Harare gardens gathered Saturday afternoon as lovers of dance rekindled their romance with the country’s most elite dance competition; the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival.
Dance groups from the country’s 10 provinces took turns to show each other what had made them regional winners as they wrestled for the national championship.
After numerous attempts, Mutare-based mbakumba dance group Dapurahunanzva finally dished the right dance as they were crowned the best of them all.
Seasoned performers Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland Central came second while nyau dancers Dedza Chitandidzo from Harare took third position.
Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival winners – Dapurahunanzva. Picture by Plot Mhako
Speaking to Zimbuzz after the win, Dapurahunanzva leader, Keaven Simomondo said the group had gone through some rigorous preparations hence the win.
“It has been two months of real hard work, dancers coming to rehearsals in the morning and leaving in the afternoon. We thank the people of Mutare for their support,” he said.
Second position -Guruve Arts Ensemble. Picture by Plot Mhako
On what’s next for the winners, Simomondo said they are setting their sight on the international stage.
“We are targeting international festivals, continuing with our youth dance training so that we cultivate the culture of dancing in our children,” he added.
The Harare Province Paramount Garments Invitational tournament is set to start on August 20 to September 10 this year.
Originally earmarked to be a provincial tournament, the organisers seem to have taken the competitiveness route as the dominant sides in both the women’s and men’s divisions have been included on the roster.
This decision, as seemingly straightforward as it is, has drawn a lot of controversy, especially in the women’s division with regards to why only FS Raiders is the only club that is included among provincial sides.
Harare Province Secretary Shingi Vere said that they went for competitiveness and not just numbers.
Vere said, “FS Raiders are strong enough to compete against provinces. If anyone sees the kind of scorelines FS Raiders have been posting and the calibre of players that they have we cannot beat around the bush and try to disband them that will unfortunately not serve anyone.
It’s up to everyone else to put together stronger teams that can give them competition.
“To be frank every other team has got to step up. Even in the men’s division, outside of Old Georgians, Old Hararians and Harare Sports Club all the other teams were being given basketball scores so we shouldn’t beat around the bush, we cannot play rugby for the sake of playing rugby we have to be competitive as well.”
However, one of the women’s rugby pioneers Lindiwe Munerenyu registered her concerns about the inclusion of only one team and how disheartening it is for other teams.
She said, “Zimbabwe women’s rugby has demonstrated potential to be a powerhouse in Africa. It has held its own against the best in the continent and proudly raised the national flag. Sadly potential is not good enough until and unless there is a concerted effort from the players, clubs and national team to address some governance issues that might throttle development.
“There is one team which seemingly is dominating women’s rugby at tournaments and caps in the national team. Talented players are trekking to this team, thereby bolstering it at the expense of other teams who will be weakened by the exodus. The other teams are struggling and lacking a competitive edge that is the driving force behind the development of players and the game itself.
“By extension, this gives an unfair advantage to this team during competitions as they have become massively dominant.
“This same team also dominates the calls to the national team thereby depriving those in weaker teams an opportunity to get exposure and develop.
“Inadvertently, this stunts growth of women’s rugby development in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, it threatens the future of players’ ability to reach their fullest potential as opportunities to play at national and international arenas will be scarce.”
She insinuated that even if it was any other club aside from FS Raiders she would still not have agreed with the decision to add only one club.
She also added, “This has come to light with the introduction of provincial teams which, ordinarily, should be comprised of talent from clubs in the respective provinces.
“Curiously, a decision has been made for one club to compete at provincial level, outside the provincial team. Structurally, this is irregular. The same team competed in South Africa but under the banner of the national team.
“Furthermore, this team’s technical department is also dominant at the national team level. In that regard, the selection process is likely to be compromised.”
Munerenyu also said that there is a risk of losing current talented players from other teams because it would seem as if they are meant to simply train that one team which is considered competitive.
