Online Reporter
Trust Khosa, [email protected]
THE road to the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national finals became clearer over the weekend, with Matabeleland North champions Amakhosikazi and Mashonaland West winners Pisa Pisa Nyau securing their places at the country’s biggest traditional dance showcase.
The two groups emerged victorious in their respective provincial finals held on Saturday, adding their names to a growing list of contenders chasing the coveted national title and the US$15 000 grand prize.
In Victoria Falls, the Isitshikitsha ensemble Amakhosikazi delivered a confident and polished performance at New Tavern Beer Hall to claim the Matabeleland North title, finishing ahead of Gule Wamkulu Hwange and Amafolosi Amahle, who came second and third respectively.
Hundreds of kilometres away in Chinhoyi, Pisa Pisa Nyau proved just as impressive, taking top honours at the Mashonaland West provincial finals held at Yolla Bar. Chabvondoka settled for second place, while Norton Chewa completed the podium.
Their victories not only earned them provincial bragging rights and US$2 500 prize money each, but also secured their places at the national finals, where they will compete against the country’s top traditional dance groups.
The latest winners now join a strong list of provincial champions already through to the national showcase. These include Bulawayo champions Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble, Matabeleland South’s Bolamba Culture Birds, Harare representatives Shingai Dance Group, Mashonaland East winners Marondera Gure Art Group, Masvingo’s Musa, and Mashonaland Central representatives Dzimbahwe.
With only Manicaland and Midlands yet to hold their provincial competitions this Saturday, excitement is building as more groups position themselves for a chance at national glory.
This year’s festival is running under the theme, “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane”, and continues to celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity through traditional dance.
At provincial level, winning groups receive US$2 500, with runners-up getting US$1 500 and third-placed teams taking home US$1 000.
The stakes are even higher at national level, where the champions will walk away with US$15 000, while first and second runners-up will receive US$10 000 and US$7 500 respectively. Green Stars of Harare won the 2025 national title in Mutare with an impressive Chinyambera performance.
Organised by Delta Beverages in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA), the festival remains one of the country’s leading cultural platforms.
It continues to celebrate heritage, unity and friendship, while giving artists an opportunity to showcase and preserve traditional dances.
