Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
Shingai Dance Group’s camp has every reason to be ecstatic after winning the ticket to represent Harare Province at the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari finals, set for July.
Ten groups battled it out for the sole ticket to represent Harare at Werras Park Gardens.
As defending champions — following Chinyambera outfit Green Stars’ triumph in Mutare last year — Harare was under spotlight as it sought to defend the title.
The teams that participated included Pasichigare Dance Group from Glen Norah, promoting Muchongoyo, as well as Highfield Chinyambera Ensemble and Karinge Zuva Dance Ensemble.
Hatcliffe was represented by Chinyambira, an exponent of Zimbabwe Open University, while Tambala Walila Nyau Club — Malawi Gure from Seke — was also drafted in.
The Shingai Dance Troupe from Mufakose returned with its Mbakumba dance, joining Kurirana KwaAmalawi Chipani from Mabvuku, which will showcase the Chimtali dance.
Dzivaresekwa was represented by Kondanani Chimtali, while Achewa Stoneridge Nyau showcased Achewa Gulewamkulu.
St Mary’s Chitungwiza’s Chigwirizano ChaAmalawi was also roped in to promote Malawi Nyau, alongside Nsenga Gure outfit Chitukuko Zambia Nyau from Mount Hampden. 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.
The Harare leg winner will join other participants that have already qualified.
These include Tsutsube dance outfit and Bolamba Culture Birds, who won the Matabeleland South preliminaries held at Cohlen Bawn Beer Hall last weekend.
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.
