HARARE - Bing is hosting this year’s Matabeleland North Chibuku Neshamwari traditional dance at Kulya Bar today.
At least 10 groups are set to clash.
The winning group will pocket $500 and get a chance to compete in the national Chibuku Neshamwari traditional dance competition scheduled for Bulawayo on July 30 at White City Stadium.
The participating groups include Bula Maachacha, Binga Traditional Dance Group, Nchalilalyi, Siansali, Manseme, Njobola, (chilimba dance) Lubu, Sivuala (Chinyanya dance), Vulindlela (Setapa dance), Pezhuba Pachena, (Msubhule dance).
The first six groups will showcase Siampukutumpukupu and Ngoma Buntibe dances.
Winners of Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional dance in Matabeleland North Province Umkhangazo Wamajaha will perform as a guest group tomorrow.
Founded in 1963, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance festival is a tripartite partnership between sponsors, Delta Beverages, the National Arts Council and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association.
President of Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association Kennedy Kachuruka, who is also the president of National Dance Organisation of Gule and Allies, said they have put two extra groups on standby to avoid inconveniences.
“We have put Mwedzi Muchena and Simunye Arts dance groups on standby. In most cases, some of the nominated groups will fail to show up for the event due to logistical problems, as a result, if this happens, we will simply slot in the groups on standby,” said Kachuruka.
Harare provincial competition of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance was won by Maramuro Agure (Malawi Nyau) while Kalawi Nyau won Mashonaland Central province.
National winners will pocket $4 000 while $3 000 and $2 000 will be for first and second runners-up.