Manicaland Chibuku Neshamwari competition set for ...

Manicaland Chibuku Neshamwari competition set for Chipinge

Zim Now Writer

This year’s Manicaland provincial competition of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance festival are set for Dzonzai Bar in Chipinge on Saturday.

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe provincial manager for Manicaland, Caroline Makoni said all is set for the competition.

Sponsored by Delta Corporation through its Chibuku brand, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival competition is organised by NACZ and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dances Association and has been running since 1963.

“All is set for the provincial finals on July 8, 2023, at Dzonzai Beerhall. A total of 10 dance groups will battle it out at the provincial finals. Winners will pocket US$2 500, second prize is US$1 500 and the third prize is US$1 000,” she said.

This years’ edition marks the competition’s sixtieth anniversary and is running under the theme: “Bira Remadhanzi, 60 Years Sithokozisa Ngezomgido!”

Groups that will battle it out for US$2 500 prize money and a ticket to the national competitions are Black Arrows from Nyanga (Mhande dance), Chivaraidze from Chipinge prisons (Muchongoyo), Dhumatasangana from Mutare, (Jerusarema mbende), Charurwa from Mutare (Muchongoyo), Marymount College from Mutare (Mhongo dance), Watyemhembwe from Buhera (Jaka ), Makoni dance group from Makoni (Jaka), Mbiriyakare from Mutasa (Mangoni dance), Redwing Beni Arinote from Mutasa (Beni Arinote) and Gure Wamkulu from Mutasa ( Zambia gure dance).

The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional dance Festival was launched in 1957 with the first edition held at Mai Musodzi Hall in Mbare.

Mutare-based group, Dapurahunanzva won the 2022 national festival.
This year’s national winners will pocket US$15 000, second-placed group US$10 000 while the third-placed group will get US$7 500.

Makoni said she is expecting a better and improved festival this year.

“We envisage a marked improvement in the competition compared to previous editions. Many heavyweights will be participating in the competition. May the best dance group win,” she said.

The two remaining provincial competitions are for Matabeleland South which will be held on July 8 at Malaxo Beerhall in Beitbridge and Harare on July 15 at Makomo Bar in Epworth.