HOW Mine-based Chihoda dance group shrugged off stiff competition on Saturday to win the right to represent Matabeleland South in the national Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance festival.
By Luyanduhlobo Makwati, Own Correspondent
Chihoda beat nine groups that battled it out at Colleen Bawn beer garden as the super-charged stars put up a superb performance characterised by waist wriggling dances that were a marvel to watch.
Zigure Wamkure came second while Bolomba from Gwanda landed the third spot.
The highly energetic Chihoda left an indelible mark as the audience kept asking for more.
Laughton Tembo, the Chihoda director, was naturally happy with the exploits of his dancers, promising the people of Matabeleland South of winning the prestigious award at the national finals.
“In 2010 we were Matabeleland South provincial, winners but we failed at the big stage in Harare, but now that we know what they expect from us we are promising people from Matabeleland South the prestigious award and definitely, we are going to win because we will use our experience,” he said.
The highly-decorated event organised by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in collaboration with Delta Beverages was filled with fun as the audience was treated to an assortment of acts that were offered by different groups.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA) director Kennedy Kachukure applauded organisers of the competition in Matabeleland South for outstanding performances.
“As ZNTDA, we are happy with what Matabeleland South has done. It is usually difficult for such provinces to bring all of their dance groups together, but they managed and I would to thank them for the job well done,” he said. Some of the groups that took part in the provincial competition included Yebo Yes, Zothamlilo, Sekusile, Nyenyeza and Zonda Mthakathi.
Meanwhile, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe through its Bulawayo office, is encouraging traditional dance groups to go and register with them before June 14.
On Saturday, Matabeleland North Province will host their Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance festival in Hwange and 10 groups drawn from across the province will be battling for the top spot.
