Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
DANCE GROUP, Imvimbi Arts, continues to demonstrate that mastering one’s craft through dedication and consistency leads to excellence. This comes as the group, formed in 2001, has once again secured a place at the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national finals — marking their third appearance at the prestigious competition.
Their journey has been remarkable, having featured at provincial level a record eight times. What sets their story apart is their participation in both Matabeleland North and Bulawayo provincial competitions — a rarity made possible by the fact that the group’s founders hail from both regions.
Imvimbi Arts first entered the competition in 2012, performing in the Bulawayo provincial finals where they placed third. They went on to secure second place in 2014, 2015 and 2017 and again placed third in 2016.
After years of near-misses at national qualification, the group shifted their focus to Matabeleland North, where they participated in 2019, 2023 and now 2025 — each time emerging as provincial winners and earning a national ticket.
One of the group’s founders, Blessed Chakomoka, praised the Chibuku Neshamwari Festival, describing it as a key pillar in supporting the arts industry and empowering traditional dancers. He said preparations for the national finals, set to take place next month, are well underway.
“We’re working on making our set more unique this year — from choreography to securing proper props for authenticity and impact,” Chakomoka said.
The group’s mission, Chakomoka added, is to elevate Matabeleland’s cultural identity to global audiences.
“The group was formed in August 2001 in Entumbane by members from Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Jambesi, Lupane and Nkayi. Our objective is to spread our culture across the world through dance and music.”
He said their chosen act, the uMzansi traditional dance from KwaZulu-Natal, aligns perfectly with the group’s high energy and athleticism.
“We chose uMzansi because it’s a vigorous, energetic dance, and our members are well-suited to it. We’re happy that 2025 is shaping up to be a year of growth and achievement for us.”
He expressed gratitude to the Government for its increasing recognition of cultural practitioners.
“On June 2, we had the honour of performing at a welcome reception for President Mnangagwa and delegates attending the SADC Parliamentary Forum 57th Plenary Assembly at Elephant Hills. That moment was a testament to how far we’ve come.”
Earlier this year, Imvimbi Arts also won the Best Arts Group accolade at the Victorian Awards.
This weekend, the Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals will take place in two provinces, with Mashonaland East hosting its event on Saturday at Padhana Sports Bar in Mutoko, while Matabeleland South holds its finals on the same day at Malaxo Beerhall in Beitbridge. —@mthabisi_mthire
Londile Moyo