BULAWAYO hosted the Chibuku Neshamwari final competitions for the first time ever and the City of Kings and Queens did not disappoint.
Organisers of the traditional dance fiesta went all out to ensure that it would be a final that will forever be etched in the minds of many.
A procession of nearly 20 Delta Beverages vehicles in the suburbs of Pelandaba, Entumbane, Tshabalala, Mpopoma and Nkulumane added glamour to the dance bonanza.
The procession like the ancient village drum that served as an information tool attracted and enlightened many people about the presence of traditional dancers from the country’s provinces.
The procession was a perfect precursor to the competitions as it whetted the appetites of the residents.
As the motorcade roamed around the suburbs, many peeped through the windows; some paused from their chores while many rushed into the streets for a closer look.
Like the pied-piper the procession was followed by mesmerised and excited residents who trailed it all the way to the venue, the White City Stadium which was in no time packed to the rafters.
And the dance contest was opened by Zimnyama Dance Group of Bulawayo who preformed a dazzling Umchongoyo dance.
The energy, zeal and spectacular choreography of the dancers easily made one think that the contest was over; it was difficult to imagine any other groups surpassing the excellence displayed.
The spears and knobkerries enhanced the dance which is a celebration of victory in war.
Jahunda Com Arts of Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North’s Umkhankaso Wamajaya also performed the Umchongoyo evoking mixed reactions from the crowd.
There was jeering and cheering in equal measures as cliques supported favourite groups.
The groups danced not just for more, but also for bragging rights in the traditional arena.
The dancers exhibited a heartwarming pride as shown by their zeal and the seriousness they put in the dances.
It was more than money at stake.
The dance acts were flawless showing that many elements of the African culture remain safe as they are well preserved.
Local and African dances are full of meaning and have been the careers of norms and have been used to preserve values that keep the society bound.
The dances were physical narrations of stories that have shaped the nation as well as aspirations for the future.
The Mbende Jerusarema dance proved that it remains the most popular traditional dance.
The first prize, like last year, went to a Mbende performing group, Makarekare of Mashonaland East.
They pocketed US$5 000
Group chairman Munyaradzi Horita said that the prize came as a result of the dedication the group gives to the dance.
“For the past two years each weekend is dedicated to practice and not only in preparation for this competition, but for the love and respect of the dance,” he said
Speaking to Patriot Arts, Zimbabwe Traditional Dancers Association president Kennedy Kachuruka explained the story behind dances such as Dinhe and Chinyambera.
Chinyambera, Kachuruka said, is a hunter’s dance which is originally performed by the Karanga people.
It is an imitation, he said, of how animals behave during hunting.
“Although it is a male dominated dance, women also dance showing how they would welcome the hunters that would have come back with meat,” Kachuruka said.
“Dinhe on the other hand is a dance that celebrates a good harvest and the dance steps show the process of production.
It is a dance, said Kachuruka, that is usually confused with the Makwikwindo, a dance yechishavi, but it is the presence of many drums such as Mutumba and Mhito that makes it unique.
Second runner-up Chinyakare Dance Group of Mashonaland West who performed Dinhe pocketed US$3 000.
Budiriro Arts of Mashonaland West came third walking away with US$2 000, after performing Chinyambera Dance.
Other groups that featured in this year’s competition are Jahunda Com Arts (Matabeleland South), Umkhankaso Wamajaya (Matabeleland North) and Zimnyama Dance Group (Bulawayo), Gango Group (Masvingo) and Dhumatasangana Dance Group (Manicaland).
Delta Beverages began sponsoring the popular dance competition, which has played a significant role in preserving elements of culture that could have been lost over time in 1963.