She said, “There is a risk that a generation of women’s rugby players that has worked hard to prove its mettle, might fall on the wayside and disappear from the arena unnoticed.
“It will be a travesty to lose latent talent that isn’t granted a fair playing field to showcase their gift. These retrogressive dynamics need to be arrested for the good of women’s rugby in Zimbabwe.
“The need for stewards: to foster a fair environment that builds equity in our local teams; merited rewards’ and a culture of discipline into teams cannot be overemphasised.”
With the differences in opinion, it is healthy to consider every point of view going forward. Only honest and non-toxic conversations will make the sport go forward.
There’s something special about Zimfest Live. Whether it was your first time attending or you’ve been to every single one since its inception, the one thing that stands out is how it has continued to evolve over the years.
This year’s event was ‘revolutionary’ – the atmosphere was electric, and the organisers continue to set a new standard every year. Just when you think you’ve settled into a new space that feels like home, the team keeps us on our toes with fresh formats and great venues.
Hertfordshire County Showgrounds was a cut above the rest and a testament to the hard work and commitment of a group of visionaries whose aim is to, not only showcase the undeniable talent that Southern Africa has to offer, but to connect communities who have a common interest – an appreciation of music, good music!
A representative from Redcliff Management said: “Zimfest Live has become more than just a music festival, it is a community affair that brings people from various parts of the UK together, to experience and celebrate the very best talent – musically, artistically and from a business standpoint.
“Creativity is one of our most valuable resources and when creative minds work together, we are able to innovate. We are proud to have collaborated with Mukuru and all our partners to deliver an exceptional experience for our attendees and we look forward to bringing another memorable event next year.”
Despite the absence of several artists who were scheduled to perform, the show went on and the lineup did not disappoint.
This year’s event featured top-tier international acts who covered a variety of genres that catered to one of the largest audiences to date.
Dendera star, Sulumani Chimbetu was a surprise addition to the lineup and returned to the Zimfest Live stage after headlining in 2018. Performing with his band, the Dendera Kings, he proved once again why he has become an international sensation.
Debut performances
Zimchild made his debut performance and for those who had a chance to witness this upcoming talent, his natural presence on stage set the tone for the rest of the event.
If there is one quality that makes rising artists standout at Zimfest Live, it’s a sense of adventure and passion for what they do, and Nutty O and Crooger are classic examples. Both artists drew their audience in, in different ways and left many of them wanting more.
Nutty O, who achieved critical acclaim with songs Boom Shelele and Dakufara Nhasi, has become a crowd-puller, both locally and on an international level, and proved why he is one to watch with an out-of-this-world performance. He is undoubtedly an entertainer who knows how to work the crowd.
A star blossoming
For those not familiar with gospel singer Sharon Manatsa, she’s grown into the artist many of us envisaged she would become.
This was her debut performance at Zimfest Live as a solo artist. She was originally part of Friends in Christ, a group she formed with her husband Zex Taku Manatsa in 2017. Sharon delivered a solid performance, including her popular single, Tinofamba.
ExQ, meanwhile, is no stranger to the Zimfest Live stage. There are ‘no airs and graces’ about him – a natural performer with the ability to make an audience go wild.
He has a rare performance style, and it is in those unique moments where every note has meaning, and every element of his act is more than just a musician on stage giving you a show because it is required – it comes from a place far deeper than that – it comes from an enthusiasm and dedication for producing music that resonates with the masses.
Amapiano duo Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke, popularly known as TxC created a transportive, feel-good atmosphere in the amapiano/afrobeats tent, giving the audience the best of both worlds.
Makhadzi was electric
Makhadzi
South African singer Makhadzi is known for never leaving her fans disappointed. A delay in her performance was well worth the wait and truly outstanding.
The Venda songbird went all out to give fans the full Makhadzi experience – her vocal range, energy, carefully choreographed routines, and chemistry between her dancers allowed everyone to absorb every song and dance move.
