Best traditional dancers vie for US$15k in Mutare

Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

THE usually serene city of Mutare will burst into vibrant life on July 19 as it hosts the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance finals at Mutare Showgrounds.

This year’s event promises not only a rich celebration of local cultural dances but also an exhilarating after-party featuring some of Zimbabwe’s biggest showbiz luminaries.

Superstars Alick “Baba Sharo” Macheso and Jah “JP” Prayzah, alongside Enzo Ishall and The Vibrant Band, are slated to perform following the afternoon dance competitions, guaranteeing an electrifying night for attendees.

Ten of Zimbabwe’s finest traditional dance groups will vie for the prestigious grand prize of US$15 000.

The second- and third-place finalists will receive US$10 000 and US$7 500, respectively, with consolation prizes awarded to all participating groups.

The line-up of competing groups includes Guruve Marimba Stars (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 confirmed that preparations for the 2025 finals are complete.

This year’s edition runs under the theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane”. Both Macheso and JP’s camps have promised “fireworks”.

Baba Sharo, renowned for his flawless performances, expressed his excitement through his publicist, Tichaona Makahamadze.

“We enjoy performing in Mutare, where we have a huge following, and this encounter on July 19 is particularly special as it coincides with our celebration of culture and Ubuntu through this competition,” said Makahamadze.

“It is a blessing for us to partner with major companies like Delta Corporation. We are thrilled to share the stage with other top artistes like Jah Prayzah.

“As we always say, we are ‘the people’s band’, or ‘band revanhu’ in Shona. We are excited to be driving to Mutare for another date with our fans. It will be a marvel performing there.”

Ahead of the festival, Jah Prayzah’s manager Keen Mushapaidze spoke glowingly of Macheso, as well as their strong bond with the festival organisers.

“It is always a pleasure to share the stage with Baba Sharo. He is a legend in our music industry and a legend in Africa,” Mushapaidze said.

“Having him perform at events like the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance finals is a significant experience. This is a rare opportunity for many to witness the greats in action . . . we are living in this time and we are happy to share the stage with him (Macheso).”

He assured fans of a memorable event.

“Get ready for an electrifying performance. We have not performed in Mutare since our album release, so expect many surprises. Just come and witness the magic; it is going to be a memorable night filled with fireworks. It is going to be unforgettable, as we always deliver magic every time we get the chance,” said JP’s manager.

He emphasised the importance of participating in major local arts festivals.

“Our brand is about promoting tradition, and we are excited to be part of this annual event that celebrates it, especially through dance.

“We have been involved in these finals for a long time now, so we are grateful that Chibuku continues to collaborate with us, providing a platform to engage with our fans and their customers, while also celebrating traditional dance through the Chibuku Neshamwari finals.”

Last year’s competition was won by Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland East province with their mbende dance.

The finals were held at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.