The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
TWO Rusape dancers defied all odds to emerge as winners in the ZimGold-bankrolled national dancing competitions held recently.
For their efforts, Delma Chadambuka (19) and David Makanza (20) of The Extra-ordinary Crew, danced their way to a cool $150 000 first prize money.
The duo was the only group outside Harare and Bulawayo to take part in the competition.
The two horned their dancing skills at St Joseph’s High School and did not allow their background to deter them from snatching the top gong from seasoned groups.
They performed Jah Prayzar’s Gona song in the own choice category and a set piece chosen by the sponsor, ZimGold.
Chadambuka said the winning of the competition came as huge relief to them as they have not being realising any income due to the Covid-19 regulations which banned public gatherings like weddings and parties were they used to perform for a fee.
“This was our first time to participate in a national competition. Over the years, we have been limiting ourselves to Rusape where we performed at weddings, parties and other private functions.
“We entered this competition just to try our luck and learn how it is done, but we ended up being the winners. We entered the competition via online submission a day before the deadline. We also travelled to Harare on the day of competition.
“We perform a variety of dances such as hip-hop, sausa and traditional among others. The ZimGold competition was an eye-opener and we are using it as spring board to future success,” said Chadambuka.
Makanza said their goal is to establish a fully-fledged dance club in Rusape and treat it as an industry where people can exhibit their talents and earn a decent living.
“When we started dancing, our parents and society tried to discourage us, but we soldiered on. We are now reaping the fruits of our sweat and determination. Our intention is to launch dancing clubs in schools and communities to tap on the abundant talent which is going to waste due to lack of support.
“The society also need to change its attitude and view dancing as a means of earning a living.
“There is need to professionalise all the clubs to ensure the growth of this industry,” said Makanza.
