The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
Hundreds of people and scores of cultural groups drawn from across the country graced this year’s Ndau Festival of Arts (Ndafa) held in Bangira Village, Chipinge, last week on Saturday.
This year’s 10th edition of the festival drew more people that the previous editions.
The event was also graced by cultural fans from Germany.
All participants gave scintillating performances with spectacular presentations.
The performances from both cultural groups, music artistes and schools left many clamouring for more.
They showcased a cross-section of genres, ranging from brass band, traditional dances, mbira and drama.
Traditional dance groups, Holland Muchongoyo, Muzite Mukhuyu, Ndarema and Sikhanda, stole the limelight with outstanding performances.
Not to be out done were schools such as Chibuwe, Gaza and Mutendi who left fans clamouring for more.
This year’s festival also had unique and eye-catching craft displays as well as paintings.
Local women managed to invade the space by displaying the eye-catching work of their hands.
A young poet, Prowess Kusasa from Chipinge Junior School, showed her creativity through her poem titled, Zienza.
She yearned for the past when people would have great yields of traditional grains.
She pointed out the need to revert to those seeds that can endure the soaring temperatures that are affecting local yields.
Guest of honour, Noah Mutongereni from Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences hailed Ndafa for preserving the local culture.
“This festival has gone far and ventured into research on how we can preserve our culture. This is a commendable development as we are promoting our culture through entertainment.
“We have also witnessed the construction of a museum at the festive centre, which is a good development. This shows that we are now able to document our culture.
“We hope schools and researchers will also benefit from this noble idea,” said Mutongereni.
Ndafa director, Philip Kusasa said he was humbled by the support he received from stakeholders.
“I am very delighted to successfully host the 10th edition of Ndafa.
“Our festival is growing bigger with each passing year as shown by the record crowd at the festival. We hope to improve even more,” he said.
