LIFE for dance groups in Mutare has not been a bed of roses as most of them are dying natural deaths because of lack of sponsorship and support from players in the entertainment industry.
sad development has also seen the emergence of visiting dancing ensembles flocking from Harare and Bulawayo to entertain locals. Local promoters have also become enchanted by the waist-wriggling and erotic dancers from Harare who seem to take the dancing business seriously.
Last weekend, tens of fun lovers gathered at Mandisa Nite Club to witness magical dancing antics from a Harare-based all-female dance group, Shining Angels, led by Vee.
The group made good buck after performing at the venue from Friday to Sunday.
About a fortnight ago, another raunchy female dance group from the capital, Crazy Angels, mesmerised a packed crowd at the rejuvenated venue which is now in the hands of the sole owner, Bonface Nyamanhindi.
The crowd seemingly enjoyed every minute of the proceedings, but one could wonder where our own local dance groups disappeared to.
One of the pioneering dance groups in Mutare, Amagruvaz, is on the brink of collapse after almost all of its female dancers either migrated to South Africa or got married.
Other local groups such as New Kings and Queens and Jika MaJika, have also been struggling to stay afloat.
Miracle Kuonameso, Amagruvaz dancer, cited disunity and unprofessionalism as some of the major problems plaguing the dace industry.
“We need to be united. We need to speak with one voice. That way, promoters will address our plight. Like our fellow groups, we are bankrupt. We don’t have money to sustain our project. We have not been getting much financial rewards from entertaining huge crowds in bars and restaurants because just a few patrons appreciate our profession. The other thing is that people no longer frequent drinking places like they used to. That has affected us a lot. Most dancers have lost hope. We need support,” said Kuonameso, who together with Brian Muchadziya and Michael Mtukudzi left leading the group.
A female dancer from Jika MaJika said it was unfortunate that some revellers link dancing with prostitution.
“They think we are thigh vendors. Yet we are just entertainers and most of us are in happy relationships. This is an industry that simply needs support. Promoters should support the dancing industry,” she said.
A player in the entertainment industry and promoter, Nyamanhindi, who has managed to support the dancing industry by bringing in upcoming local dance groups and artistes at his venue situated in Mutare’s CBD, said: “We will continue to support them. They bring unique entertainment to revellers and I think they need our support.”. Manica Post
sad development has also seen the emergence of visiting dancing ensembles flocking from Harare and Bulawayo to entertain locals. Local promoters have also become enchanted by the waist-wriggling and erotic dancers from Harare who seem to take the dancing business seriously.
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| Local dance group industry in limbo |
Last weekend, tens of fun lovers gathered at Mandisa Nite Club to witness magical dancing antics from a Harare-based all-female dance group, Shining Angels, led by Vee.
The group made good buck after performing at the venue from Friday to Sunday.
About a fortnight ago, another raunchy female dance group from the capital, Crazy Angels, mesmerised a packed crowd at the rejuvenated venue which is now in the hands of the sole owner, Bonface Nyamanhindi.
The crowd seemingly enjoyed every minute of the proceedings, but one could wonder where our own local dance groups disappeared to.
One of the pioneering dance groups in Mutare, Amagruvaz, is on the brink of collapse after almost all of its female dancers either migrated to South Africa or got married.
Other local groups such as New Kings and Queens and Jika MaJika, have also been struggling to stay afloat.
Miracle Kuonameso, Amagruvaz dancer, cited disunity and unprofessionalism as some of the major problems plaguing the dace industry.
“We need to be united. We need to speak with one voice. That way, promoters will address our plight. Like our fellow groups, we are bankrupt. We don’t have money to sustain our project. We have not been getting much financial rewards from entertaining huge crowds in bars and restaurants because just a few patrons appreciate our profession. The other thing is that people no longer frequent drinking places like they used to. That has affected us a lot. Most dancers have lost hope. We need support,” said Kuonameso, who together with Brian Muchadziya and Michael Mtukudzi left leading the group.
A female dancer from Jika MaJika said it was unfortunate that some revellers link dancing with prostitution.
“They think we are thigh vendors. Yet we are just entertainers and most of us are in happy relationships. This is an industry that simply needs support. Promoters should support the dancing industry,” she said.
A player in the entertainment industry and promoter, Nyamanhindi, who has managed to support the dancing industry by bringing in upcoming local dance groups and artistes at his venue situated in Mutare’s CBD, said: “We will continue to support them. They bring unique entertainment to revellers and I think they need our support.”. Manica Post
