The Sunday News
Ngonidzashe Chiutsi Sunday Leisure Correspondent
AN Egyptian traditional dance group illuminated the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) with a splendid and mouthwatering performance that mesmerised both locals and visitors.
Folkloric dance group from the land of Pharaohs almost turned the Trade Fair into a carnival after performing unique traditional dances that left many mistaking them for the Brazilian Samba dancers.
Some of the exhibitors at the ZITF had to temporarily abandon their stands as they rushed to watch the Egyptians dancing to various music instruments on stage.
One of the Egyptian artistes, Tunnura Shakes, won the hearts of many through his magical performances and dances.
Shakes’s creative and sexually suggestive dances left some people in hysterical fits of laughter.
Not to be out done were, among the group, three women dancers who also displayed well choreographed dances that would probably leave our own dancing queens Beverly and Zoey green with envy.
Due to the language barrier Sunday Leisure could not speak to the extremely reserved artistes but Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism official Hend Radwan said they had brought the eight-member group as part of their efforts to promote and exchange notes with Zimbabweans on culture and tourism.
“Zimbabwe is a very important country for us and we have brought the artistes as part of efforts to promote friendship between the two countries. We want to share notes on how best we can improve tourism through art and cultural activities,” said Radwan.
Egypt was one of the 19 countries that was exhibiting at the 55th edition of the trade showcase that ended yesterday.
In previous years, South Africa was the only country that used to bring artistes such as Ringo Mandlingozi, during the annual trade showcase although they would perform outside the Trade Fair grounds.
