The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent
LOCAL showbiz has never been the same again without the once vibrant local dance industry where dance groups used to be part of every weekend’s menu in Mutare’s watering holes and hide outs.
Lack of sponsorship and support from promoters and players in the industry as well as lack of seriousness by talented dancers has seen the industry suffering natural death. However, efforts made by local promoters such as Eddie Gopo to revive the industry have been applauded.
One of the yester-year’s most popular dance groups Jika Majika is back and will headline Sunday’s Rozvi Bottle Store third anniversary celebrations to be held at the venue.
Brian Muchadziya and Michael Mtukudzi who founded the group left the outfit leaving Miracle Kuonameso leading a pack of new blood.
“We are back, thanks to the support of Gopo who realised the potential in us.
“Jika Majika is a brand name although it was plagued by a lot of challenges.
“We are a newly-assembled group of five and we believe our re-reemergence will inspire other youthful dancers to form other dance groups and we would need that because competition is healthy,” said Miracle.
This will the first time the newly-assembled group will be performing before a potential full house.
They will perform alongside Simba Muchita-led Hungwe Stars, Combined Brothers, Tuff Nuff Sound and Juicer Mpostori.
The sprawling suburb of Dangamvura will reverberate into sound with the five groups clash at the venue, affectionately known as Creche yemadhara.
Gopo challenged other promoters to play a critical role in reviving dance industry in Mutare.
The eastern border city used to boast of dance groups such as Amagruvaz, New Generation, New Kings and Queens, Zimunya Idols among others.
