The law is clear ladies and gentlemen, if you are found with no mask in public you will be arrested and fined a cool $500.

As things stand it appears only the musicians, a few filmmakers as well theatre practitioners could afford to buy masks or were innovative enough to make some at home.

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For dancers it appears they only know how to dance and nothing else, hence the reason why they have been missing in all the fiery action that has been happening online since the locked gigs started.

But finally, they have found a donor who has given them reusable masks and they can now step out and begin interacting with others.

Jibilika, one of the most consistent promoters of dance in Zimbabwe will next month launch an online dance battle dubbed ‘Masked’.

“Masked is a freestyle dance contest targeting solo dancers who are talented, have rich untapped dancing skills but are lacking a platform to get exposed,” said Jibilika director, Plot Mhako.

“It is a versatile but uniquely Zimbabwean dance event which gives a cross generational dancing experience. One that taps into the modern day dances but deeply rooted to traditional moves and heritage.”

He added that the concept follows months of research and planning online since the team was not able to meet physically, but all the sweat is paying off now.

Mhako says all are free to enter.

“The TV show will be open to all participants but mainly the youth from ages of 15 to 30. We hope to accommodate those from other places outside of Harare resources permitting.”

After the auditions there will be elimination episodes where dancers work with various dance practitioners from various traditional dances, Museve, Tshibilika, Hip Hop. Afro-urban, Dancehall to create pieces to showcase each week.

“This challenge will push artists and choreographers from their comfort zones to come up with hybrid and unique dance pieces that have a deeper meaning, connection and are diverse in nature,” he shared.

Quizzed on how this platform will help solve the embarrassing scenario at the 2020 NAMA’s failed to get quality nominees in some dance categories due to lack of originality he said, “Through this and many other complimentary platforms we hope it will answer the question posed by NAMA 2019 in terms of the lack of artistic depth amongst dancers.”

On the production side of things, Jibilika has partnered with some new kids on the block.

“We are working with Imvi Films on production and one new state of the art production studio that is launching in a few days. We are also in the process of renovating and transforming our Jibilika Youth Culture Hub in Harare for future production use.”

But Mhako was not only bearing good news only, he also expressed disappointment at how those in the dance community failed to utilize the lockdown period to grow their online presence.

“I feel the failure by dancers to utilize the lockdown to create content online speaks on the lack a drive, innovation and importantly the funding to implement dance projects,” lamented Mhako.