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Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo Arts Correspondent
The Chinese Spring festival, an event that celebrates an important holiday called Lunar New Year, held on Saturday night at 7Arts Theatre lived up to its billing with the venue filled to capacity and performing artistes delivering best acts.

The show which ran under the theme “Dream” hosted by the China Africa Exchange and Research Centre in partnership with the Embassy of China in Zimbabwe and Dreamstar Zimbabwe.

Lunar Year saw families, music lovers being ushered into the Year of Dog which symbolises loyalty, honesty, amiability and thoughtfulness. The Dreamstar arts troupe that comprised previous winners of the talent shows editions gave scintillating performances that proved that Zimbabwe is pregnant with talented young people.

The show had several segments that reflected diverse cultures of the two nations and acts that distinguished various African traditions.

The Dreamstar group opened their act with the song “Our Zimbabwe” which celebrates our country and its heritage. They performed different forms of art that included cultural dances like “Imbakumba” and ‘Muchongoyo” while Tsoro Arts band exhibited their prowess in playing marimba instruments.

Among other acts were performances that expressed Sino –Africa friendship where the local artistes performed together with some Chinese musicians on several Chinese songs much to the delight of fans. Of the major highlight was special performance by musician Cindy Munyavi who performed her hit song “Nerudo” with a Chinese band and the song received cheers and ululations from fans.

Beat boxers Pro Beats and Tafara Dondo had a joint act that left fans begging for more as they showcased their mastery in the profession.

The troupe showcased art in all its diversity giving a total number of 19 acts. Speaking at the occasion guest of honour, Minister of Sport, Arts and Recreation Kazembe Kazembe said his ministry was keen to assist toward the establishment of a Chinese culture centre in Zimbabwe.

“I look forward to Zimbabwe- Chinese co-operation towards the realisation of a cultural centre in Zimbabwe. We anticipate that the centre would have state of the arts facilities and it is our hope that the centre would be used by people from both nations to undertake programmes like learning each other’s languages,” he said. Ambassador of China to Zimbabwe, Huang Ping said he was overwhelmed by the turnout and said such programmes like these continue to cement cultural exchange between the two nations.