Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
TRADITIONAL dance group Bolamba Culture Birds are dreaming big after winning the Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals in Matabeleland South last weekend. The group, which comes from the rural Kafusi area in Gwanda District, is now hoping to go one step further and bring home the national title when they represent the province at this year’s finals.
For the dancers, the victory was not just about winning a competition. It was also about representing Matabeleland South culture on a bigger stage and proving that rural performing groups can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best traditional dance ensembles in the country.
Bolamba Culture Birds emerged winners during the provincial finals held at Collen Bawn Beerhall on Saturday, beating several talented groups from across the province.
Chihoda Ensemble from Blanket Mine finished in second place, while Blanket Mine Beni claimed third position after impressing judges with their energetic Beni Arinoti dance performance.
The competition drew large crowds of traditional dance lovers who gathered to celebrate Zimbabwean culture through music, dance and storytelling.
Across the country, other provinces were also selecting representatives for the national finals. In Mashonaland East, Marondera Gure Art Group won the provincial competition held at Camp and Caravan Park in Murehwa with their Chewa Gulewankulu dance performance.
Vimbiso Dance Troupe came second, while Mbende Jerusarema Dance Group from Murehwa Prison claimed third place.
The latest winners joined other groups that have already secured spots in the national finals, including Ezimyama Dance Ensemble from Bulawayo and Dzimbahwe Nengoma from Mashonaland Central.
In Masvingo Province, Musa Bira Evadzimu Dance Group booked their place at the nationals earlier this year after winning the provincial competition held at Madondo Hotel in Gutu.
The annual Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival remains one of Zimbabwe’s biggest platforms for preserving and promoting local culture.
The festival is organised by Delta Corporation 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”.
For Bolamba Culture Birds, reaching the national finals is already a major achievement, but the group believes they are now experienced and prepared enough to challenge for the top prize.
Group director Mthabisi “Mtee” Dube said the dancers were motivated by their previous appearance at the national finals where they managed to finish among the top performers in the country.
“This will be our second time at the Chibuku Neshamwari national finals where on our first attempt we took position three outshining other seven groups. We believe we have all the quality and we are well prepared to bring fireworks at the national stage because of exposure that we have seen,” said Mtee.
The group’s confidence comes after years of hard work, rehearsals and performing at local cultural events.
Although the dancers come from a remote rural area, they have continued to build a strong reputation in Matabeleland South through their energetic routines and commitment to preserving traditional dances.
Mtee said preparations for the national finals had already begun, with the group focusing on improving their choreography and correcting mistakes noticed during the provincial contests.
“People should expect more, vibrant, unique and well-choreographed original set piece. Rehearsals are underway to ensure perfection and correcting errors made in Provincial finals.
“The dance that made us win is the Tsutsube khoi-san dance which is a traditional dance that originated in Botswana Kalahari region and spread to other parts of Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa. The purpose of the dance is a celebratory dance mainly after a successful healing ceremony, courtship and hunting,” said Mtee.
The Tsutsube Khoi-San dance stood out during the provincial finals because of its fast footwork, vibrant traditional attire and energetic drum rhythms that kept the audience fully entertained.
Many people in the crowd could be seen singing along, clapping and cheering as Bolamba Culture Birds delivered their performance with confidence and precision.
Traditional dance competitions such as Chibuku Neshamwari have become important in helping younger generations remain connected to their roots at a time when modern music and digital entertainment continue to dominate popular culture.
For groups such as Bolamba Culture Birds, the competitions also provide exposure and opportunities to travel, perform and showcase traditions that are sometimes forgotten in rural communities.
The group is made up of Mthabisi Dube, Ahang Dube, Sinobuhle Dube, Analia Moyo, Cammelita Gumbo, M’phokuhle Sibanda, Sizatho Ngwenya, Edwin Dinga, Mabaledi Sithole, Ashly Phiri, Biswork Mathe and Gulekane Tlou.
Together, they have built a close-knit cultural ensemble united by a shared passion for dance and heritage.
As they now prepare for the national finals, the group carries the hopes of Matabeleland South, with many local supporters believing they have what it takes to bring the title home for the first time in years.
For the people of Kafusi village, Bolamba Culture Birds are already champions. But for the dancers themselves, the bigger mission is still ahead — stepping onto the national stage and proving that rural talent can shine just as brightly as groups from Zimbabwe’s major cities.
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