Nyaungwe Arts won the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national championships, which were held at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo, with an electrifying performance of traditional dance and music. Nyaungwe Arts won the top prize of $15,000 after scoring an impressive 314.5 points.
Culture Warriors came in second with 312.5 points, and Dapura Hunanzva finished third with a commendable 307 points. Their prizes were presented by Mr Napoleon Nyanhi the director for National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
Tocky Vibes image by Tsitsi Betha
The festival boasted an impressive lineup of artists who captivated the audience. Tocky Vibes wowed the crowd with both old and new hit songs, resulting in a sing-along atmosphere that echoed throughout the stadium.
Killer T by Tsitsi Betha
However, Killer T truly stole the show. Dubbed the “man of the moment,” his energetic performance enthralled the audience, who demanded an encore. He obliged by performing his hit song “Kana Ndanyura” twice, much to the delight of his audience.
Jah Prayzah by Tsitsi Betha
The main act, Jah Prayzah, however, divided the audience with his performance. Many people had high expectations for his performance, but they were not met, despite his visually stunning stage outfit. A few fans left the stadium early due to their dissatisfaction with the performance. The Masvingo audience was also critical of the clothes worn by his backing dancers and vocalists.
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Some felt that the dancers’ gold leggings and white t-shirts were too revealing, so they were deemed inappropriate. “Mapfekero evakadzi avo haana kutifadza, tirikuona nyama dzose dzemuviri,” said a participant, translating as “the way these women are dressed is unacceptable; we can see all of their body curves.”
Despite mixed reactions to some performances, the event at Mucheke Stadium was a huge success, showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and talented traditional dance groups.