Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BIRA Revadzimu dance group, Musa, were crowned provincial winners of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance held at Madondo Hotel in Gutu.
The group pocketed US$2,500.
Second-placed mbakumba outfit, Africa Musical Arts Village, got US$1,500 while Dzimbadzamabwe got US$1,000 after finishing third.
The other groups which took part are Kandamufaro, Hundudza, Mhondoro Dzevakaranga, Maombera Edenga, Musa, Chakamuzi, Chevute and Madzanira. Chinyambera oufit, Dzimbahwe, won the Mashonaland Central crown at Groove Bar in Mt Darwin.
Dinhe dance troupe, Guruve Chinyakare, came second while Bindura HideOut, who were promoting Zambia Nyau, came.third.
The other groups, which took part, are Katekwe Muzarabani, Ben Arinoti Shamva, Nehanda Nyakasikana, Bindura Urban, Diwa Dembe, Chinyakare Bindura and Heavy Duty.
According to the organisers, the second round of the 2026 Chibuku Neshawamwari Traditional Dance provincial finals held in Masvingo and Mt Darwin this Saturday went according to plan.
Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble from Bulawayo emerged the provincial winners for showcasing their Tsutsube dance.
The group pocketed US$2,500. Organised in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA), this year’s edition is running under the theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane.”
At national level, overall winners pocket US$15,000, with the first and second finalists receiving US$10,000 and US$7,500.
Green Stars from Harare are the reigning champions.
Green Stars won the national finals at Mutare Showgrounds on July 19 last year.
They took home US$15,000 for their energetic rendition of the Chinyambera dance.
Goromonzi Arts (Mashonaland East), came second, while Semvumba Arts (Manicaland) took third place.
From wardrobe to choreography, groups are not taking the contest lightly — they are focused on the big prize.
Over the years, the Chibuku Neshamwari Festival has grown into a major national event, honouring tradition while fostering unity and friendship among people. It has also become one of the country’s biggest dance contests, where groups are rewarded on merit.
Provincial competitions started on May 9 and will end July 11. Ten groups will then compete at national level for the grand prize.
Fans should brace themselves for another rare experience in which traditional dance groups will showcase their distinct cultural identities. Consolation prizes will be awarded to all participating groups.
