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Entertainment Reporter
UMKHATI Theatre Works pulled a surprise over the weekend when they won the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival finals after showcasing a Tswana traditional dance.Normally, one would think that a Zimbabwean group would perform local dances, but Umkhati Theatre Works wrote their own piece of history in the competition by winning while performing a foreign dance.

The Bulawayo-based group beat eight other groups from different provinces to clinch the title and prize money of US$4 000.
The festival, held in the Harare Gardens, saw Umkhati Theatre Works emerging as the crowd favourite through their revealing traditional garments and dance styles.

According to the judges, the group scored big in their delivery, choreography and knowledge of the Tswana dance.
Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland Central which displayed a fine performance of the Dinhe dance emerged second and walked away with US$3 000.

For coming third, Rarira Dendera from Mashonaland East won US$2 000 at an event attended by hundreds of traditional dance followers.
The Harare province was represented by Lilongwe 2, while Budiriro Cultural Arts represented the Mashonaland West Province.

Hwahwa School of Arts from Midlands province also took part alongside Chisa School of Arts from Masvingo. Chivaraidze Prison Services represented Manicaland, with Umkhakaso Wamajaya representing Matabeleland North.

Chohodha How Mine came from Matabeleland South.  Batsiranai Dance Group from Harare were last year’s winners.