Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance national finals, held last Saturday at Mutare Showgrounds, drew thousands of people from diverse backgrounds to the vibrant cultural event.
The day’s festivities featured rare live performances by 10 traditional dance groups from across the country, delighting fun lovers of all ages.
However, some parents were disappointed to discover that children under 18 were not allowed entry, as per the competition’s rules.
Despite pleas, security personnel enforced the regulation uniformly, turning away those with under age children, including those attempting to sneak past the checkpoint.
Security was impressively tight, yet courteous, with personnel handling the large crowd with resolve at both the ordinary and VIP gates.
Vendors capitalised on the festive atmosphere, selling a variety of foodstuffs and drinks, and made a killing.
The event’s energetic mood was infectious, drawing in the crowds and showcasing the richness of Zimbabwean culture.
Inside the venue, event organisers demonstrated exceptional crowd control and safety measures, earning high marks from attendees.
The prohibition of bottled alcohol within the main performance area and strategically placed barricades ensured a family-friendly environment, filled with joy, rhythm and unbridled enthusiasm.
The event planners also deserved commendation for their impeccable time management.
All the 10 dance groups completed their performances by 3.30pm, paving the way for the highly anticipated headline acts — Zimbabwean-dancehall sensation, Enzo Ishall, music icon Jah Prayzah and legendary musician Alick Macheso.
As the sun dipped behind the eastern hills, the festivities reached a fever pitch.
However, there were a few minor technical issues earlier in the day.
The stage lighting was somewhat subpar, with poorly coordinated disco and coloured lights casting erratic shadows on the performers.
Some dance groups initially appeared thrown off by the unfamiliar layout and technical setup, but to their credit, they quickly adapted and delivered commendable performances.
Enzo Ishall took to the stage first, delivering an electric performance that thrilled fans and set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Jah Prayzah and Alick Macheso proved that experience is the ultimate performer, delivering exceptional sets despite technical issues.
A power outage forced the event to rely on a generator, which distorted the sound due to unstable voltage and frequency output.
This caused amplifiers to malfunction, resulting in humming and crackling sounds that compromised the audio experience, particularly for those in the VIP section.
However, Jah Prayzah’s talent shone through, electrifying the atmosphere with his signature song “Tenda” and other hits like “Ruzhowa” and “Necessary.”
Thousands of fans sang along, undeterred by the brief showers. Power was restored just as Jah Prayzah concluded his performance, a testament to his ability to transcend adversity.
It was a blissful moment when he also performed live for the first time the two hits “Ruzhowa” and “Necessary” in Mutare, plucked from his new album “Ndini Mukudzei.”
The crowd responded with wild applause, their voices rising in unison with every chorus.
Sungura music legend, Macheso did not disappoint his fans, delivering a thrilling performance that brought the crowd to their feet.
The return of lead dancer, Majuice, after a long absence due to health issues was met with thunderous applause.
Together, Macheso and Majuice delivered a spirited show that left the audience in awe.
As the eventful day drew to a close, it was clear that everyone in attendance had something to cherish.
From vendors and dancers to revellers and visitors, each person left with unforgettable memories.
However, the evening was not without its challenges.
Motorists faced a difficult time leaving the venue, with traffic congestion bringing movement to a near standstill along Magamba Road.
The gridlock persisted well into the early hours of the morning, only easing around 4am.
Despite the main event having concluded, revellers continued to enjoy drinks and music, making the most of the unforgettable night.
The national finals, held under the scenic Murahwa Hill, will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
