Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for this year’s Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival provincial competitions are at an advanced stage, with a blend of seasoned performers and exciting newcomers set to battle for top honours in Manicaland.
The provincial finals will be held at Mandel Leisure Centre in Watsomba on June 20, where 10 groups drawn from the seven districts of Manicaland are expected to compete in one of the biggest celebrations of culture and traditional dance.
This year’s edition has already generated excitement following the emergence of new groups eager to make their mark on the prestigious stage.
Among the fresh entrants are Chihomva from Makoni and Hambakwe from Mutare.
The return of veteran traditional dance outfit, Wadyemhembwe, has also added intrigue to the festival.
The group, which has been away from the competition scene for some time, is seeking to reclaim its place among the province’s traditional dance heavyweights.
Several established groups are also expected to headline the provincial showcase, including 2022 Chibuku Neshamwari national champions, Dapurahunanzva, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service-sponsored MANSA, and Chivaraidze, all regarded as strong contenders for the provincial title.
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival remains Zimbabwe’s premier traditional dance competition and cultural showcase.
Running from May 9 to July 11, the festival features provincial contests held nationwide before the winners advance to the national finals.
Sponsored by Delta Corporation through its Chibuku brand, in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, the festival seeks to preserve Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage through traditional dance and music.
The festival is also being hosted in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association, with organisers aiming to continue promoting unity, cultural identity and community participation through the arts.
At provincial level, the stakes remain high, with winners set to receive US$2 500 for first place, US$1 500 for second place and US$1 000 for third place.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Manicaland provincial manager, Carol Makoni, said preparations for the provincial finals are progressing smoothly, with registration still underway.
“We are satisfied with the preparations so far, and the response from groups across the province has been encouraging. Registration is still in progress and at the moment we only have three slots remaining. We are expecting more groups to register before the end of the week,” she said.
Makoni said the inclusion of both established groups and first-time performers will make this year’s competition one of the most exciting in recent years.
“This year’s competition is shaping up to be very competitive because we have a combination of experienced groups and new entrants. Some of the returning groups have a rich history in traditional dance, while the newcomers are bringing fresh energy and creativity. That mixture makes the contest even more interesting,” she said.
She said audiences should expect high-quality performances from groups boasting immense talent and strong cultural expression.
“People should prepare for a top-class competition because the talent we are seeing is impressive. Traditional dance continues to play an important role in preserving our identity and heritage, and festivals such as Chibuku Neshamwari provide a platform for communities to celebrate their culture,” said Makoni, adding that the festival continues to unite communities through music, dance and cultural storytelling.
“The festival is not just about competition. It is also about bringing people together and encouraging younger generations to appreciate and preserve our traditions. Every year we continue to witness growth in terms of participation and quality of performances,” she said.
In last year’s edition, youthful Mutare-based outfit, Semvumba Arts Group, emerged winners of the provincial finals, before proceeding to the national championships held at Mutare Showgrounds.
The group went on to finish third nationally, and pocketed US$7 500, cementing its status as one of the province’s rising traditional dance ensembles.
With excitement already building ahead of the June 20 showdown, all eyes will be on Watsomba as Manicaland’s finest traditional dance groups prepare to battle for provincial glory and a place at the national finals.
Ends.
