The same can be said about all high profile ceremonies where various foreign ambassadors and diplomats converge to discuss foreign affairs and relations.
In as much as the unique cultural dances are greatly appreciated outside the country, it is a different story altogether locally.
There are at least 42 distinctive categories of traditional dances in the country – Mbakumba, Mbande, Muchongoyo, Fonda, Chinyamusase, Umzansi, Jeketera, Jiti, Muchongoyo, Chimaisiri, Jerusarema – to mention but a few.
However, the modern generation has lost touch with traditional dance, which used to take centre stage during the Jena Guru cultural programmes.
It is against this backdrop that the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association was established to bring back the pride of cultural dances at grassroots level. It has been running competitions since its inception in 1987 in its quest to promote the continuity and appreciation of dance.
The competitions are conducted at provincial level where 10 outstanding winners battle it out for the national finals. This year’s grand finale will be held on August 3 at the traditional venue – Harare Gardens. Prizes will be $4 000 for first place, $3 000 for second and $2 000 for third.
The association has a panel of cultural specialists including Kennedy Kachuruka who took over the reigns from the late former national coordinator Emily Phiri (Chirwa) in 2003, Amon Mdala, Jeffrey Chikonzo and national treasurer Nyadzisai Mirisawu, the only lady in the organisation.
ZNTDA was transformed from the Harare Traditional Dance Association
in 1987 and became active in 1988. HATA originated from Salisbury Traditional Dance Association (SATA), which dates back to the Rhodesian era in 1963 and has been sponsored by Chibuku Breweries ever since.
“Our aim is to make people realize that culture is identity. We want people to identify one another from their cultural dances. We want to bring back that pride. People should identify us by our different ethnicity due to our unique dances,” said Kachuruka.
ZNTDA has a total 311 member groups and works with other organisations directly or indirectly associated with traditional dancing. It is planning an international cultural festival where people will converge and celebrate their cultural diversity.
Post published in: Music