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YARIRA Ngoma Traditional Dance Group will represent Harare at the 60th edition of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance finals.
The festival reaches its climax on July 29 with 10 groups, each from the country’s 10 provinces, now expected to battle for honours at Harare Gardens.
Yarira Ngoma exhibited Chinyambera dances, which originate within the Karanga people of Masvingo, and were mainly used in appreciation of men after hunting and gathering.
In an interview, Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association leader Kennedy Kachuruka said focus is now on the finals.
“We are done with the preliminary rounds and now shift focus on the national finals.
“As we alluded to earlier, the level of competition has grown, and we are excited that the festival continues to impact and encourage our people to preserve our heritage.
“All the best to all the 10 participants, let the preparations for the finals begin,” said Kachuruka.
For booking their place at the finals, the group walked away with US$2 500.
Runners-up Green Stars got US$1 500 and Akumpanyira received US$1 000 for their efforts.
The festival, which is bankrolled by Delta Beverages, celebrates 60 years of existence, having grown from hosting its first final at Mbuya Musodzi hall in Mbare. Some of the dances set to be showcased at the national finals include Muchongoyo, Chihoda Tonga, Umzansi, Beni Arinoti and Mbende, among others.
Winners at the national finals will get US$15 000, US$10 000 for second place, and US$7 500 for third place. Organisers are yet to announce the line-up of top artists to perform during the after-party.
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge