Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE search for the 2026 Chibuku Neshwamwari Traditional Dance Festival spills into Mashonaland West and Matabeleland North provinces.
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, the winners will receive US$2,500, second-placed groups will get US$1,500, and third-placed finalists will pocket US$1,000. At national level, the overall winners will receive US$15,000 while the second-placed and third-placed groups will receive US$10,000 and US$7,500, respectively. In Mashonaland West, ten 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. In Matabeleland North, ten 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.
The other groups are Tsutsube dance outfit and Bolamba Culture Birds, who won the Matabeleland South preliminaries at Cohlen Bawn Beer Hall last month. Marondera Gure Art Group and Chewa Gulewankulu emerged winners during the provincial finals held at Camp and Caravan Park at the Murehwa Centre.
Chinyambera outfit Dzimbahwe emerged winners at Groove Bar in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central, during the finals held earlier last month.The Bira Revadzimu dance group Musa and 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.
From wardrobe to choreography, groups are not taking the contest lightly.
Over the years, the Chibuku Neshwamwari Festival has grown into a major national event that honours tradition while fostering unity and friendship among people.
Provincial competitions began on May 9 and will end on July 11, with 10 provincial finals held across the country ahead of the grand national final. As we begin the final countdown to the national finals, anticipation continues to grow for what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent and cultural heritage.
Delta Beverages, the main sponsors, have 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.
