Dombodzvuku Primary School was on Friday crowned 2013 winners of the Jerusarema-Mbende dance contest at a colourful event at the Murehwa Culture Centre. Report by Jairos Saunyama This is the school’s third victory in three consecutive years after winning the title in 2011 and last year.
The group pocketed $300 as the winning prize after shrugging off stiff competition from 12 other primary schools.
St Joseph’s Primary School from Murewa, which came second, walked away with $200 and on third position was Chemapango Nyamutumbu Primary School that walked away with $100.
Brian Chiripanyanga, Dombodzvuku’s trainer, said the win was overwhelming.
“I was shocked when it was announced that we were the winners. This is the third time in a row the school has won the competition and I believe we will continue with the winning streak,” he said.
“The competition was tough, but we came tops, something which shows we prepared thoroughly for this show,”
Festival co-ordinator Cuthbert Maziwa hailed the winners for their performance.
“This year’s event was indeed competitive and despite Dombodzvuku Primary School winning the competition, other contestants showed that this area is still conscious about our traditional dance.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“The competition ended on a high note and the turnout was overwhelming,” he said.
The festival was attended by scores of people from in and around Murehwa, officials from Education and the Sports and Arts and Culture ministries, local chiefs and Unesco officials.
Mbende-Jerusarema dance was proclaimed a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage.
It is performed by communities in Murehwa and Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe in the North-Eastern districts of Zimbabwe.
Douglas Vambe, Rarira Dendera and Ngoma Dzepasi performed at the event.
