Martin Muleya
Sekusile traditional dance group from Umzingwane district in Matebeleland South province has emerged as the winners of the highly competitive Chibuku Neshamwari competition.
The group known for their energetic and captivating performances of the Ndoyana dance, took the top spot at the provincial finals held at Malaxo beerhall in the bustling transit town of Beitbridge.
For their efforts, Sekusile walked away $2 500 richer and look forward to clinching the national trophy at the finals to be held at Mutare City Showgrounds in July 19 where the winners will walk away with $15 000.
In a stunning upset, Sekusile dethroned defending champions How Mine Chioda also from How Mine, as they showcased their skill and dedication to their craft. The competition that saw ten traditional groups participating namely Ufasimba (Indlamo), Lilizela (Inquzu), Reherb Select (Mchongoyo), Sekusile (Isitshikitsha), How Mine (Ben Arinoti), Z.P.C Beitbridge (Jukwa), Blanket Mine (Chioda), Blanket Mine (Ben Arinoti), How Mine (Gure) and Siyamangena (Mchongoyo) was fierce, with other talented groups also vying for the top prize.
In an interview with The Midwek Watch Sekusile traditional dance group leader Simelinkosi Mpofu expressed gratitude for winning the top prize as a group on their initial attempt.
“Our dance Isitshikitsha is all about celebrating women when they harvest maize in the fields. This is our first time participating in the competition and we are very excited that we have prevailed other groups,” said an elated Mpofu.
This year’s Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance festival is running under the theme ‘Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane’.
Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA) president and executive director Kennedy Kachurura hailed the Chibuku Neshamwari’s seventh edition of the provincial competitions in Beitbridge.
“There is a relative new face going to the national finals in Mutare and there are already other winners in various provinces. Today’s competition was twinned with Mutoko (Mashonaland East) next is Harare then there is Mashonaland Central and Bulawayo to close up the provincial competitions. The venue was house-full, there was real competition because the groups have improved costume wise, choreography and have grown in terms of the cultural industry,” he noted.
Gold miners Ben Arinoti of How Mine and Blanket Mine put up impressive performances, settling for the second and third positions respectively and walking away with $1 500 and $1 000 respectively.
Sekusile’s victory marks a significant achievement for the group and they will undoubtedly be looking forward to represent Matebeleland South province at national level and bring home the title. Their victory is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and talent that exists in the region.
