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Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble

Showbiz Reporter
Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble came out tops at the Chibuku Neshamwari traditional dance festival Bulawayo provincial finals held at Manor Hotel on Saturday.

The 13-member group, which entered the competition for the second time this year after having lost to Sekunjalo maAfrica last year, shrugged off competition from nine other traditional bands. As a result, they earned themselves a spot at the national finals and walked away with $500 which they will use to prepare for the finals.

Performing traditional, modern and contemporary dances, the group, which celebrated its sixth anniversary in February, is now preparing for the national finals.

“We’re working extra hard, perfecting our dance skills in preparation for the finals. We want to make sure that we’ll be at our best so we’re paying al lot of attention to our costumes,” Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble director — Phibion Ncube said.

Iluba Lemvelo Women’s Ensemble took second position and received $300 while Imvimba Arts came third and walked away with $200 at the Bulawayo provincial finals. Dhumatasangana came out tops at the Manicaland provincial finals which were held at Nyadzonzai bar in Chipinge. They will join Ezimnyama Arts at the national finals with Mashonaland Central set to conclude the provincial finals when they hold their competition on Saturday.

Other participating groups will include Jahunda Community Arts (Matabeleland South), Undi Gure (Midlands), Makarekare Dance Troop (Mashonaland East), Budiriro Arts (Mashonaland West), Gango Traditional Group (Masvingo) and Shingai Dance Troop (Harare).