Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE search for the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance champion is now in full swing, with representatives from Mashonaland East and Matabeleland South set to be selected this weekend.
In Mashonaland East, 10 groups will battle for the sole ticket at Camp & Caravan Centre in Murehwa.
On the same day, 10 other groups will also compete at Collen Bawn Beerhall in Gwanda.
The two winners will also join Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble from Bulawayo, who emerged winners on May 9, after showcasing their Tsutsube dance.
Bira Revadzimu Dance Group, Musa, from Gutu in Masvingo, Dinhe Dance Troupe and Guruve Chinyakare are through to the national finals.
On June 6, Werras Park in Glen View 1 will host the Harare finals, while Yolla Bar in Chinhoyi is expected to stage the Mashonaland West finals on June 13.
In Matabeleland North, Victoria Falls’ Tavern Beerhall will host provincial finals on 13 June.
The last round of provincial finals will be held on 20 June, where Manicaland’s representatives will be selected at Mandel Bar in Watsomba, Nyanga—simultaneously with Midlands’ finals at Patsime Tavern, Mbizo 7, Kwekwe.
The national finals will be held on 11 July at a venue to be advised.
Running under the theme “Yorira Ngoma Shamwari, Siyakhal’ Is’gubhu Mngane,” Zimbabwe’s premier traditional dance contest is being held by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA).
“Audiences can expect thrilling performances from talented traditional dance groups, each showcasing unique cultural expressions from different regions.
“Participants will compete for monetary prizes at both provincial and national levels, making the competition both exciting and rewarding for performers,” reads part of the statement from the organisers.
At provincial level, winners will pocket US$2,500 cash, he second-placed group will receive US$1,500 and the third-placed sides will get US$1,000.
At national level, the winners will receive US$15,000, with the second-placed outfit getting US$10,000 and the third-placed outfits getting US$7,500.
Focus is now on the Matabeleland South and Mashonaland East preliminaries.
Harare-based Green Stars are the reigning champions after winning the 2025 edition at Mutare Showgrounds, where they pocketed US$15,000.
The second-placed Goromonzi Arts Ensemble earned US$10,000, while the hosts, Semvumba Arts Ensemble, finished third and took home US$7,500.
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.
By valuing and promoting traditional dance, the festival contributes to the appreciation and safeguarding of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
It is encouraging to see traditional dances being valued for their role in promoting and preserving these traditions.
Due to the financial rewards that come with the annual competition, groups are giving it their best shot to win big.
The US$15,000 prize money has also been hailed by stakeholders for enhancing the lifestyles of participants.
