well and the team was dominated by females which is a clear testimony that they have policies that promote gender equality,” he said.
Online Reporter