Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE search for the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival gets exciting tomorrow, with organisers set to choose the Mashonaland West and Matabeleland North representatives simultaneously.
Organised in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA), this year’s edition runs under the theme: “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane.”
At provincial level, winners will receive US$2 500, second-placed groups will get US$1 500, and third finalists will pocket US$1 000.
At national level, overall winners will receive US$15 000, while first and second finalists will receive US$10 000 and US$7 500, respectively.
In Mashonaland West, 10 groups will compete for the sole ticket to represent the province at Yolla Bar in Chinhoyi.
The contest is set to bring life to the Mashonaland West capital, which is no stranger to hosting such events.
The same can be said of Matabeleland North, where 10 more groups will compete at New Tavern Beer Hall in Victoria Falls.
The two winners will join Mbakumba outfit Shingai Dance Group of Mufakose, which outclassed nine other dance groups during the Harare provincial finals held at Werras Park Gardens.
These include Tsutsube dance outfit and Bolamba Culture Birds, who won the Matabeleland South preliminaries at Cohlen Bawn Beer Hall last month.
On the same day, Marondera Gure Art Group and Chewa Gulewankulu emerged winners during the provincial finals held at Camp and Caravan Park at the Murehwa Centre. For their triumph, the two winners now join Chinyambera outfit Dzimbahwe, who emerged winners at Groove Bar in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central, during the finals held earlier last month.
The Bira Revadzimu dance group, Musa, has already won the ticket to represent the province following preliminaries held at Madondo Hotel in Gutu in early May.
Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble from Bulawayo are also vying for top honours after winning the provincial finals last month.
Chinyambera outfit from Harare won the 2025 edition held in Mutare, where they triumphed with their polished act.
The group had participated in previous editions and finally got it right last year, amid stiff competition from other groups.
As has become the norm, participants are now giving it their all, with the biggest prize of US$15,000 up for grabs at the national finals.
From wardrobe to choreography, groups are not taking the contest lightly — they remain focused on the prize money.
Over the years, the Chibuku Neshamwari Festival has grown into a major national event that honours tradition while fostering unity and friendship among people.
Provincial competitions began on 9 May and will end on 11 July, with 10 provincial finals held across the country ahead of the grand national final. Attendees should brace for another rare experience in which traditional dance groups showcase their distinct cultural identities.
Competitors will not only battle for prize money but will also display their rich cultural heritage.
As the countdown to the national finals set for July 11, draws closer, anticipation continues to grow for what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent and cultural heritage.
Delta Beverages, the main sponsor, has also been commended for continuously supporting the arts sector, which has the potential to create jobs.
Winners have also been advised to invest wisely to ensure the continuity of their success and avoid divisions after receiving the prize money.
