Published by the government of Zimbabwe
5 May 2005
Harare — ONE might think that those growing up in one of Harare's oldest suburbs, Mufakose, are either exceptionally brilliant or highly immoral for them to succeed in life, as the future offers no hope.
Shingai Dance Troupe, a dance group based in Mufakose aka "Mufombi", popularly known for it's social notoriety that has negatively tainted the suburb, has devoted its time to fighting the stigma through art form so as to restore self-respect and dignity within the youths.
"Many youths in Mufakose are victims of infamous or notorious deeds like drug abuse, prostitution and gambling.
"Some of them being school drop-outs or have failed to pursue their academic studies, have resorted to making a living by engaging in criminal activities," said Shepherd Chimurovi, the troupe's director for administration and marketing.
He said the group's main aim was to groom young people by giving them meaningful and profitable projects at the same time proving that it is not all about crime in Mufakose, but about moulding some of the best dancers in the country.
And indeed it has happened.
The group has been popular at national events, corporate functions and family gatherings like the 1995 All Africa Games, the 1996 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) function for Artists Against Poverty, the 1997 Zimbabwe Travel Authority (ZTA) Expo , Sadc dance festival and galas.
Recently, they took part in the Silver Jubilee celebrations held at the Zanu-PF headquarters where they impressed the delegates.
They also thrilled arrivals for the independence celebrations at the Harare International Airport with their spectacular singing and dancing skills.
He said: "We also aim to revive the spirit of Africa among the youth and we have managed to do this by coming up with our own music and dances."
Concentrating on a traditional dance routine that is fused with contemporary styles, acrobatics and other dances, the 15-member group that was formed in 1995 gets its inspiration from Ambuya Stella Chiweshe, Sekuru Gweshe and particularly the late Sekuru Gora, who is famed for his hit song Kana Ndafa.
"Our group has managed to survive different challenges because of the management system it adopted so as to create a welfare fund for its dancers," he said.
He urged cultural groups to put proper management systems so as to make their performances receive praise in the society. He further added that because of lack of professionalism or poor funding, most of the celebrities in dance or street theatre were not living the way they are expected to as some of them are staying in wooden cabins.
"Different groups, whether dance or theatre, should invest money wisely so that artists live a comfortable life and assume respectable positions in society," said Chimurovi.
With the International Dance Day celebrations gaining momentum, the group has organised a free dance show for their community.
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