Winky D made us want to party
Then there was ‘Gaffa’, and in true style, they did save the best for last. Winky D is a music maestro – whether you understand what he is singing or not, he quickly draws you into his world of pure, unadulterated magic.
The creative music sensation showed his lyrical genius and phenomenal music craft, taking us on a journey that combined the old and the new.
Winky is not just a musician but a remarkable virtuoso who has built a stratospheric international presence purely from adopting a versatile approach.
His ability to understand his audience and artistry are vividly imagined, thrilling in their energy, and put him in line with some of the finest Zimbabwean musicians to make it internationally.
Hosted by comedienne, Madam Boss, and radio host Empress Trish, Zimfest Live was sponsored by Mukuru.
Other event sponsors this year include Nyaradzo Life Insurance, CBZ Holdings, Diaspora Insurance, My Hippostore, Honaidigital and Tann Law.
Speaking about the event, Oliver O’Brien, Group Executive Head of Strategy and Business Development at Mukuru, said: “Zimfest Live is a celebration of Southern Africa and a platform that not only spotlights the talent that Zimbabwe has to offer on a local level, but also what it has to offer on an international level.
“As a proud African company, and the headline sponsor of this year’s festival, we are delighted to have been part of an event that has become an integral feature on the UK’s summer calendar, showcasing the rich culture and talent of the African continent.”
Mobile Online Payment system Innbucks which was launched by fast food retail giant Simbisa Brands has hinted at a comeback.
The money transfer service was banned this April by The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).
The platform grew in popularity at its launch as it allowed customers to deposit US dollars of up to US$ 200 into their Innbucks accounts which would then be used to purchase from any of the Simbisa outlets nationwide, redeem the cash, or send to anyone else registered with Innbucks.
In announcing the ban the RBZ noted that in November 2021, the Bank directed InnBucks to apply for and obtain necessary approvals in order to continue offering the service but the company had not yet regularised the service as directed, hence the regulatory intervention by the Bank.
Around lunchtime today the company posted a video on their Twitter account which seem to suggest that the service may be making a comeback, presumably after meeting the RBZ demands.
They tweeted: ” loading August 2022. We’re coming back. Bigger. Better. Stronger”
The message was greeted with enthusiasm from its various users who reminded each other of the convenience the service brought to their lives in the short time it was in operation.
Bangladesh managed to salvage some pride by beating Zimbabwe by 105 runs in the final One Day International played at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.
The Chevrons’ stand-in skipper Sikander Raza won the toss and chose to bowl first on a wicket which had been favouring the chasing team.
Zimbabwe were looking for their first clean sweep against a test nation since 2001.
This time around the hosts failed to chase 256 runs as they were bowled 151 in 32.1 overs.
For the third time in the series, the Chevrons’ top order failed to put some meaningful runs on the board.
Only the 10th wicket partnership of Richard Ngarava and Victor Nyauchi showed some resistance scoring 68 runs breaking Zimbabwe all time ODI record for the last wicket stand.
Ngarava’s knock with the bat of 34 runs of 27 balls was his career best. It was a series full of records for Zimbabwe.
Afif Hossain starred with the bat for the visitors scoring 85 runs off 81balls and was rightfully named man of the match.
In the bowling department for Bangladesh Mustafizur Rahman was in inspired form picking 4 wickets for 17 runs of 5.2 overs with an economy rate of 3.18
The Northern Region Division One matchup between Golden Eagles and Simba Bhora Tuesday was one of magnificence.
It’s a new rivalry that has gripped the second tier of Zimbabwean football as the two ambitious sides gave a good display in the most anticipated game of the league.
Ellis Robins School which is the home ground of the Gilbert Mushangazhike-coached Golden Eagles was packed, the parking spaces outside and inside the school premises were teeming with vehicles as scores of people came to witness the game.
Recognisable faces were also in the stands, from football greats, current Premier League players, socialites, musicians, coaches and former cricket players.
