The Sunday Mail
Dennis Chimanzi
ORGANISERS of the revered Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival have vowed to keep supporting the event in their quest to promote local arts and culture.
The festival is coordinated by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), Zimbabwe Traditional Dance Association and sponsored by Delta Beverages through their Chibuku brand.
This year’s final was held on August 13 at Harare Gardens. following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ten groups from different provinces took part in the event that showcased rich and diverse cultures in our country.
The traditional dance competition is among the top talent identification programmes in Zimbabwe. Chibuku Neshamwari has over the years afforded dance groups global recognition through performances at various corporate and cultural events.
Traditional dances, that define the country and its people, are considered to be part of our important intangible cultural heritages.
Dapurahunanzva group from Mutare in Manicaland Province scooped the first prize and walked away US$15 000 richer.
Marimba Arts from Mashonaland Province were the runners up and walked away with US$10 000 while Harare’s Dedza Chitandizo secured the third place and got US$7 000 for their effort.
Speaking on the side-lines of the event, NACZ director Nicholas Moyo told The Sunday Mail Society that the competition will continue to meet its obligations.
“I’m pleased to tell you that we are going forward with the competitions so that we can nurture the best talents from across the country. As you can see, we have representatives from all the country’s 10 provinces,” he said.
The NACZ director saluted sponsors of the event for the financial muscle behind the annual event.
“Without Delta Beverages, this competition would not have taken place. I also want to thank the Traditional Dance Association,” said Moyo.
Patricia Murambinda, Delta Beverages general manager corporate affairs, said they were ready to continue bankrolling the competition.
“In coordination with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in partnership with the Zimbabwe Traditional Dance Association we are going to continue to work together so that we can keep on identifying the best talents from all the provinces in this country,” said Murambinda.
She added that they also have other events that focus on talent identification.
“We do not only have Chibuku Neshamwari but we also have the Chibuku Road to Fame challenge which is in the due course of its competitions with the finals slated for October this year. We are also working with the NACZ on the competitions.”
