Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ONLY two provincial finals remain before the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival reaches its climax, with organisers having selected representatives from Matabeleland North and Mashonaland West over the weekend.
Isitshikitsha ensemble Amakhosikazi emerged victorious at the Matabeleland North provincial finals held at New Tavern Beer Hall in Victoria Falls on Saturday. Gule Wamkulu Hwange finished second, while Amafolosi Amahle settled for third place.
On the same day in Chinhoyi, Pisa Pisa Nyau were crowned champions of the Mashonaland West provincial finals held at Yolla Bar.
Chabvondoka and Norton Chewa finished second and third, respectively.
Following last weekend’s contests, attention now shifts to Manicaland and Midlands, where provincial winners will be selected simultaneously on June 20.
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 provincial level, winners receive US$2 500, while second — and third-placed groups take home US$1 500 and US$1 000 respectively.
At national level, the overall winners will walk away with US$15 000, while first and second runners-up will receive US$10 000 and US$7 500 respectively.
By virtue of their victories, Amakhosikazi and Pisa Pisa Nyau have secured places in the national finals.
The duo joins Harare provincial champions Shingai Dance Group of Mufakose, who outclassed nine other groups during the Harare provincial finals held at Werras Park Gardens a fortnight ago.
Other groups that have already booked places at the national finals are Bolamba Culture Birds (Matabeleland South), Marondera Gure Art Group (Mashonaland East), Musa (Masvingo), Dzimbahwe (Mashonaland Central) and Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble (Bulawayo).
Harare-based Chinyambera outfit Green Stars are the defending champions after winning the 2025 edition held in Mutare with a polished and captivating performance.
The group had participated in several previous editions before finally claiming the coveted title amid stiff competition.
As has become the norm, participating groups are leaving nothing to chance, with the lucrative US$15 000 grand prize providing extra motivation.
From elaborate costumes to well-rehearsed choreography, competitors are investing significant effort as they seek to impress judges and secure victory.
Over the years, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s premier cultural events, celebrating heritage while promoting unity and friendship among communities.
Provincial competitions began on May 9 and will conclude on July 11, paving the way for the national finals.
Dance enthusiasts can expect another vibrant showcase of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity, with groups presenting unique traditional dances that reflect their communities’ identities and histories.
Apart from competing for prize money, participants will also be showcasing and preserving the country’s cultural heritage. Consolation prizes will be awarded to all participating groups, while the top three performers will receive substantial rewards.
As the countdown to the national finals continues, excitement is steadily building for what promises to be another memorable celebration of traditional dance and culture.
Delta Beverages, the festival’s main sponsor, has once again been commended for its unwavering support of the arts sector, which continues to play a significant role in creating employment opportunities and preserving cultural heritage.
Past winners have also been encouraged to invest their earnings wisely and maintain unity within their groups to ensure long-term success.
With excitement reaching fever pitch, expectations are equally high in Midlands and Manicaland, where provincial representatives will be selected next weekend.
Last year, Nyau dancers dominated both the Midlands and Manicaland provincial competitions, and many will be watching closely to see whether that trend continues this year.
