Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Organisers of the annual Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival have commended contestants for their major investment in this competition.
Conceived by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), the festival has gained immense popularity among fans.
As a premier traditional dance festival that celebrates both raw talent and cultural diversity, great strides have been made in this contest.
This was evidenced last weekend during the Matabeleland North and Mashonaland West provincial finals held on the same day.
Rafingora Dance Ensemble and Katawa Dance Group emerged as winners for the Mashonaland West provincials, securing a spot in the national finals.
Dinhe-inspired Zhandu Kanyandu from Norton came second, while Kadoma’s Rimuka Star was voted third for showcasing their Zambia Nyau dance.
In Matabeleland North, Imvimbi Arts from Victoria Falls took the top spot with their Umzansi dance. Amakhosikazi Dance Group from the same resort town came in second with their popular Isitshikitsha.
Ingugama Dancers from Tsholotsho secured third place, also showcasing Isitshikitsha.
NACZ Communications and marketing manager Agga Nyabinde, who attended the Matabeleland finals, praised participants for their commitment.
“The level of competition in this contest is now evident, judging by what we have observed in the past few years,” he stressed.
“Participants are taking this contest seriously, with groups holding thorough rehearsals.”
Nyabinde noted that groups are investing significantly in costumes, reflecting their passion for our culture.
He was also impressed by the participants’ eagerness to showcase their heritage.
“The commitment of participants exceeds expectations; they give it their all. We will do our best to assist them in protecting traditional dances as an Intangible Cultural Heritage,” he emphasised.
Nyabinde revealed that the prize money at stake has positively impacted the level of competition. “The prize money is one of the motivators that cannot be overlooked.
The US$15 000 prize being offered has increased competition, which is what we have been longing for over the years,” he emphasised.
However, he noted that they have yet to hold workshops with traditional dance groups before the provincial and national contests.
“It’s one area we are focusing on to ensure that we groom them in various aspects,” Nyabinde conceded.
With organisers fast-tracking preliminaries, Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North) and Katawa Dance Group (Mashonaland West) are now vying for the US$15,000 prize money at the national finals.
Last weekend’s winners — Imvimbi Arts and Katawa Dance Group — will join Mutare-based Semvuumba Arts Ensemble and Undi Gure from Gweru, who have already qualified for the national finals.
As promised by the event organisers, this year’s preliminaries are set to deliver an exciting showcase of talent.
This year’s talent search programme is themed “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane.” At the provincial level, winners will receive US$2500, while second and third places are guaranteed US$1500 and US$1000, respectively.
At the national level, overall winners take home US$15000, while second and third place finalists will receive US$10000 and US$7500, respectively.
Meanwhile, the provincial finals continue on June 7, with Masvingo hosting its competition at Masiza Nengere Beerhall in Chiredzi.
The search for the Mashonaland East representative will take place on June 14 at Padhana Sports Bar in Mutoko.
The representative for Matabeleland South will also be selected on June 14 at Malaxo Beerhall in Beitbridge.
In Harare, Hurudza Beer Hall in Mabvuku will host its provincial finals on June 24, while the Manor Hotel will host the Bulawayo finals on the same day.
Tipaz Night Club in Shamva will host the Mashonaland Central finals on July 5.
For over 60 years, the festival has served as a beacon of traditional arts, revitalising indigenous dance forms and empowering local communities.
As the festival progresses, each province will highlight its unique cultural identity through dance, with competitions held at various venues.
Last year, Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland East stole the spotlight with a breath-taking performance of the Mbende dance, clinching the national title at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo. The group is expected to perform at the 2025 edition, where they will certainly pass the crown to new champions.
Thus, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival not only provides a platform for cultural expression and preservation but also offers significant economic opportunities for participating groups.
