NATIONAL Arts Council of Zimbabwe Mashonaland East provincial arts manager Chido Erengwi believes it is a historic experience to have Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble clinch the top dance award in the country, the Chibuku NeShamwari Trophy within a year of its formation.
Erengwi envisions a brighter future for Nyaungwe if its members can come up with broadcast content, create other entrepreneurial activities and be resourceful.
Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo was the venue for the contest of showcasing the diverse cultural dances of Zimbabwe, where Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble (Murehwa) came first to take home a whopping US$15 000 reward, followed by Culture Warriors (Harare) US$12 000 and Dapurahunanzva (Mutare) US$7 500.
The three top groups in their order of honours showcased Jerusalem Mbende, Dinhe and Mbakumba dances with remarkable capabilities ahead of highly energised and in-sync dances like Shangara, Muchongoyo, Jerusalem, Amabhiza, Gule, Inquzu and Mhande, each from the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe.
With Nyaungwe having been formed this year, the dance troupe members took advantage of staying in Chikwaka, Goromonzi, and Murehwa, respectively, to hone their skills.
This alone has indicated how arts have united the Murehwa communities, which has past Chibuku NeShamwari winners like Yarira Dendera, Makarekare and Ngoma Dzepasi and the legendary Sekuru Vambe.
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Said Erengwi: “Some of the Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble members have their roots traced to Sekuru Vambe’s group. Vambe popularised the Jerusalem Mbende dance and had it recorded and was later used as the introductory sound to news on ZBCtv.
“Hard work and purposefulness has seen Nyaungwe win this year’s Chibuku final, the troupe is made up of experienced dancers. Their unity of purpose has seen them establish a rehearsal camp, where they polished up their acts. They called me to their rehearsal space in the bush near their homesteads and I enjoyed every moment of watching them. They had a fantastic level of discipline.”
She added: “I, in my capacity as the one in charge of Mashonaland East National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, would like to recommend stakeholders from the arts industry and the corporate world to come in their full strength for Nyaungwe so that they fit in every possible opportunity that they deserve [sic].”
Erengwi added that over the years, she had noted that several arts groups croaked without being seen because of non-payment of members and lack of conformity with their constitutions.
Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble leader and spokesperson Tendai Muchapondwa believes their adoration for traditional culture and respect for role models from within their communities led them to form the group.
“We grew up watching Jerusarema Mbende and we developed a strong vision through it to start our own ensemble. Likewise, we have mastered dance moves and variations in an interesting way,” Muchapondwa said.
“We also perform dances like Jiti, Dandanda and it is through this experience that we have managed to lift the 2024 Chibuku NeShamwari Trophy, which ran under the theme Tamba Tione! Gida Sibone!”
Muchapondwa clarified that their group members are regarded role models in society as they supply traditional attire, provide carpentry and joinery services, run salons and barbershops, including teaching other dancers.
“We wish to be invited to places where we can offer entertainment and some teaching and training services for Jerusarema and Mbende dances,” Muchapondwa said.
Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble members are Willard Muchapondwa, Tendai Muchapondwa, Mattersettled Nyikadzino, Panashe Mukuru, Wilson Muchapondwa, Wifred Muchapondwa, Lameck Muchapondwa, Nathernall Nyamutumbu, Arther Makaza, Piason Jairos, Itayi Gandiwa, William Muchapondwa, Vigilance Mushonga, Majury Mupandawana, Chipo Machingura and Luce Bhathlela.