By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Mufakose Nyau dance group — Dedza Chitandizo — will represent Harare Province at the National Finals of Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival after it romped to victory at the weekend.
The Nyau group whose roots can be traced back to Malawi emerged winners after putting up well choreographed dances from start to finish.
The contest was tight but Dedza Chitandizo cladding in their ripped colourful attires earned the top spot after the judges at Makuluwani Sports Bar were left with no choice but to crown them Harare kings of Nyau dance.
It was a first time for the group to win the top prize of US$2500 having participated in the contest for the past years only reaching as far as top 5.
If there was anything to write home about the Nyau groups upped their game this year as they dominated the top three.
Michael “Nhori Swadinta” Banda, the group’s coordinator was happy to win the top prize they put in a lot of work.
“The name Dedza came from the fact that we are originally form Mazanjara Dedza Malawi and we are excited about winning the top prize for the first time. But it took a lot of hard work,” he said.
Mubakira Nyau won US$1500 ahead of Gasani Moto which took home US$1000.
And as per tradition, the other seven groups were given US$500 each for just taking part.
Other group that performed include Tete Mafuwe, Yarira Ngoma, Angonia, Duramazwi, Chisoni Chimtali, Kondani Chimtali and Pasichigare.
Indeed, there were no losers but only winners as some attendees got Chibuku branded T-Shirts, Bucket hats and Chubuku beer for taking part in dance contests throughout the day.
This year the festival marks its 60th anniversary and there are lots of prizes to be won in the run up to the finals.
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