Sidumisile Mabena
Fungai Muderere
ZIMBABWE’S biggest traditional dance showcase is back, and it’s louder, richer, and more electrifying than ever!
The multi-award-winning Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival is set to once again sweep across the country, uniting communities in a spectacular celebration of culture, rhythm, and identity.
Sponsored by Delta Corporation in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association, the event has helped revive endangered dance styles and uplift rural artists through exposure and financial support.
This year’s edition promises a thrilling cultural explosion under the theme: “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane.”
Running from May 9 to July 11, the festival will roll out across all ten provinces, with dance groups battling it out in high-energy provincial finals before the ultimate showdown at the national final. Each stop promises unforgettable performances as groups showcase unique traditions and styles rooted in their regions, turning every stage into a cultural battleground.
The competition comes with significant rewards, as winners at the provincial level will take home US$2,500 for first place, US$1,500 for second place, and US$1,000 for third place. At the national level, the stakes rise dramatically, with the ultimate winners set to receive US$15,000, while second place will earn US$10,000 and third place US$7,500.
The festival kicks off in Bulawayo on May 9 before moving through Mt Darwin, Gutu, Gwanda, Murehwa, Harare, Chinhoyi, Victoria Falls, Nyanga, and Kwekwe, building momentum ahead of the grand finale scheduled for July 11.
Aspiring dance groups are encouraged to register with NACZ and ZNTDA, while members of the public are invited to come out in their numbers to experience the rhythm, energy, and cultural diversity that define the festival.
From rural beats to urban stages, the Chibuku Neshamwari Festival continues to stand as a powerful celebration of Zimbabwean heritage, bringing people together through dance, culture, and friendship.
Last year, Harare-based Green Stars triumphed at the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance finals that were held at the Mutare Showgrounds, securing a prize of US$15,000.
The second-placed Goromonzi Arts Ensemble earned US$10 000, while the hosts, Semvumba Arts Ensemble, finished third with US$7 500.
Other participating groups included Guruve Marimba Stars from Mashonaland Central, Sekunjalo MaAfrica from Bulawayo, Jeketera Renyaungwe from Masvingo, Imvimbi Arts from Matabeleland North, Katawa Dance Group from Mashonaland West, Undi Gure from the Midlands, and Sekusile Dance Group from Matabeleland South.-
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