Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts,Entertainment Hub
THE wait is over!
The big day is tomorrow in Mutare. After months of provincial finals to select the finalists for this year’s Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance finals, the stage has been set for the 2025 edition taking place in the Eastern Highlands capital.
The usually serene Mutare Showgrounds will host this year’s contest, where US$15 000 prize money will be awarded to the overall winner.
The second and third-place finalists will receive US$10 000 and US$7 500, respectively.
Consolation prizes will be awarded to all participants.
Participating groups include Guruve Marimba Stars representing Mashonaland Central, Sekunjalo MaAfrica (Bulawayo), Green Stars (Harare), Jeketera Renyaungwe (Masvingo), Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North), Katawa Dance Group (Mashonaland West), Undi Gure (Midlands), Semvumba Arts Ensemble (Manicaland), Sekusile Dance Group (Matabeleland South) and Goromonzi Arts Ensemble (Mashonaland East). Event organisers — the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA) — have been praised for a successful round of preliminaries.
This year’s edition runs under the theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane.” Beyond the competition for the US$15 000 prize money, fun is guaranteed in Mutare, as the after-party will feature some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Superstars Alick Macheso and Jah Prayzah will perform following the afternoon competitions, alongside Enzo Ishall and The Vibrant Band.
This will significantly boost the contest, which is set to attract hordes of fans from Mutare and surrounding areas.
After all, attendance is free, so why not join the fun tomorrow? In recent interviews, both Macheso and Jah Prayzah’s teams have promised an exciting event this Saturday.
Macheso, known for his impressive performances, expressed his excitement.
“We enjoy performing in Mutare, where we have a huge following. This encounter on July 19 is particularly special as it coincides with our celebration of culture and Ubuntu through this competition.
“It’s a blessing for us to partner with major corporations like Delta Corporations. We are thrilled to share the stage with other top artistes like Jah Prayzah,” shared Macheso’s publicist, Tichaona Makahamadze.
“As we always say, we are “the people’s band” or “band revanhu” in Shona. We are excited to drive to Mutare for another date with our fans. It will be a marvel performing there. Fans should simply expect yet another polished act. We are ready for the event on the 19th of July (Saturday) in Mutare.” Makahamadze urged fans to attend in large numbers the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance finals.
“With such an impressive line-up, attendees in Mutare and its surroundings have no reason not to attend,” he added.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Jah Prayzah, who described Macheso as an African legend ahead of the festival.
His manager, Keen Mushapaidze, spoke highly of Macheso and their strong bond with the festival organisers.
“It’s always a pleasure to share the stage with Baba Shero, or Alick Macheso, as many know him. He is a legend in our music and a legend in Africa.
“Having him perform at events like the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance finals is a significant experience. I don’t know how many of you will have the opportunity to see the greats after they are gone, but we are living in this time, and we are happy to share the stage with him.”
