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Arts Reporter

Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance festival will this year celebrate 60 years of existence.

The celebrations will run under the theme, “Bira Remadhanzi! 60 years of Sithokozisa Ngezomgido!”and this year’s edition will kick off on 27 May across the 10 provinces.

In a statement Delta Corporation marketing director, Irimayi Muzorewa, said preparations were at an advanced stage for the festival.

“Chibuku Neshamwari will run 10 provincial finals, which will culminate in a national final, where provincial finalists will battle it out for the top spot,” he said. “Winners get to walk away with monetary prizes at both provincial and national level. The national final prizes are as follows; 1st prize US$15 000, 2nd prize US$10 000, 3rd prize US$7 500.

“Participants are required to register their groups with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and ZNTDA to be able to participate.”

Having made its debut in Mbare at Mai Musodzi Hall, the festival has stood the test of time. Chibuku works closely with its partners, the National Arts Council Zimbabwe (NACZ) and Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), in promoting and developing the arts in the community.

Last year the edition was held at Harare Gardens and Dapurahunanzva from Manicaland province was crowned winners.

The group performed mbakumba dance.

After lifting the trophy, Dapurahunanzva leader, Keaven Simomondo, said their hard work had paid off.

“This wasn’t our first time performing at the Chibuku Neshamwari finals. We’ve been participating since 2003 and have won four provincial finals. But this was our first time scooping the national prize.

“Ever since we’ve been coming to the national finals and losing, we’ve been taking notes and going back to the drawing board to strategise. We really worked hard to ensure we clinched it and I’m glad it paid off,” Simomondo said. He said they did different types of dances with Mbakumba having been the chosen one for the competition.