Something a bit different in this particular blog…
During a visit I made to Pakati and its neighbouring schools in 2022, as part of the celebrations for items Friends of Pakati donated, we were entertained by students from the various schools.
Today we are concentrating on the traditional dance which both Pakati and Mapanga Primary schools performed for us. It is a culturally significant dance which originates in the Murewa district of Zimbabwe, which is where Pakati is situated.
Before I post the two videos from Pakati and from Mapanga, here is a some information about the Jerusalem Dance:
In addition to the above, Mrs Maenzanise told me about the preparations Mapanga made in the lead up to our visit:
“As for the school children…we have a resource person who comes in the afternoon to train them on drum beat and how the dance is performed…children by nature are good at imitation…they can easily follow every movement very well…they can perform at assembly or any other day…
As for preparations…we invited a resource person from the local area…we prepared the crops and instruments especially the drums…its quite exciting to dance to the dance.”
The following information was also sent by Mrs Maenzanise:
*Costumes worn during Mbende / Jerusarema dancing*
The look is bold, colorful, and meant to highlight the fast hip, waist, and leg movements. Both men and women dress to show Zezuru identity and to make the dance visually strong.
*For Women*
1. *Skirt – _Zambia / Chipisi*_
Short pleated skirt made from cloth, often bright colors. It flares out so the hip and waist shaking is very visible.
2. *Top – _Chitenge blouse*_
Fitted blouse or wrap top, usually matching the skirt. Sometimes sleeveless.
3. *Headwrap – _Doek*_
Colorful headscarf tied at the back.
4. *Beads and accessories*
– Beaded belts around the waist to emphasize movement
– Beaded necklaces, bangles, and anklets
– _Magavhu_ – rattles tied around the ankles to add sound with the footwork
5. *Body paint*
Sometimes traditional patterns are painted on arms/legs for performances/festivals.
*For Men*
1. *Shorts – _Chipisi*_
Knee-length shorts or a wrap-around cloth. Allows for the crouching, kicking and “mole” movements.
2. *Top*
Sleeveless vest or bare chest, often with a cloth sash across the shoulder/chest.
3. *Headgear*
Headband or cloth tied around the head.
4. *Rattles – _Magavhu*_
Tied below the knees and around the ankles so each stomp/kick makes sound.
5. *Wooden clappers*
Some male dancers also hold clappers to keep rhythm.
*General performance notes*
– *Colors*: Bright reds, yellows, greens, and blues from chitenge fabric are common. They represent celebration and life.
– *Instruments worn*: The _magavhu_ ankle rattles are part of the costume because the sound is part of the dance.
– *No shoes*: Dancers usually perform barefoot to feel the ground and make the stomping clearer.
The whole outfit is designed for movement — nothing should restrict the fast hip rolls, waist shakes, and the men’s crouch-and-kick “mole” steps.
UNESCO notes that keeping the _authentic_ costume — chitenge, beads, rattles, no modern additions — is part of safeguarding the dance.
Also, I was talking to a friend of mine, a former Pakati student, as they had sent me some videos from a funeral of an elderly relative. As you will see below, the funeral was very much a celebration of the 91-year-olds life.
She was known among many other things,as being the ‘queen of the Jerusalem dance’, a well-known traditional dance that originates in the Murewa District of Zimbabwe.
The dance is used during many different occasions, including weddings, funerals, festivals and other significant events. Mrs Maenzanise also said “Our pupils dance a day before we close school…when the parents come and cheer and celebrate with their top ten excellent perfoming children in class…from ECD to grade 7, most recently on 5 Aug 2026…”
From my personal perspective, I found it fascinating, and felt honoured by the performances at both schools, as it was clear how much work they put into it & how culturally important it is to them all.
