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Maramure Gure on stage

Arts Reporter
Annual traditional dance competition Chibuku Neshamwari started this weekend in Harare province with stiff competition at Warren Park 1 Bar on Saturday.

More than 10 groups from the province battled it out for the top honours with Mbare-based Nyau group Maramure Gure emerging the winners.

The group walked away with $500 while second-placed Pasichigare of Glen Norah pocketed $300 and Kondanani of Dzivarasekwa went home with $200 for clinching the third position.

For years the competition that has been held in collaboration between Delta Beverages, Zimbabwe Traditional Dancers Association and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has brought not only excitement and thrills, but respect for local culture and heritage.

It has managed to bring different dances together, giving people a glimpse of how elders used to entertain as well as convey several messages through dance.

In some social events different cultures can be identified through traditional dance.

The Maramure leader was ecstatic for winning the competition, saying it was just the beginning as they seek to claim the top position at national level.

For two years the glorious national position has been clinched by groups from Mashonaland East province.

“Winning at provincial level is good for us as we have already booked our ticket to the national finals. We are working to have the glory in this province,” he said.

ZNTDA director Kennedy Kachuruka said the main aim of the festival was the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and promoting participation of traditional dances for generational inheritance.

“We are happy that this year’s edition started on a high note and we are encouraging those traditional groups that have not registered with us to come and do so. That is the only way that makes them eligible for the competition,” he said.

Last year Mashonaland East outfit Makarekare Dance Troupe were crowned national traditional dance champions at the 52nd edition of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival staged at Bulawayo’s White City Stadium. This year’s national finals will also be held in Bulawayo.