Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE Katawa Traditional Dance Group from Zvimba North is set to represent Mashonaland West in the national finals after emerging provincial winners at this year’s Mashonaland West Chibuku ne shamwari traditional dance competitions.
Drums, song, and spirited movement, it was a full display of culture and pride as ten traditional dance groups from across Mashonaland West province gathered under one roof to compete, celebrate, and carry forward the country living traditions.
Each group brought their best to the stage, performing routines rooted deeply in ancestral customs from the powerful Dinhe, to the graceful Muchongoyo, to the energetic Mbakumba, electric Mhande, Gure, Nyau among others.
But it was Katawa, from Zvimba North who stole the spotlight with their explosive Mhande dance routine which secured them a ticket to the national traditional dance finals.
“We formed this group as a way to fight the scourge of drug and substance abuse while also taking a proactive action in guarding against cultural colonisation. We want to promote our culture and ensure that they are passed from generations to generations,” Katawa Traditional Dance Group representative, Tatenda Tagarira said.
Organisers of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festivals which include sponsors Delta Beverages, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association are impressed with the nationwide appreciation of the initiative.
“We concluded the Culture Month in style with this Festival in Mashonaland West attracting ten groups who showcased their unique dance routines. As NACZ, we are grateful to our sponsors for joining the government in this drive of promoting our diverse culture,” NACZ acting provincial arts manager, Ms Lerato Ndlovu said.
“This is what Cultural Month is about. We are concerned with letting communities share their identity and spirit through dance. It’s not just competition, it is preservation,” Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association, Mrs Nyadzisai Mirisawu said.
Meanwhile, the competitions have so far been held in Manicaland, Midlands and Mash West provinces with the winners from the ten provinces set to compete at the national finals to be held in Bulawayo next month.
