Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma/Trust Khosa, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival continues its nationwide cultural journey this weekend, with the provincial finals set to take place in Masvingo. The much-anticipated showdown is scheduled for Saturday at Masiza Nengere Beerhall in Chiredzi, where the fifth provincial champion will be crowned.
This leg of the competition will feature 10 traditional dance groups from across the province, each vying for a coveted spot in the national finals. The competing groups include Maombera (Maombera) – Zaka, Chisa (Bira) – Chiredzi, Kamba Shangara (Shangara) – Chiredzi, Dare Rimwe (Bira) – Masvingo, Jekera renyaningwe (Bira) – Chivi, Chakanamuzi (Chokoto) – Bikita, Mhondoro Dzevakakaranga (Mbakumba) – Gutu, Vagutu (Chinyambera) – Masvingo, Dzimbadzamabwe (Jukwa) – Masvingo, and Chebvute (Jukwa) – Mwenezi.
The winner will join an expanding list of provincial champions, including Undi Gure (Midlands), Semvumba Arts (Manicaland), Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North), and Katawa Dance Group (Mashonaland West), all of whom have secured their places at the national finals.
The cultural caravan will then proceed to Mashonaland East and Matabeleland South, with both provinces hosting their finals on June 14, at Padhana Sports Bar in Mutoko and Malaxo Beerhall in Beitbridge, respectively. Harare and Bulawayo will hold their finals simultaneously on June 24, at Hurudza Beer Hall in Mabvuku and Manor Hotel. The Mashonaland Central finals are scheduled for July 5, at Tipaz Night Club in Shamva.
Each provincial contest is more than a competition — it is a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, with each region showcasing its unique dance forms and traditions. The stakes are high, with provincial winners receiving US$2 500, while second and third place earn US$1 500 and US$1 000, respectively.
At the national level, the rewards are even greater. The overall winner will walk away with US$15 000, the first runner-up will receive US$10 000, and the second runner-up will take home US$7 500.
Last year’s champions, Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland East, left a lasting impression with their spirited Mbende performance at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo. The group is expected to grace this year’s national finals and ceremonially hand over the title to the new champions.
The 2025 edition is being held under the theme: Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’ iSgubhu Mngane — a rallying call to preserve and celebrate Zimbabwe’s traditional dance heritage.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Communications and Marketing Manager, Agga Nyabinde, who attended the Matabeleland North finals, praised the participants for their growing professionalism and commitment.
“The level of competition has significantly improved over the years. Groups are now engaging in rigorous rehearsals, and it’s clear they are taking this festival seriously,” said Nyabinde.
He also commended the investment groups are making in their costumes, noting that this not only enhances the visual appeal of performances but also reinforces cultural pride.
“These groups are not just dancing — they are telling our stories and preserving our identity. We remain committed to supporting them in safeguarding traditional dances as part of Zimbabwe’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.”
However, Nyabinde acknowledged the need for greater capacity-building efforts.
“We still need to conduct workshops ahead of the competitions to groom the groups in different areas. That’s something we’re prioritising going forward,” he said.
