Published: 2013 November 21 13:21:54 (5359 Views)

ALL is set for the finals of the primary schools Bulawayo Province  Jikinya Traditional Dance finals set for this Friday at the Large City Hall in the morning.

Last week saw the five administrative districts of Bulawayo do knockouts to determine the finalists.

Two groups were chosen in each of the districts for the Murehwa originated Jerusalem Mbende dance which is this year’s competition nationally.

Bulawayo Central  district will be represented by Ross Camp and Kumalo Primary Schools, Imbizo by Mthombothemba and Cement, Khami by Mbizo and Godlwayo, Reigate by Mkhithika Thebe and St. Patrick’s and Mzilikazi by Queen Elizabeth and Mawaba.

“Our culture, a spring of diversity and harmony,’’ is the theme for this year’s Jikinya Festival celebrations.

Schools will showcase a dance of their choice as well as the festival piece Jerusarema Mbende.

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe this year selected Jerusarema  Mbende dance as the festival piece and explains that it is a dance that was proclaimed a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO).

Mutare based renowned dancer and choreographer who did a workshop for Bulawayo Schools and some in Matabeleland South Taurai  Moyo hailed the level of competition at the districts competitions.

‘’The level of competition is very high as teachers  have realised it is possible to come first in these competitions. Schools have put in a lot of hard work as shown by the dance routines, you hardly tell these Bulawayo pupils are probably dancing Jerusarema Mbende for the first time’’, said Moyo.

Synonymous with the dance is the distinct drumbeat of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation news signature tune  across their radio stations made famous by  Marondera based Jerusarema-Mbende  drummer Douglas Vambe, who has since opened a Jerusarema-Mbende  Academy at his home.

The dance, also known as a fertility dance, is performed by the community of Murewa and Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe in the North Eastern districts of Zimbabwe.

This year’s national winners are assured of the Professor Hope Sadza Trophy for Outstanding Common Dance Performance and performing at the National Culture Week Launch next May as well at the National Independence celebrations in April.

Apart from the first, second, third and forth prizes at the National festival individual awards for the best drummer, best boy dancer, best girl dancer and best coach will be given including group prizes for the best costume and most harmonious group.

According to a recent Press Statement released by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe,  Communications and Marketing Officer Catherine Mthombeni, preparations for this year’s National Jikinya Dance Festival are on course.

Mthombeni also confirmed that entrance to all Jikinya events including the National Festival is free.

“The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe encourages parents and school heads to bring their children to enjoy and consume what is truly Zimbabwean performances,” she said.

The national finals of the Jikinya Festival will be held at the Large City Hall here in Bulawayo on N0vember 29 2013 the Guest of Honour will be the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa.

Jikinya Festival is sponsored by Delta Beverages and is run  under the auspices of National Association of Primary Heads(NAPH) and National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.

Efforts to ascertain the momentum of the preparations from the Bulawayo Province of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe were fruitless as both Charity Nyathi, the Provincial Manager, and William Nyandoro, the Programmes Manager’s phones went unanswered when phoned for comment.



- radiodialogue.com

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