Chibuku Neshamwari finals on tomorrow

A TOTAL of 10 traditional groups will tomorrow (Saturday) battle it out in this year’s potentially explosive Chibuku Neshamwari traditional dance provincial finals slated for Dangamvura Neighbourhood Tavern.

THE groups are Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services outfit MANSA, Wadyemhembwe (Buhera), Maungwe traditional dance (Makoni), Charurwa (Chipinge), Ben Arinoti (Mutasa) Dhumatasangana (Mutare), Magamba Vocational Training Centre, Rubatso (Marange), Gure Wankulu and Buherabased Matedzi.

National Arts Council Manicaland provincial administration officer Silibaziso Mguni said they were expecting a tightly-contested competition.

“We are ready to host yet another edition of the Chibuku Neshamwari. All groups confirmed participation and it’s all systems go.

“Ben Arinoti are legible to compete because it is now two years after the competed in the national finals,” she said. Two years ago Ben Arinoti won the provincial finals held in Rusape before the 18-member group went on to win the national finals held at White City Stadium. The winner will contest in the national finals that will be held at Mutare Showgrounds on August 4. Mutare will host the historic national finals for the second time in as many years.

Delta Beverages sales and distribution supervisor Nobert Muzvidziwa said preparations for the national finals that will see provincial finalists from across the country battling out for supremacy were underway.

“It is going to be a historic final. That Manicaland is hosting the national competitions makes this year’s fiesta a more exciting one. Preparations are at an advanced stage,” he said.

Mutare-based traditional ensemble Manicaland Association Chartered Carrier of Artistes (Macca) won last year’s provincial competitions held at Dzonzayi Complex in Chipinge. They outdanced Maungwe tradional group and Dhumatasangana.