This year’s Jikinya winner

The Zimbabwean

By Zwanai Sithole

Matjinge Primary School in Matabeleland South was crowned this year’s national winner of the Jikinya Primary Schools Dance festival.

The school walked away with a cash prize of $1 500. The school also scooped the best coach of the year award.

The second prize went to Chifamba primary school from Mashonaland Central who walked away with a cash prize of $1000 while Zimburu Primary School from Mashonaland East came third and pocketed $500. The fourth price of $300 went to Mhlabangubo primary school from Matabeleland North.

Chifamba Primary School also scooped the harmonious group award, while champions, Matjinge primary school won in the Best Costume category.

Sakubva primary school pupil, Freddy Ferendende, is this year’s best drum player, while the best boy dancer award went to Tafadzwa Dzangare of Zimburu primary school. The festival, which was inaugurated in 2002, aims to encourage children to appreciate and preserve the country’s traditional dances.

The festival, which was held outside Harare for the first time since its inception, was organised by the National Arts Council in conjunction with the National Association of Primary School Heads (NAPH) and sponsored mainly by Delta Corporation and the European Union. Some of the dignitaries who attended the function are the minister of Education, Arts, Sports and Culture David Coltart, EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe , Aldo Dell” Ariccia, Bulawayo mayor Thaba Moyo and NAC director, Elvas Mari. This year’s festival was held under the theme “Expressing Zimbabwean Culture through dance”.