The match was evenly balanced going into halftime as the two teams took turns threatening each other’s goal.
It was the home team Golden Eagles who drew first blood in the second half through a Knowledge Mapuka header as he was unmarked near the post beating an unsuspecting Simba Bhora goalkeeper Simba Chinani.
Ronald Chitiyo (left) trying to make his way past Golden Eagles captain Henry Manatsa. Picture by Libertino
It looked like Golden Eagles were walking away with the precious three points until the 90th minute when former CAPS United midfielder Ronald ‘Rooney’ Chitiyo set up Dean Chunga to equalise a few minutes after his introduction.
With the draw, Simba Bhora has maintained a three-point lead ahead of Golden Eagles with six matches to go before the end of the season.
For those who were attending this game for the first time, it was love at first sight, to see such beautiful football being played in the lower division and attracting such attention and crowds.
But for those who have been feeding on this, it was another staple diet, seasoned with the usual exciting fast-paced football.
Sikandar Raza smashed his second century in as many encounters while Regis Chakabva also scored a brilliant hundred as Zimbabwe produced yet another stunning run chase to beat Bangladesh by five wickets at Harare Sports Club on Sunday and clinch the three-match one-day international (ODI) series with one game to play.
The home side continued their remarkable form with the toss and once again decided to field first.
The Bangladeshi captain, Tamim Iqbal, opened the batting with Anamul Haque against the bowling of Bradley Evans and Victor Nyauchi.
Tamim gave his side a flying start, taking full advantage of the power-play overs with one boundary after another, and was especially severe on Evans.
Nyauchi managed to keep him a bit quieter, but he ran to his fifty off only 43 balls before, two balls later, he mistimed a pull off Tanaka Chivanga and was caught by Takudzwanashe Kaitano running in from deep square leg.
This made the score 71 for one wicket after 11 overs.
Six runs later Anamul (20) followed him back to the pavilion, run out backing up as the new man, Najmul Hossain Shanto, drove a ball straight down the pitch and Chivanga deflected it on to the stumps.
Raza kept the batters under pressure with a fine spell of accurate bowling, conceding only 20 runs off five overs.
Mushfiqur Rahim, trying to push the score along as Shanto became bogged down, chose the wrong ball for a slog-sweep against Wessly Madhevere and was caught by Tony Munyonga at deep midwicket for 15 off 31 balls – 127 for three in the 24th over.
Shanto never really got going, and in the 30th over he was caught at the wicket off Madhevere for 38 off 55 balls, as he dabbed at a ball outside the off stump, with the score on 148 for four in the 30th over.
Mahmudullah and Afif Hossain both struggled to score – after 36 overs the score was 172 for four – but they did play themselves in, and now began to open out more aggressively.
The 200 came up in the 40th over, and the partnership continued to prosper, scoring ever faster until in the 44th over Afif (41 off 41 balls) played a slog-sweep off Raza straight into the hands of Chivanga at short third man – 229 for five.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, aggressive against pace, struggled against spin and was out lbw trying to sweep Raza for 15, and in his next over Raza also had Taskin Ahmed lbw for one – 265 for seven in the 48th over.
Mahmudullah was now trying to hit out with mixed success – there were complete misses, mishits and some fine powerful strokes.
He reached his fifty off 60 balls and hit two sixes in the last two overs.
Two wickets fell in the final over, bowled by Nyauchi, as Taijul Islam was caught by Evans at extra cover for six and Nyauchi himself ran out Shoriful Islam for one off the last delivery, an excellent yorker from which the batters tried to steal a single.
Mahmudullah was left not out with 80 from 84 balls, with three sixes and three fours, and the final total was 290 for nine wickets.
Raza was the most successful wicket-taker, with three for 56 off his 10 overs, while Madhevere, with two for 40 off nine overs, was the most economical of Zimbabwe’s attack.
Nyauchi also deserves great credit, as he took one for 39 in eight overs, despite having to bowl first at Tamim and then again at the death.
