Zimbabwe: Gurewakumukuru keeps festive spirit alive
By Ronnie Chisamba – Kadoma, Zimbabwe: Despite the economic woes entrapping the majority of the Zimbabwean populace, the gurewamukuru community around the country is managing to keep the culturally inclined and fun loving entertained and in high spirits during this festive season. Originating from Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique, gurewamukuru (also referred to as gure or nyau) is a cultural dance that has become a common feature in the country’s entertainment arena.
Gure members have to go through sacred initiation rituals before attaining full membership. Clad in special attires which includes marks: to transform them from their normal appearances, gure dancers entertain people. Dances come to life through the accompaniment of shakers, drums and songs.
Once feared by many, the dancers are believed to be superhumans and in trances when they are in the gure form. It is believed that the splendid and magical dances come about as a result of assistance from spirits. Like all cultures and religions gurewamukuru places emphasis on respect, tolerance and discipline.
The leader of the gurewamukuru community Governor Musaiwale (50) – aka Dr Mujambawaya – had this to say: “It is unfortunate that we have bad apples among us. Gurewamukuru is about discipline and respect. It is about being custodians of the law. As a leader lam committed to safeguarding the image of gure.”
Visits by this publication, to events in and around the gold-mining city of Kadoma, confirmed people’s appreciation of gure as a source of entertainment during this festive period.
