Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
Jah Prayzah’s camp yesterday hailed Alick Macheso as one of Africa’s living legends ahead of their upcoming clash at the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance finals, scheduled for July 19 at Mutare Showgrounds.
Macheso, Jah Prayzah, Enzo Ishall and The Vibrant Band will perform following a contest featuring nine competing groups.
With the final round of provincial competition taking place tomorrow at Tippaz Nite Club in Shamva, anticipation for the event is high, especially with the inclusion of Macheso and Jah Prayzah.
The nine groups that have already qualified for the finals include Sekunjalo MaAfrica from Bulawayo, Green Stars (Harare), Jeketera Renyaungwe (Masvingo), Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North), Katawa Dance Group (Mashonaland West), Undi Gure (Midlands), Semvumba Arts Ensemble (Manicaland), Sekusile Dance Group (Matabeleland South), and Goromonzi Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland East.
The after-party has further raised the festival’s appeal, promising to draw large crowds from Manicaland.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Jah Prayzah’s manager, Keen Mushapaidze, expressed his admiration for Macheso.
“It’s always a pleasure to share the stage with Baba Shero, or Alick Macheso as many know him. He is a legend in our music, a legend in Africa.
“Having him perform at events like the Chibuku Neshamwari national finals is a significant experience. I don’t know how many of you will be able to see the greats after they are gone, but we are living in this time, and we are happy that we get to share the stage with him.
“It wasn’t too long ago that we last shared the stage; I think it was in Kadoma, if I’m not mistaken — the Kadoma Music Festival. That must have been last year’s edition if my memory serves me right.”
Mushapaidze assured fans of a memorable event on July 19, saying, “Get ready for an electrifying performance.
“We haven’t performed in Mutare since our album release, so expect many surprises. Just come and witness the magic; it’s going to be a memorable night filled with fireworks.
“It’s going to be memorable, like we always do, as we deliver magic every time we get the chance. So this is not going to be any exception, but we promise fireworks,” asserted Mushapaidze.
He emphasised the importance of participating in major local arts festivals, stating, “Our brand is about promoting tradition, and we are excited to be part of this annual event that celebrates it, especially through dance.
“It’s always exciting to be a part of the Chibuku Neshamwari Finals. We have been a part of these finals for a very long time now, so we are happy that Chibuku continues to work with us and continues to give us a platform to engage with our fans, the Chibuku customers as well, and also celebrate traditional dance through the Chibuku Neshamwari finals.”
In another interview, Tichaona Makahamadze, Macheso’s right-hand man and publicist, also expressed excitement about sharing the stage with Jah Prayzah.
“We salute Jah Prayzah for his work ethic and humility. It’s quite an honour to have another platform to perform with him.
“We admire his humility and dedication to his craft, which has won the hearts of many.
“He gives it his all on stage, and that is the spirit needed in showbiz,” shared Makahamadze.
Makahamadze noted that all participants stand to learn valuable lessons from the performances, such as stage communication, wardrobe choices, punctuality and the importance of valuing fans.
Enzo, a familiar face at such major events, continues to evolve as an artiste after nearly a decade in the industry.
Having honed his skills under Chillspot Records, fans can expect an impressive performance.
The final round of preliminaries for the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals concludes tomorrow in Shamva. The winners will join the nine groups already qualified for the finals.
Event organisers — the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA) — have been commended for their diligence in ensuring a merit-based selection process.
As in previous years, Nyau dancers have maintained their dominance, earning admiration from the NACZ.
Proud of their culture, Nyau dancers frequently showcase their routines in various communities throughout Zimbabwe, particularly in mining and farming regions.
The competition has intensified due to increased prize money, with provincial winners receiving US$2 500, while second and third places are awarded US$1 500 and US$1 000, respectively. National winners will take home US$15 000, with second and third place finalists receiving US$10 000 and US$7 500 respectively.
This year’s festival has witnessed fierce competition, driven by the substantial prizes at stake. The theme, “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane,” resonated well, with all participants leaving with prizes.
For over 60 years, the festival has served as a beacon for traditional arts, revitalising indigenous dance forms and empowering local communities. Last year’s champions, Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland East, won the national title with their breathtaking performance of the Mbende dance at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.
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.
It is encouraging to see traditional dances gaining recognition for their role in promoting and preserving cultural heritage.