Tadiwanashe Marumani and Kaitano opened the Zimbabwe innings, but suffered a bad start.
Marumani scored a single off the second ball, bowled by Hasan Mahmud, but Kaitano fell to the next, as the bowler produced a fine delivery that moved away from just outside the off stump to have the batter edge a catch to the keeper, Rahim.
Mahmud struck again in his second over, as a similar delivery accounted for Innocent Kaia, who had scored seven, making Zimbabwe 13 for two in the third over.
Madhevere came in next and tried to consolidate, but he scored only two runs off 16 balls before he attempted a desperate sweep stroke against the off-spinner Hasan Miraz and was out lbw.
Raza came in with the score 27 for three after eight overs.
He played himself in with great care, and the pair put on 22 runs in seven overs before Marumani miscued a push to leg off Taijul and popped up a catch to extra cover.
He had scored 25 off 42 balls and the score was now 49 for four after 15 overs.
Chakabva now joined Raza at the crease and they got to work by pushing ones and twos to keep the score ticking over.
Raza now began to go on the offensive, hitting Taijul for six and Mahmud for four.
Centurions. Sikandar Raza and Regis Chakabva. Picture by Zimbabwe Cricket
Chakabva also seemed to find his true form again, and the partnership began to flourish, as between them they hit Shoriful for three fours in an over.
At 110 for four, in the 26th over, they had a narrow escape, as Raza responded late to a call for a quick single, and would have been run out at the bowler’s end had Miraz not knocked the bails off with the wrong hand.
In the next over Chakabva hit Shoriful for a big six over midwicket and Zimbabwe’s hopes were beginning to revive again – although there was still a very long way to go.
The incredible Raza brought up his fifty with a six over extra cover off Miraz – it took him 67 balls, and Chakabva by now had reached 40.
Raza followed it with another six over long-on off Taijul, and Chakabva, revelling in his regained form, was not to be outdone as he hammered four successive fours off Taskin to take the score past 150 – his fifty took him only 36 balls and he had now caught up with Raza on 57.
The 200 came up in the 38th over, when Raza had 81 and Chakabva 78 – the required run rate now was still just over seven.
They went through the eighties and nineties together, and Chakabva was on 95 when Raza hit a two and reached his second successive century, scored off 115 balls.
Chakabva, however, went one better than Raza in that in the following over, from Mahmud, he reached his first ODI century with a six over midwicket – at this stage the score was 245 for four.
By now the pair had set up a new Zimbabwe ODI record for a fifth-wicket partnership, beating the unbroken stand of 186 between Murray Goodwin and Grant Flower against West Indies on their tour of England in 2000.
Having reached his century and a partnership worth 201, though, Chakabva went on a big hit against Miraz and skyed a catch that was held by Tamim at midwicket.
He had scored 102 off only 75 balls, with two sixes and 10 fours.
Without much batting experience to come, it was now important for Raza to stay and see his team home, with his new partner being Tony Munyonga, a man of good temperament and technique.
Now 41 more runs were need in just under seven overs, and it was Munyonga who actually led the final burst for victory, although he enjoyed some outrageous luck, as the disconsolate Bangladesh team dropped him twice in the vital over.
That over was the 47th, bowled by Shoriful, in which Munyonga off successive deliveries hit two, four, six and six (both over midwicket) and one, 19 runs in total to take the score to 285.
In a desperation move, Afif was put on to bowl – both batters took a single before Munyonga seized the glory for Zimbabwe with a sweep high over backward square leg for four.
The final total was 291 for five wickets, there were 15 balls to spare, and Munyonga finished with 30 not out off only 16 balls, with two sixes and two fours.
Once again, though, Raza was the great hero of the match, seeing it through to victory with 117 not out, scored off 127 balls with four sixes and eight fours – again, deservedly, he was the Player of the Match.
Mahmud and Miraz took two wickets each for Bangladesh, for 47 and 50 runs respectively.
