Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ORGANISERS of the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival believe the US$15 000 prize for the national champions has significantly motivated participants.
The competition has become so fierce that dancers from various provinces are investing heavily in their choreography, costumes and rehearsals to captivate the judges.
Last weekend’s winners — Imvimbi Arts from Victoria Falls (Matabeleland North), Katawa Dance Group from Raffingora (Mashonaland West), Gure Unde from Gweru and Mutare-based dinhe specialists Semvumba Arts Ensemble — have all secured their spots in the finals.
On Saturday (yesterday), all eyes were on Masvingo, where the provincial finals were set to take place at Masizanengere Beerhall in Chiredzi.
Conceived by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), this year’s festival has seen heightened competition due to the substantial prize money at stake.
At the provincial level, winners will receive US$2 500, while the second- and third-place finishers will be awarded US$1 500 and US$1 000, respectively.
At the national level, the overall winners will take home US$15 000, with second- and third-place finalists receiving US$10 000 and US$7 500, respectively.
NACZ marketing and communications manager Agga Nyabinde said the prize money has positively impacted the rising standards of this year’s edition.
“The prize money is one of the motivators that cannot be overlooked. The US$15 000 prize has increased competition, which is what we have been longing for over the years,” he said.
“We have been hoping for this to happen for the development of the arts sector and we are beginning to see these changes. If you look at the investments these groups have made in wardrobe, rehearsals and transport, you can see their dedication. This is the kind of commitment we have seen in recent years in the history of the contest.”
Nyabinde also praised participants for their dedication, highlighting their efforts to promote cultural diversity through traditional dance.
“The commitment of participants exceeds expectations; they give it their all. We will do our best to assist them in protecting traditional dances as an intangible cultural heritage. We are impressed that they are proud of their culture, which they have been showcasing through traditional dance, richly grounded in their traditions,” he said.
As a premier traditional dance festival celebrating both raw talent and cultural diversity, the impact of nyau dancers has been strongly felt, especially in Midlands, Mashonaland West and Manicaland.
Originally from Malawi and Zambia, nyau dancers have gained recognition for their devotion and electrifying performances. True to this year’s theme, “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’ sgubhu Mngane”, the provincial finals have been progressing smoothly, ensuring that all participants walk away with something.
Losing finalists have received consolation prizes during the ongoing provincial competitions.
The search for the Mashonaland East representative will take place on June 14 at Padhana Sports Bar in Mutoko.
On the same day, Matabeleland South’s representative will be selected at Malaxo Beerhall in Beitbridge.
In Harare, Hurudza Beer Hall in Mabvuku will host its provincial finals on June 24, while Manor Hotel in Bulawayo will hold its event on the same day.
Tipaz Night Club in Shamva will host the Mashonaland Central finals on July 5.
For over 60 years, the festival has been a beacon of traditional arts, revitalising indigenous dance forms and empowering local communities.
As the competition unfolds, each province will showcase its unique cultural identity through dance, with contests taking place at various venues.
Last year, Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland East stole the spotlight with their breath-taking performance of the mbende dance, securing the national title at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.
They are expected to participate in the 2025 edition, where they will inevitably pass the crown to new champions.
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival not only provides a platform for cultural expression and preservation but also creates significant economic opportunities for participating groups.
