Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
15 September 2008
Harare — Acturus Ben Arinoti are this year's winners of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance competition after outpacing the other four groups in a thrilling final held at Harare Gardens at the weekend.
The group, which showcased their traditional dance popularly known as Ben, oozed much energy on stage with a fine finish of footwork and head-bopping drum beat.
For coming tops the group took the title of the best traditional dance groups and a whooping cheque of $600 000.
Hloseni Arts came second and took home a cheque of $400 000. Just like Acturus Ben Arinoti, the group injected frenzy into the crowd with their traditional dance that is common in the Matabeleland region.
Besides the dance, the group had everything right from the choice of songs, choreography and costumes. It was indeed a beauty to watch.
Third placed Villa Nyau Dance took control of the show and made their presence felt with their revved up hip-shaking dance.
There were two nyau dance groups including Kwekwe Zivake Nyau Dancers but it was the Villa Nyau Dancers that won the hearts of judges and clinched the $300 000 cheque.
There were a lot of oohs and aahs when the group took to the stage and effortless wiggled their waists.
The other groups that took part and the competitions was Vuka Mtwakazi.
Supported by Delta Beverages through its Chibuku brand and assisted by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, the traditional dance competition took place without any hitches.
Unlike in the past, this year Delta had to merge provinces as part of cutting down on costs of running the event.
Matabeleland South was merged with Bulawayo while Matabeleland North went alone.
Harare went along with Chitungwiza; Mashonaland West was combined with Midlands while Mashonaland East, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central were merged.
Hloseni Arts were the provincial winners for Matabeleland South while Vuka Mtwakazi won in Matabeleland North with Kwekwe Zivake Nyau emerging the winner in Mashonaland West.
Harare's winner is the group Villa 1 Nyau and Arcturus Beni Arinoti got the ticket to represent Mashonaland East.
The groups received different amounts in prize money because the provincial competitions were held on different dates.
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