Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
ALL roads lead to Mandel Leisure Centre in Watsomba tomorrow as 10 traditional dance groups battle for the coveted Chibuku Neshamwari Manicaland provincial title in what promises to be a thrilling contest featuring both seasoned performers and ambitious newcomers.
The venue will host the provincial finals for the second consecutive year after successfully staging last year’s event, which was won by Mutare-based outfit, Semvumba Arts Ensemble.
This year’s edition has generated considerable excitement, with the return of veteran traditional dance group, Wadyemhembwe, adding another intriguing dimension to the competition.
The outfit, which has been absent from the competitive scene for some time, will seek to re-establish itself among the province’s traditional dance powerhouses.
Also expected to light up the stage are several established groups, including 2022 Chibuku Neshamwari national champions, Dapurahunanzva, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service-sponsored MANSA, and Chivaraidze, all widely regarded as strong contenders for provincial honours.
The festival is being held under the theme: “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane.”
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival began on May 9, and will culminate in the national finals scheduled for July 11.
Participants are competing for a substantial prize money aimed at promoting excellence in traditional dance.
At provincial level, winners will walk away with US$2 500, while the second and third-placed groups will receive US$1 500 and US$1 000 respectively.
At national level, the winning group will pocket US$15 000, with the runners-up receiving US$10 000 and US$7 500 respectively.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) regional manager, Carol Makoni said preparations for the provincial finals are complete, and organisers are looking forward to host another successful event.
“We are now at an advanced stage of our preparations, and everything is in place for us to successfully host the provincial finals tomorrow. The excitement is building up across the province, and all roads are leading to Watsomba as groups, supporters and cultural enthusiasts prepare for what promises to be a memorable event,” said Makoni.
“We are delighted by the overwhelming response we have received from participating groups and the enthusiasm being shown by communities. The stage is set for a highly competitive and entertaining festival.”
Makoni said the mix of experienced groups and first-time participants is expected to make this year’s competition one of the most competitive in recent memory.
“This year’s competition promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years because we have a healthy mix of experienced performers and newcomers. The established groups bring a wealth of experience and a strong track record, while the new entrants are injecting fresh energy, innovation and creativity into the contest. That combination is expected to produce outstanding performances,” she said, urging members of the public to attend the event and witness the province’s finest traditional dancers in action.
“People should prepare for a top-class spectacle because the talent on display is exceptional. We are expecting captivating performances that celebrate our heritage, identity and cultural values. The atmosphere is already electric, and we are excited by the euphoria surrounding the event,” said Makoni, adding that the festival continues to play a critical role in promoting cultural preservation and strengthening community bonds.
“Chibuku Neshamwari is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of our traditions, a platform for cultural expression and a vehicle for bringing communities together through music, dance and storytelling. It also inspires younger generations to appreciate and preserve our cultural heritage. We look forward to welcome everyone to Watsomba for what promises to be a memorable and successful provincial finals,” she said.
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival is one of Zimbabwe’s premier cultural events and is co-sponsored by Delta Beverages, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA).
The festival seeks to preserve, promote and elevate Zimbabwe’s diverse traditional dance forms while creating economic opportunities for artists and dance groups. It also provides a platform for communities to celebrate their cultural identity through music, dance and storytelling.
So far, two provincial champions have already been crowned.
In Matabeleland North, Amakhosikazi of Victoria Falls secured the provincial title and booked their place at the national finals after emerging victorious in the competition held on June 13, 2026. Gulewankulu Hwange and Amafolosi Amahle finished as first and second runners-up respectively.
In Mashonaland West, Pisa Nyau claimed top honours, while Chabvondoka and Norton Achewa settled for second and third place respectively.
