Martin Muleya
Jeketera ReNyaningwe a talented dance group from Chivi District has earned a spot to represent Masvingo Province at the prestigious national Chibuku Neshamwari finals to be held in July in Harare.
The provincial finals were held in Chiredzi, at Masiza Nengere bar, on Saturday and Jeketera ReNyaningwe emerged the champions. The group’s energetic and captivating performances of the Chokocho dance style vowed the audience and judges alike.
For their efforts the group walked away with $2 500 cash prize while second placed Dzimbadzamabwe (Majukwa dance) won $1 500, while Dare Rimwe (Bira) smiled all the way to the bank with $1000 after landing the third position.
Ten traditional dance groups took part in the Chibuku Neshamwari competition held under the theme ‘Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay ‘sgubhu Mngane’.
The other seven groups included Mhondoro Dzavakaranga (Mhande), Chibvute (Majukwa), Chinakamuzi (Chekeche), Vagutu (Mbakumba), Maombera edanga (Bira), Chisa (Bira)and Kambashangara (Shangara) traditional dance groups.
Jeketera ReNyaningwe is now gearing up for the national finals scheduled to take place in Mutare, Manicaland province next month. The group has promised to continue to intensively rehearsing to perfect their performances and ensuring they bring their top-notch game to the national finals.
“This is our third attempt at Chibuku Neshamwari competition. Our first attempt we came out on second position, then second time we came out on top spot at provincial finals but failed to make it at the top in the national finals. This time we are promising that we are going to do something better as we have improved in terms of choreography and everything. We are confident that we will clinch the coveted title at the national finals. Our type of dance is Bira and is a dance that was played long ago to incite the ancestors to speak to the people. Our ancestors would seek advice from their forefathers using this type of dance,” said Prince Mutsauki the Chivi based dance group leader.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) provincial manager Helen Mudefi hailed the different types of traditional dance groups in Masvingo for their active participation at the Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals.
“The event was a success as all the groups made preparations to the best of their abilities across the province. We are grateful to Zimbabwe Traditional Dance Association (ZTDA) who are grooming our artists for the betterment of our country’s culture through dance,” said the provincial manager.
Jeketera ReNyaningwe’s dedication and passion for traditional dance was evident in every step, rhythm, and movement during the competition. As they prepare to showcase their talent at a larger platform, the group is poised to make a lasting impression and bring pride to Masvingo province if their performance today is anything to go by.
