By Admire Jamu-Mlambo
Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. DEEP in the rural heartland of Chivi, Masvingo province, a traditional ensemble has emerged, bringing the vibrant sounds and rhythms of Zimbabwean culture to the national stage.
Formed in the rural areas, where music and dance are woven into everyday life, the talented group has honed its skills through generations of traditional practice.
With roots in the rich cultural heritage of Magwati village under Chief Chivi, the group has adapted and evolved, blending traditional sounds with modern flair. Its music and dance reflect the stories, struggles and triumphs of its community, resonating with audiences across the country.
Jeketera Renyaningwe Dance Group is taking the national stage by storm, competing against top ensembles from around Zimbabwe. With its unique sound, energetic performances and dedication to preserving traditional culture, it is poised to make a lasting impact on the country’s music scene.
Jeketera Renyaningwe was formed in 2022. The name Jeketera Renyaningwe was chosen to reflect the group’s mission to promote traditional dance and music, with jeketera meaning let’s dance and renyaningwe meaning of the drum or the beat, symbolising the heartbeat of the community.
The ensemble has 20 members, consisting of dancers, drummers and singers. They are of different ages, ranging from 19 to 76.
“Jeketera is a karanga name for all basic dancing skills. Nyaningwe is the name of a cultural preservation hill within our village where the chiefs perform cultural activities,” the group’s spokesperson, Francis Magwati, said.
Jeketera Renyaningwe was formed after several villagers came together for the purpose of promoting culture, encouraging unity among themselves and showcasing skills.
“The group was inspired by a shared passion to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Masvingo province. Members wanted to showcase traditional music and dance, while fostering community unity,” he said.
Since its formation in 2022, the ensemble has been on a massive drive to entertain villagers and promote culture in the province.
“Jeketera Renyaningwe performs traditional karanga dances such as bira, mhande, mbakumba, ngororombe, chinyambera, jukwa and shangara accompanied by traditional drumming and singing. We now have a huge following within our village and the surrounding areas, as we promote our culture.
“Our project was made possible, especially through community support, which was instrumental in the group’s formation. Local leaders and elders provided guidance, encouragement and resources, helping the group to establish its roots. Magwati said.
Jeketera Renyaningwe has remained resolutely and truly traditional by not fusing its music with modern technology.
“We have maintained our traditional roots by staying true to our cultural heritage, while incorporating contemporary elements, such as innovative storytelling and dynamic stage presence, to engage modern audiences.
“By so doing the group has inspired younger generations to learn traditional music and dance, promoting cultural preservation and community pride,” he said.
This year, the ensemble has achieved a milestone by qualifying for the Chibuku Neshamwari National Finals to be held in Manicaland province, where it will represent Masvingo.
The group participated in the Chibuku Neshamwari Provincial competition and emerged second. In 2023, in the same festival, it competed and emerged as no 1. It went on to represent Masvingo province in the same year at nationals in Harare, unfortunately, it did not reach the top three as the festival only announces the top three positions.
“In 2024, we did not compete as we wanted to check on where we got it wrong and work on our shortcomings and true to that, it has worked as this year, we’ve managed to make it to the nationals and we hope to make Masvingo province proud.
“This year, through hard work and perseverance, our group has so far managed to go all the way to the last stage of Chibuku Neshamwari National Finals, which will be held in Manicaland province. Jeketera Renyaningwe Dance Group will present the bira dance on July 19 in Mutare, Manicaland province.
“The name of our dance, bira, aims to invite ancestors to communicate with the people. We chose this dance because it is popular in Masvingo, especially in Chivi.
“We hope to leave a huge mark there,” he said.
Although Jeketera Renyaningwe Dance Group has made huge strides in its endeavours, it has also faced challenges but it managed to sail through the murky waters.
“Along the way we faced logistical and financial challenges but we overcame them through teamwork, community support and resourcefulness, but we still need help, particularly with transport, accommodation, equipment and food,” Magwati said.
In the next five years, the dance group has a vision of going beyond the country’s borders, entertaining people, and promoting the country’s culture.
“In the future, Jeketera Renyaningwe Dance Group will no longer be for the community or province, but it shall be a representative for the country. I see the group getting onto the international platform. We are planning to include other indigenous dances in our practice schedule, and this will take us a gear up to international material,” the group’s spokesperson told NewsDay Life & Style.
Village head Fan Magwati welcomed the formation of Jeketera Renyaningwe Dance Group as something that will transform his community and put it on the map.
“When they started their project, it looked as if it was a joke and of less importance, but with time, we are now slowly reaping the benefits. The youths are now heavily involved in this group.
“They are promoting our culture, which is a good thing, especially for the youths of today who are getting astray.
“Looking at our geographical position in Chivi, being very close to South Africa, the youths would easily cross the Limpopo River in huge numbers in search of employment, but for now, very few youths are taking that route,” the village head told NewsDay Life & Style.
Chivi North constituency councillor for ward 11, Danmore Jaka, said: “The ensemble has pushed away drug and substance abuse among the youths as they now have something to occupy them.
“Jeketera Renyaningwe has brought entertainment and employment within the ward. It is now our wish to create an arts centre and this will uplift standards of living within the community.”
Jeketera Renyaningwe will represent Masvingo province at the year’s Chibuku Neshamwari National Finals scheduled for July 19 at the Mutare Showgrounds in Manicaland.
They join Katawa Dance Group (Mashonaland West), Semvumba Arts Ensemble (Manicaland), Sekusile Dance Group (Matabeleland South), Undi Gure (Midlands), Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North) and Goromonzi Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland East.
A prize money of US$15 000 is up for grabs at the national finals.
Source: NewsDay
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