Online Reporter
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BIRA Revadzimu dance group, Musa, were crowned winners of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance held at Madondo Hotel in Gutu.
For its triumph, the group pocketed US$2 500.
Second-placed Mbakumba outfit Africa Musical Arts Village got US$1 500, while Dzimbadzamabwe got US$1 000.
The same applies to Chinyambera oufit Dzimbahwe, who emerged winners at Groove Bar in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central.
Dinhe dance troupe Guruve Chinyakare came second, while Bindura Hide Out, who were promoting Zambia Nyau came third.
According to the organisers, the second round of the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance provincial finals, held in Masvingo and Mt Darwin this Saturday went according to plan.
This follows last weekend’s provincial finals at Manor Hotel, where Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble from Bulawayo emerged winners for showcasing their Tsutsube dance. The group pocketed US$2 500, while the second-placed act won US$1 500. Bambanani Tradition Dance Group took home US$1 000.
In Masvingo, 10 groups that competed for the sole ticket at Madondo Hotel in Gutu. The groups include Kanda-mufaro, Hundudza, Mhondoro Dzevakaranga, Maombera Edenga, Musa, Dzimbadzamadge, Chakamuzi, Africa Musical Village, Chevute, and Madzanira.
On the same day, 10 other acts also competed for the ticket to represent Mashonaland Central Province at Groove Bar in Mt Darwin.
These include Katekwe Muzarabani, Ben Arinoti Shamva, Nehanda Nyakasikana, Guruve Chinyakare, Bindura Urban, Diwa Dembe, Chinyakare Bindura, Dzimbahwe Nengoma, Bindura Hideout, and Heavy Duty.
Organised in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA), this year’s edition is running under the theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane”.
At national level, overall winners will pocket US$15 000, with the first and second finalists receiving US$10 000 and US$7 500, respectively. Green Stars from Harare are the reigning champions.
Following their triumph, the Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble is now expected to intensify preparation for the national finals.
Participants are determined to win the biggest gong, with US$15 000 up for grabs at the national finals. From wardrobe to choreography, groups are not taking the contest lightly — they are focused on the prize money.
Over the years, the Chibuku Neshamwari Festival has grown into a major national event, honouring tradition, while fostering unity and friendship among people. It has also become one of the country’s biggest dance contests, where groups are rewarded based on merit.
As the search for the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari representative gets underway, a team of reputable adjudicators oversees the contest.
Provincial competitions started May 9 and will end July 11, with 10 provincial finals held across the country ahead of the grand national final. After the provincial events, 10 groups will compete at national level.
Attendees should brace for another rare experience in which traditional dance groups will showcase their distinct cultural identities.
Competitors will not only battle it out for the prize money, but will also display their rich cultural heritage. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association encourage groups to register for participation.
Sponsored by Delta Corporation in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association, the festival continues to play an important role in preserving Zimbabwe’s traditional dances, while empowering local artists through exposure and prize money.
Green Stars Dance Troupe from Harare won the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance national finals at Mutare Showgrounds on July 19. They took home US$15,000 for their energetic rendition of the Chinyambera dance.
Goromonzi Arts (Mashonaland East) came second, and Semvumba Arts (Manicaland) took third. Consolation prizes will be awarded to all participating groups, with the top three receiving substantial rewards.
Their victory not only highlights their dedication and skill in traditional dance but also sets the stage for an exciting national competition.
As they prepare for the finals, anticipation continues to grow for what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of talent and cultural heritage. Delta Beverages, the main sponsor, has also been commended for continuously supporting the arts sector, which has the potential to create jobs.
Winners have also been advised to invest wisely for the continuity of their success.
Peter Tanyanyiwa