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Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief

THE 2022 Jikinya dance festival held in Gweru yesterday had two firsts, one – being the office of acting President gracing it and two – a school from Matabeleland North winning  the festival for the first in its 19-year history.

The festival is the biggest dance programme for primary schools run by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), in partnership with the National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH).

The programme runs as a competition, with schools participating from all the country’s 10 administrative provinces.

It was a hive of activity at the Winery Convention Centre in Gweru as 10 primary schools from the country’s ten provinces made their way to the venue for what was to be once in a lifetime for some of the participants.

By 10:30 AM, acting President Constantino Chiwenga had made his way into the venue and took his seat that was placed with the other dignitaries, teachers, and Government officials.

For close to four hours, the acting President watched the different provincial representatives show their dancing skills.

The participants were given a choice of showcasing a dance of their choice and then one for the competition called amabhiza.

Amabhiza originated from Matabeleland South province and was this festival’s theme dance.

The dance is called amabhiza because the dancer would be trying to emulate the movements of a horse.

The dancers were using horse tail hairs called itshoba which they were throwing about and dancing in step with some members clapping and singing while some played the drums.

The drums harmonised to create the beat.

The attire for the dance comprised black and white.

As the teams took turns showcasing their dancing skills, acting President who was accompanied by the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Kirsty Coventry followed the proceedings never taking his eyes off the performers on stage.

After the mouth-watering performances and in the individual categories, it was announced that the outstanding best girl dancer was Fadzai Dzapasi (8) from Chipindura Primary School in Mashonaland Central province

The outstanding male dancer was Prosper “Popo” Nyoni (8) of Lwendulu Primary School from Matabeleland North province.

Dzapasi and Popo were given their prize money by acting President Chiwenga much to the delight of the people gathered for the festival.

In the team’s category, in Position three was Zamba Primary School from Manicaland, they won US$1 000 and acting President Chiwenga added US$500. They walked away with US$ 1 500.

The second position went to Munyaradzi Primary School in Mashonaland West province. They won US$1 500 and acting President Chiwenga added US$500. They walked away with US$2 000.

The first position went to Lwendulu Primary School in Matabeleland North province. They won US$2 000 and acting President Chiwenga added another US$2 000 and they walked away US$4 000 richer.

Nicholas Moyo, the executive director of NACZ said the 2022 festival was full of firsts.

“The 2022 Jikinya dance festival had two firsts, one being the office of acting President Chiwenga gracing it and two a school from Matabeleland North Lwendulu

 primary school being the first winner of the festival in the 19-year history of the event,” he said.

Moyo said they were grateful to the acting President who dedicated his day to witness talent being produced through the festival.

“Acting President Chiwenga, you came and your presence motivated these participants. You watched all of them perform and that encouraged all of them and we are very grateful. Meeting you and shaking your hand is one memory these children will forever have,” he said.

Alice Tembo, Hwange district NAPH chairperson representing Lwendulu primary school headmaster said they were over the moon after coming number one.

“To be told or to learn that we are the first school from Matabeleland North province to win this prestigious festival is a dream come true. I would like to thank the teachers, the pupils and the Hwange community for rallying behind the team,” she said.

An excited Popo said being lifted up by acting President Chiwenga was a lifetime opportunity.

“I could not believe that the acting President would lift me high on the stage and I am so happy. It’s like a dream you know,” he said.

Delta beverage’s general manager, corporate affairs, Patricia Murambinda, said the event fosters opportunities to feed into the vast industry that contributes to the production of costumes, shakers/rattles and drums which need to be used in schools.

She said the intention of coming with this event is to encourage children to appreciate and perform Zimbabwean traditional dances.