THE Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional dance festival provincial competitions began over the weekend in Mashonaland East at Murehwa Camp and Caravan and Collen Bawn Bar in Gwanda, Matabeleland South.
This year’s edition of the festival running under the theme Tamba Tione, Gida Sibone witnessed nine groups battle it out in Mashonaland East on Saturday. Nyaungwe Dance Group emerged the winners pocketing US$2 500, with Zvemberi Arts Ensemble sitting on the second position and walked away with US$1 500 while the third-placed group Nzwananayi Dance Group walked away with US$1 000.
Meanwhile in Matabeleland South Bolamba scooped the first position followed by Inqama Yaphondo with Sekusile in third position.
Ten groups participated in the province among them Ngiyesaba, Rural Arts in Motion and Siyabengena.
Ten provincial finalists will battle it out at the final national competitions expected to be held on July 27.
National finalists will walk away with US$15 000 for the first prize winners, US$10 000 for second position and the third prize winner will walk away with US$7 000.
The competitions are still ongoing with Matabeleland North groups set to showcase their talents on June 1 at New Tavern Beerhall in Victoria Falls, while in Mashonaland Central the competitions will take place on June 8 at Club 75, Guruve.
In Masvingo they will be held on June 8 at Hwiru Beerhall in Gutu, Midlands on June 15 at Vital Lounge in Shurugwi, Harare on June 22 at Padziva Camp and Caravan, Manicaland on June 29 at Mandel Bar, Watsomba in Mutare, Mashonaland West on July 6 at Yolanda Bar in Chinhoyi and Bulawayo on July 13 at Phekiwe.
