Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
HARARE is set to host the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national finals at Harare Gardens on August 1, bringing together the country’s finest traditional dance ensembles in a celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
Running under the theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari”, the country’s premier traditional dance competition will see 10 provincial champions compete for national honours in a vibrant showcase of Zimbabwe’s diverse indigenous dance traditions.
The road to the national finals began on May 9, with provincial competitions held across the country to identify the best traditional dance groups. The contests attracted enthusiastic support from communities, underscoring the enduring role of traditional dance in preserving cultural heritage and promoting community identity.
Representing Bulawayo at the national finals will be Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble with the Tsutsube dance, while Masvingo will be represented by Musa, performing the Bira reVadzimu dance. Dzimbahwe Nengoma will carry the hopes of Mashonaland Central with the Chinyambera dance, while hosts Harare will be represented by Shingai Dance Troupe, showcasing Mbakumba.
Matabeleland North’s Amakhosikazi Cultural Ensemble will perform Isitshikitsha, while Mashonaland West’s Pisa Pisa Nyau Malawi will present the Gulewankulu dance. Manicaland will be represented by Dapuraunanzva Dance Ensemble with Mbakumba, Midlands by Chipolopolo Zambia Nyau performing the Zambia Nyau dance, Matabeleland South by Bolamba Culture Birds with Tsutsube, and Mashonaland East by Marondera Gure Arts Group Chewa, presenting Gulewankulu.
Organisers said preparations for the national showcase were progressing smoothly, with excitement continuing to build ahead of the highly anticipated event.
“The stage is being set, the drums are calling, and anticipation is building as the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival has reached its grand finale. This year’s festival, hosted in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association, has brought communities together in a shared celebration of traditional dance, culture and heritage,” read part of the organisers’ statement.
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival remains one of Zimbabwe’s longest-running cultural events, providing a platform for communities to celebrate and preserve the country’s diverse traditional dances while nurturing artistic talent and strengthening cultural identity across generations.
— @mthabisi_mthire
