ZRP Tomlinson Depot Primary School's energetic and superbly choreographed traditional dance group was crowned the winner of the 2014 edition of the annual National Jikinya Dance Festival on Friday November 28, at Belvedere Teachers College in Harare.
The young dancers walked away with a trophy, $1 500 cash prize, and will be the guest performers at the 2015 festival.
Apart from scooping the top prize, ZRP Primary also got an award for the best costume.
Also receiving accolades on the day were Chipindura School who were in fourth position. They walked away with a trophy and $500 cash prize. In third place was Mlelezi School who also got a trophy and $750 cash. Lastly, in second place was Dombodzvuku School who won $750 cash plus a trophy. They also scooped the award for the most harmonious group.
In the individual awards section, Edition Ndlovu was voted the best boy dancer, while Miriam Chigusiwa won the same accolade in the girl's section. Takudzwa Marufu was voted the best drummer on the day.
Speaking at the festival, guest of honour, Director and Representative of UNESCO, Professor Luc Rukingama, said that he was grateful to all the stakeholders that had supported the event, affording primary school children an opportunity to showcase authentic Zimbabwean dances.
"I immensely appreciate the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe for coming up with the Jikinya Dance festival that encourages children to appreciate and perform Zimbabwean traditional dances, thus promoting and preserving Zimbabwe's cultural heritage," said ProfessorRukingama.
The event was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, National Association of Primary School Heads, parents and sponsors, Delta Beverages and Culture Fund.
A total of 10 primary schools one from each province participated in the festival and these were, Mbizo, ZRP Tomlinson Depot, St Peters Tokoyo, Chipindura, Dombodzvuku, Chiguvare, Mlelezi, Lotende, Dingumuzi and Matenda.
The annual festival is hosted by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and aims at encouraging children to appreciate and perform Zimbabwean traditional dances. The Festival showcases an assortment of traditional dances by primary schools from throughout Zimbabwe.