Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
THE Eastern border city of Mutare is getting ready to burst into rhythm and colour as it plays host to the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national finals on July 19 at Mutare Showgrounds.
The national showdown, which rotates between provinces each year, returns after last year’s high-energy edition at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo. This time, Mutare is warming up to welcome cultural groups from across Zimbabwe as they battle it out for dance supremacy.
Organisers have confirmed that preparations are well underway. “The stage is set, the drums are calling, and the excitement is building. Since May 10, the festival has captivated audiences nationwide. Now, all eyes turn to Mutare for the grand finale,” read a statement.
This year’s event is being hosted in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA). The festival is known for uniting diverse communities through song, drum and dance while celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
Already, a fiery line-up of provincial champions has emerged. These include Jeketera Renyaungwe (Midlands), Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North), Katawa Dance Group (Mashonaland West), Gure Unde (Midlands) and Semvumba Arts Ensemble (Manicaland). More groups will qualify in the coming weeks.
The Harare finals will take place on June 24 at Hurudza Beer Hall in Mabvuku, while Manor Hotel will host the Bulawayo provincial contest on the same day. Tipaz Night Club in Shamva is set to host Mashonaland Central’s showdown on July 5.
With dancers rehearsing and fans counting down, Mutare is set to explode into motion as the Chibuku Neshamwari finals draw near.
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