Tendai Gukutikwa
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari National Traditional Dance Competition is in full swing, with 10 traditional dance groups from Manicaland gearing up for the provincial showdown.
Provincial competitions from across the country will take place from next weekend, with the Manicaland finals slated for Muchina Muhombe Bar in Penhalonga on May 24.
This year’s event, particularly the provincial one, promises to be one for the archives as most of the performing groups have seen it all, and boast of experienced dancers and tutors.
It is left to be seen, who among them will further polish their acts to outclass rivals.
The groups include, two Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services outfits — Chivaraidze and MANSA. The two have previously competed in the contest, with the former having won the coveted prize two years ago.
Other groups are Ben Arinoti, Mbiriyekare, Wadyemhembwe, Maungwe, Makoni Dance Group and Chenhaka Dance Group.
Chenhaka and Ben Arinoti are also some of the most experienced dance groups in the province, and will be out to prove their mettle to their competitors that boast of young blood.
Delta Corporation said this year’s festival will run under the theme: “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’s gubhu Mngane”.
“Held in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), this year’s festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of our culture and heritage through traditional dance. With a legacy spanning over 60 years, the award-winning Chibuku Neshamwari Festival is gearing up to be an exciting event as it connects with consumers through the passion and expression of culture, dance, and heritage.
“Chibuku Neshamwari will commence on May 10 till July 19, 2025. As a build-up, 10 provincial finals will be held, leading up to the national finals. Participants stand a chance to walk away with monetary prizes at both provincial and national level,” reads part of the organisers’ statement.
The provincial final winners will walk away with US$2 500, while the first and second runners-up will take away US$1 500 and US$1 000, respectively.
The national winners will take away US$15 000, while the second and third prize finalists will scoop US$10 000 and US$7 500, respectively.
Delta Corporation is involved, through its principal subsidiary, Delta Beverages, in the brewing of lager and traditional beer and the bottling of soft drinks under licence from the Coca Cola Company.
It operates one of the largest distribution networks of depots and delivery fleets in Zimbabwe.
NACZ Manicaland provincial manageress, Carol Makoni told Weekender Entertainment this week that it is all systems go for the finals.
“We are expecting a potentially-scintillating event as all groups are equally good and deserve to win. We are looking forward to having yet another intriguing event. We are calling upon people to come in their numbers and be part of the event.
We also believe that the venue is ideal for the event of that stature, as it is always peaceful and spacious. It is also good to ensure that these events rotate to various areas. Last year, the provincial winners represented us well at the national contest and were among the top three winners,” said Makoni.
Dapurahunzva, who were crowned last year’s Manicaland provincial champions at an intriguing event held the Mandel Leisure Centre in Watsomba, further made headlines when they defied expectations at the national finals in Masvingo, securing the second runner-up position.
This year, they return as a guest group, marking their first major performance on home soil in Zimbabwe and Mutare following a successful tour of India earlier this year.
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