File picture of Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble in action
Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
The stage is set for the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional dance festival national finals being held at White City Stadium this afternoon with Bulawayo’s representatives, Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble declaring that they will take the crown.
Ten groups representing all the country’s provinces will take to the stage vying for the $7 000 grand prize. The group that will take second position will walk away with $5 000 while the third-placed one will net $3 000.
Bulawayo representatives will be dancing the Setapa dance that originates from the Matabeleland South province in the Kafusi area. They will be up against Manicaland’s Macca Sensational group doing Muchongoyo, Mashonaland West’s Budiriro Arts dancing the Chinyambera, Matabeleland North’s Black Amakhwazi dancing Amabhiza and Midlands’ Chipolopolo Zambia gure showcasing the Gure Nyau dance. Dzimbabwe will dance Majukwa representing Masvingo province while Mashonaland East will be represented by Goromonzi Arts Ensemble dancing the Jerusarema Mbende, Matabeleland South’s How Mine Chioda doing Chioda, Harare Culture Warriors’ Ensemble showcasing the Dinhe dance and Mashonaland Central’s Chinyakare Dance group will also do the Dinhe dance.
Ezimnyama director, Phibion Ncube said they had been working hard preparing for the contest and have even shelved bookings for other shows. This will be his group’s second time to compete at the national finals.
“We couldn’t disrupt our preparations and had to stop taking bookings in order to concentrate on our act. We want to take the crown this year and we’ve worked hard,” said Ncube.
He called on Bulawayo residents to come in their numbers to witness their own representatives in action competing against the rest of the country at home in the City of Kings.