Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The 2025 edition of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival continues to gather momentum as Matabeleland North and Mashonaland West gear up to host their provincial finals on May 31, 2025.
This follows the successful competitions held in Midlands and Manicaland, where Undi Gure and Semvumba Arts Ensemble earned the honour of representing their provinces at the national finals.
In Matabeleland North, the provincial showcase will take place at Lwendulu Beerhall in Hwange, while Mashonaland West will hold its event at EMM Leisure Sports Bar in Banket.
The Matabeleland North finals will feature 10 groups showcasing a vibrant mix of traditional dances: Amafolosi Amahle (Umtshongoyo), Igungama (Isitshikitsha), Gulewankulu (Zambia), Taboka (Isitshikitsha), Inguquko White Stars (Setapa), Nchalilayi (Chilimba), Shinning Fellows Lubangwe (Umtshongoyo), Amakhosikazi (Isitshikitsha), Kulikwasa (Makishi) and Ivimbi Arts (Umzansi). Meanwhile, Mashonaland West’s line-up will include an equally diverse mix: Chegutu Malawi Gurewamkuru (Gure), Rimuka Stars (Zambia Nyau), Ninga Dzenharira (Mbira), Musundasora (Mbira), Zhandu Kunyandu (Mixed Traditional Dance), Katawa (Mixed Traditional Dance), Achewa (Gure), Chinhoyi (Mixed Traditional Dance), Garawabika Malawi (Gure) and Nyozo (Zambia Nyau).
The journey of cultural celebration continues as Masvingo hosts its provincial final on June 7 at Masiza Nengere Bar in Chiredzi, while Mashonaland East takes its turn on June 14 at Padhana Sports Bar in Mutoko. On the same day, Matabeleland South will stage its round at Malaxo Beerhall in Beitbridge.
Harare will host its provincial event on June 21 at Hurudza Bar in Mabvuku, followed by Bulawayo on June 28 at The Manor Hotel. The provincial rounds will conclude on July 5 with Mashonaland Central’s final at Tipaz Night Club in Shamva.
At the 2024 national finals, Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland East emerged as the overall winner with their powerful rendition of the Mbende dance. Their performance captivated audiences with its authenticity, choreography, and cultural precision.
As the 2025 festival unfolds, communities across the country look forward to discovering which ensemble will rise to the occasion and represent Zimbabwe’s diverse heritage on the national stage. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
Sidumisile Mabena