Zimbabwe have thus won the three-match ODI series by winning the first two matches.
A memorable partnership between Sikandar Raza and Innocent Kaia gave Zimbabwe their first ODI win over Bangladesh in nine years after a hard-fought run chase in Harare on Friday.
After recording their first ever bilateral T20I series win at home, Zimbabwe have started the ODI series on a positive note with their fourth successful run chase of 300 or more in ODIs in Harare on Friday.
Conceding 303/2 after opting to bowl first, Zimbabwe’s hopes were dashed early when the openers fell inside the first two overs to leave them reeling at 6/2. Wesley Madhevere was run out after a promising stand, but Zimbabwe found Sikandar Raza coming to the rescue again.
In the company of Innocent Kaia, Raza helped Zimbabwe out of the rut and into the driver’s seat. The duo kept going, pushing down the required rate with a perfectly-paced partnership.
Kaia completed his maiden ODI ton while Raza compiled his fourth as the duo put on a 192-run partnership, the third-highest ever for Zimbabwe in ODIs. Hamilton Masakadza and Raza himself hold the record for the highest stand (224 runs) against Afghanistan in 2014.
Even when Kaia was eventually dismissed for 110, Zimbabwe were well on course to seal the game. Raza remained unbeaten on 135 as Zimbabwe registered a memorable win for the ages.
This was Zimbabwe’s third highest run chase, with the top one coming eleven years ago against New Zealand in Bulawayo. This was also their second ODI win in 2022, having beat Sri Lanka in Pallekele in January this year.
Notably, this is Zimbabwe’s first win in ODIs against Bangladesh since they beat them in Bulawayo in May 2013. They had lost 19 successive ODIs to Bangladesh in between.
The 2nd ODI is on this Sunday at the Harare Sports Club at 0915AM
Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Festival will this month crown a new winner as the festival gears for national finals.
The competition successfully hosted the Provincial competitions which kicked off on 28 May 2022 in the country’s 10 provinces.
The finale will now take place at Harare Gardens on Saturday 13 August 2022 bringing a lot of excitement to the brand’s consumers in what look to be a jam-packed event.
The competitions will be graced by well-known performing guest artists and will double as the Chibuku Big 60 Promotion Grand Draw, where four consumers will win brand new Nissan Navara single cabs.
The following are the ten finalists who will battle it out, at the Chibuku Neshamwari National Final:
Hip Hop star Holy Ten will this year make his debut performance at the Mighty Zambezi Bonfire set for Donnybrook Park in Harare.
The Mighty Zambezi Lager Bonfire is making a spectacular return on Saturday, August 13, starting at 3 O’clock in the afternoon.
Lighting up the stage alongside him will be performances from Tamy Moyo, Djembe Monks, The Travellers and The Movement.
Other supporting entertainers will be DJs drawn from around the country notably Reverb 7, Naida, DJ Masty, Shanku Chante and Ryan Synth.
“This year’s event is dubbed “Ignite” as the Bonfire event will be centred around a grand spectacle fire lighting ceremony, where we ignite what is, the country’s largest 10x10m bonfire, in celebration of the might and beauty of the great outdoors,” said DELTA Beverages, Marketing Manager Kundayi Mawema.
“We look forward to re-connecting with our most loved and loyal Zambezians in the freedom of the great outdoors at this year’s Bonfire event. There will be lot’s of exciting outdoor activities to participate in with premium prizes to be won.
“Beers will be available at pump price and so you can come and fill up your cooler boxes on site. Strictly no alcohol will be allowed into the event and right of admission will be reserved.”
Event tickets are available at www.clicknpay.africa and on all other Click ‘n Pay platforms for zwl7500- 00 for a limited time only. General access tickets will also be available at the gate on the event day.
To amplify the Mighty Zambezi Bonfire on social media platforms the event will run under the following hashtags: #zambezibonfire #themighty #ignite #zimbabwesownlager.
