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BY STYLE REPORTER
THE annual Chibuku neShamwari traditional dance festival has seen five slots for the national finals being filled.
Finalists are drawn from five provinces that have held their provincial finals.
The provinces are Mashonaland central, East, Masvingo, Matabeleland North and Midlands.
Chibuku Neshamwari kicked off on May 27 with provincial competitions across the 10 provinces in the country, which will culminate in a national final where provincial finalists will battle it out for the top spot.
In Matabeleland North, finals held at Jabulani Beer Hall, Imvimbi dance group — Mutshongoyo came out firs followed by Amakosikazi ( isitshikitsha) and Pezhuba Pachena of the nsumbule dance were third placed.
At the Mashonaland East finals held at Tandarai Beer Hall, Makarekare dance group of Mbende dance shrugged off competition to come out first followed by Nzwananai dance group (kwinimbira) and Marondera Nyau Club (Malawi Nyau) on second and third position respectively.
Winners will get to walk away with monetary prizes at both provincial and national level. The group that will win the national finals is set to pocket US$15 000, second placed US$10 000 and US$7 500 for the third-placed group.
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Having made its debut in Mbare at Mai Musodzi Hall, the festival is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year under the theme, “Bira Remadhanzi, 60 Years Sithokozisa Ngezomgido!”.
Chibuku has partnered the National Arts Council Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association in promoting and developing the arts in the community.
Manicaland's Dapurahunanzva Dance Troupe won last year’s Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival finals.
The 13-member group performed the Mbakumba dance, at the traditional dance festival.
The Mutare-based group beat Marimba Arts of Mashonaland Central into second place.
Harare’s Dedza Chitandizo of Mufakose finished third.
For their efforts, Dapurahunanzva walked away US$15 000 richer while Marimba Arts won US$10 000 and Dedza Chitandizo US$7 000.
Below are dates and venues of the remaining provincial competitions.
Bulawayo – Blue Lagoon on June 24
Mashonaland West – Gatsi Beer Garden in Chegutu on July 1
Manicaland – Dzonzai Gaza in Chipinge on July 8
Matabeleland South – Malaxo Beerhall in Beitbridge on July 8
Harare – Makomo Bar in Epworth on July 15