Mutare, Makoni groups to participate at Manicaland Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals

THE stage is set for the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival provincial finals taking place in Manicaland on Saturday.

Representing Mutare are Dapurahunanzva, Hambakwe and MANSA, while Makoni district will field Maungwe, Nyazura Chitsi and Makoni Traditional Dance Group. Chipinge will be represented by Charurwa and Chivaraidze dance groups, while Mutasa district’s hopes rest on Redwing Gure. Nyanga will be represented by Chihomva Dance Outfit.

The festival is being held under the theme: “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane”.

The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival began on May 9 and will culminate in the national finals scheduled for July 11.

Participants are competing for lucrative prize money aimed at promoting excellence in traditional dance and preserving Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.

At provincial level, the winning group will receive US$2 500, while the second and third-placed groups will take home US$1 500 and US$1 000 respectively.

At national level, the champions will pocket US$15 000, with the runners-up receiving US$10 000 and US$7 500 respectively.

National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) regional manager Carol Makoni said they are looking forward to hosting another successful edition of the festival.

“We are ready for the provincial finals and expect a highly competitive showcase of traditional dance talent from across Manicaland. The festival continues to play a crucial role in promoting and preserving our cultural heritage,” she said. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire