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Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Ten groups from across the country lock horns at the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance finals to be held in Bulawayo this weekend.

It will be the first time for the grand finale to be held in Bulawayo since its inception about 50 years ago.

The organisers of the annual showcase said they were looking to set new records this year when the competitions roar into life tomorrow at White City Stadium in Luveve.

The festival that celebrates its 52nd anniversary this year, is the only major programme that is thriving in promoting local arts and culture from grass roots level in Zimbabwe.

The groups, drawn from the country’s 10 provinces, will present dances including Zambian Nyawu, Muchongoyo, Mbende and Umkhankaso.

The winning group will be awarded $4 000. Chibuku Neshamwari is sponsored by Delta Beverages.

“As a Zimbabwean company, we value the privilege of promoting and celebrating our culture and heritage, which is all part of what it means to be proudly Zimbabwean to us. Through our Chibuku brand, we have been committed to the arts for over 50 years as Delta Beverages”, said Delta Beverages marketing manager Patricia Murambinda.

Murambinda promised a fun-filled event advising that preparations were well on course and the public should expect an exciting event this year.

“Chibuku is the people’s beer, and the national competitions is the place to be this year. Our consumers will enjoy great entertainment, free of charge and get to interact with their favourite brand in a safe environment,” she said.

“The competition comes at a time when Delta Beverages is increasing its footprint through the popular brand Chibuku Super that has a shelf life of more than 21 days and the traditional two-litre scud that has been a main feature in merrymaking events.”

There is a lot to look forward to this year, with a range of traditional dances in Zimbabwe that span traditional aspects of pre-colonial life from rain making, war and harvest.

It is likely going to be a tough order for the judges to select the winners from this year’s line-up.

Also lined up at the national finals for the public is the launch of the 2015 Chibuku Super Cup traders and consumer promotion.

The promotion will run for three months, ending on October 25 this year and a Nissan Urva 16 seater bus will up for grabs.

“Again, this year we will witness the final draw for the just ended Chibuku Take 2 Consumer and Traders promotion whose first prize is $20 000,” said Murambinda.

Delta Beverages began sponsoring the popular competition at its inception in 1963. The competition is run as a tripartite partnership amongst Delta Beverages through the Chibuku brand, plus technical partners National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Traditional Dance Association.