Story by Tichaona Kurewa
Victoria Falls-based Imvimbi Arts Group continues to champion local culture at various fora in and outside the country through music, poetry and dance.
A visit to Victoria Falls will see one being entertained by the dance group either at the rainforest, hotels or cruise side.
The group performs various traditional dances that include Isitshikitsha, Amabhiza, Mbende Jerusarema and Mchingoyo.
Their performance involves music, percussion and drums and an encounter with the Imvimbi Arts Group leaves you with an appetite for more as the dance is one sure way that exhibits the local cultures from time immemorial.
Established in 2001, Imvimbi Arts Group is a versatile group whose use of local language and dancing skills leaves an indelible mark in the hearts of spectators as suggested by the name of the group which means persistent drizzle.
Imvimbi Arts Group director, Blessed Chakomoka says the dances performed by the group are mainly for edutainment.
“We will not stop the dance. We will continue to entertain visitors here in Victoria Falls and other platforms in and outside the country to raise the Zimbabwean flag high. We will also pass on the culture to our children. This is our dance which we love so much. The dances we perform are important in maintaining our culture. Around Zimbabwe, people have various cultural norms they follow and this is a good way of preserving, passing and showcasing them to the local and outside world,” he said.
Chakomoka highlights the achievements of the 20-member group which comprises 13 males and seven females.
“Dancing is our job, this is how we earn our living. We performed at Friday at Amakhosi, Ingwebu competition, Intwasa Arts and Ibumba International Festival, Africa International Youth Games 2010 in Zimbabwe and at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. We also do traditional dance workshops with schools. We won various prizes including the Ingwebu Competition position One in 2004 and the Chibuku Neshamwari 2012 competition dance, position One.”
Apart from dance, the group also makes traditional artefacts.
Arts and culture remain strategic in attracting tourists to any destination.