TWO NATIONS REPORTER

GWANDA – Bolamba Performing Arts Group from Gwanda South has won the Matebeleland South Chibuku NeShamwari provincial finals and will represent the province at the national competitions.
The group also walked away US$2 500 richer. The Delta Beverages sponsored traditional dance festival took place at Collen Bawn Garden last Saturday.
Inqama Yophondo and Sekusile Group came second and third. They went away with US$1 500 and US$1000 respectively. 
Matabeleland South provincial Arts director Percy Vela said the 10 competing groups were exceptional. He also said that Bolamba won the provincial competition in 2022.
“Bolamba performed the Setape dance. The group won the same competition two years back,” he said.
Other groups that competed are Siyabangena, Rural Arts in Motion, Ngiyesaba, Blanket Mine Chihota, Beni Arinoti, Howmine Gure and ZPCS Beitbridge.  
This year’s competition is running under the theme: Tamba Tione, Gida Sibone.
Chibuku Neshamwari is sponsored by Delta Corporation through its Chibuku brand and organized by Zimbabwe National Arts Council (NAC) and Zimbabwe National Traditional Dances Association (ZNTDA).
The festival has been running since 1963 and commemorated its 60th anniversary last year.