Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Last month, a new name, Semvumba Arts Ensemble was unveiled in the country’s traditional dance field as the Muchina Muhombe Bar stage in Mutare.
The group emerged victorious in the Manicaland provincial finals of the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival, earning the honour to represent the province at the upcoming national finals.
The ensemble captivated both judges and audiences with their powerful and authentic rendition of the Dinhe dance, a traditional dance rooted in Zimbabwean cultural heritage. Their performance placed them ahead of Chenhaka Dance Group, who showcased the Chinyambera dance and took second place, while Makoni Dance Group claimed third place with their Zhana dance.
But before they set the stage, a few people knew about them. Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub caught up with the group director, Tafadzwa Matete, who gave a glimpse of how, since their formation a year ago, they are destined for greater heights.
“Our group was formed on 12 March 2024 by me to use performing arts to address social issues. The name of our group is Semvumba Arts Ensemble, inspired by the timeless wisdom of our ancestors who used the Shona proverb ‘Kurwa semvumba’ (to fight like a wildebeest) as a rallying cry to motivate and empower each other in the face of adversity.
“For generations, this strong metaphor has been a symbol of hope and strength, encouraging our people to face life’s challenges with courage and determination. We chose this name to show our commitment to using art to create positive change and help our communities overcome social and economic challenges,” said Matete.
Matete said that as a traditional dance group of youths, they wish to preserve and promote Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage through vibrant performances that showcase the country’s rich traditions. The group has 23 members, comprising 10 ladies, including two advisors, and 13 men.
“Through our works, we want to educate and raise awareness about social issues affecting our communities, such as drug abuse, child marriages, and community abuse, through powerful storytelling and dance. We’ll use whatever means we get to provide a platform for young artistes to develop their skills, creativity, and talents, while making a meaningful impact in their communities,” the group’s director said.
He said this was their first time attending the Chibuku Neshamwari dance festival, but some of their members are seasoned performers, having participated in Jikinya Festivals, National Association of Secondary School Heads, and National Association of Primary Heads competitions during their primary and high school days.
“We performed the Dinhe Dance, a traditional dance of celebration for a bumper harvest, also known as Mhembero Dinhe Dance. We chose this dance because it is a lesser-known dance in our province of Manicaland, and we wanted to showcase its beauty and significance. By performing the Dinhe Dance, we aimed to not only entertain but also educate our audience about the rich cultural heritage of our community.
“We’re humbled and overjoyed to have won the competition on our first attempt. It’s truly an honour to be recognised for our efforts to create positive change through art. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our message and inspire others. This win is a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and community spirit,” he said.
The group is now hard at work preparing for the national finals.
“As we prepare for the national competition, our strategy is multifaceted. We’ll be intensifying our training, perfecting our choreography, and fine-tuning our performances to ensure a flawless execution on stage.
“Additionally, we’ll be engaging with local communities to amplify our message, build a stronger support base, and inspire others to join the fight against social ills. By doing so, we aim to not only excel in the competition but to leave a lasting impact that resonates with audiences nationwide,” said Matete. – Follow on X – @mthabisi_mthire
