NO UNDER-18s AT CHIBUKU NESHAMWARI AFTER PARTY

Trust Khosa

THE 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival after-party, set for Harare Gardens on August 1, will be a strictly “No Under 18” affair, event organisers have announced.

Headlined by Jah Prayzah, who is billed to share the stage with Baba Harare Chizvino, Nisha Ts Shonhiwa, and the Chillspot Records duo of Levels Kadzimwe and DJ Fantan, the after-party will only be open to adults aged 18 and above. “Preparations for the after-party are progressing well, but it will be a strictly no-under-18 event,” said National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) spokesperson Agga Nyabinde.

“We will not allow anyone under the age of 18 to attend the after-party for their safety and well-being. As has become the norm, the competitions will end around 5pm, but we also want our participants to stay a little longer and learn from artists who have made a breakthrough in the industry. “Variety is guaranteed, from traditional music and mbira to Zimdancehall, jiti and Afro-fusion. We want our participants to fully embrace the experience.”

Nyabinde urged Zimbabweans to attend the event in their numbers and celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage. “It is a special occasion that goes beyond competition. It is a celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity.

“Our guests will be treated to a diverse entertainment line-up featuring equally talented performers, while, during the afternoon, traditional dance groups will battle for top honours.

“There is every reason for us to celebrate this milestone.” Running under the theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari,” the country’s premier traditional dance competition is expected to attract thousands of cultural enthusiasts eager to enjoy both the competition and the entertainment that follows. The event is organised by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA).

As has become tradition, the after-party is expected to draw even larger crowds than the competition itself, offering a rich blend of traditional and contemporary music to round off the celebrations. According to sponsors Delta Beverages, the winning group will receive US$15,000.

The second-placed group will pocket US$10,000, while the third-placed finalists will take home US$7,500. The competition, which began with provincial finals on May 9, will culminate in the national finals on August 1. Bulawayo will be represented by Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble, showcasing the Tsutsube dance, while Masvingo’s Musa Group will perform Bira reVadzimu in pursuit of the top prize. Mashonaland Central’s Dzimbahwe Nengoma will showcase Chinyambera, while hosts Harare will be represented by Shingai Dance Troupe performing Mbakumba.

Amakhosikazi Cultural Ensemble from Matabeleland North will perform Isitshikitsha, while Mashonaland West’s Pisa Pisa Nyau Malawi will present the Gule Wamkulu dance.

Manicaland will be represented by Dapuraunanzva Dance Ensemble performing Mbakumba, Midlands by Chipolopolo Zambia Nyau with the Zambia Nyau dance, Matabeleland South by Bolamba Culture Birds performing Tsutsube, and Mashonaland East by Marondera Gure Arts Group performing Gule Wamkulu.

Harare-based Green Stars, a Chinyambera outfit, won the 2025 edition in Mutare with a captivating performance.