Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TSUTSUBE Dance Outfit, Bolamba Culture Birds, won the Matabeleland South Chibuku Neshamwari preliminaries held at Cohlen Bawn Beer Hall on Saturday.
Chihoda Ensemble from Blanket Mine came second, while Blanket Mine Beni took third as they showcased their Beni Arinoti dance.
On the same day, Marondera Gure Art Group and Chewa Gulewankulu emerged winners during the provincial finals held at Camp and Caravan Park at the Murehwa Centre.
Vimbiso Dance Troupe came second, while Mbende Jerusarema Dance from Murehwa Prison emerged third.
For their triumph, the two winners now join Chinyambera Outfit Dzimbahwe, who emerged winners at Groove Bar in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central, during the finals held earlier last month.
These included Katekwe Muzarabani, Ben Arinoti Shamva, Nehanda Nyakasikana, Guruve Chinyakare, Bindura Urban, Diwa Dembe, Chinyakare (Bindura), Dzimbahwe Nengoma, Bindura Hideout, and Heavy Duty.
The Bira Revadzimu dance group, Musa, has already won the ticket to represent the province during the preliminaries held at Madondo Hotel in Gutu in early May.
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 will receive US$2 500, second-placed groups will get US$1 500, and third finalists will pocket US$1 000. At national level, overall winners will receive US$15 000, while first and second finalists will receive US$10 000 and US$7 500, respectively. Green Stars from Harare are the reigning champions. Following their triumph, the Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble is expected to intensify preparations 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 that honours 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 began on May 9 and will end on 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 showcase their distinct cultural identities.
Competitors will not only battle for the prize money, but will also display their rich cultural heritage.
Sponsored by Delta Corporation in partnership with the NACZ and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association, the festival continues to play an important role in preserving local traditional dances, while empowering local artists through exposure and prize money. The 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 place.
Consolation prizes will be awarded to all participating groups, with the top three receiving substantial rewards.
Their victory highlights their dedication and skill in traditional dance and 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 to ensure the continuity of their success.
