Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
DAPURAHUNANZVA Arts Ensemble missed out on the top prize at the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national finals, with their stirring mbakumba performance earning them a decent third place and lasting impression.
The Mutare-based group represented Manicaland with distinction at the colourful finals held at Harare Gardens last Saturday, competing against some of the country’s finest traditional dance troupes.
Shingai Dance Group from Harare were crowned champions after a thrilling showcase, while Bulawayo’s Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble scooped the second position with their tsutsube performance.
Dapurahunanzva completed the podium, pocketing US$7 500 and brand ambassador recognition following another energetic display.
For director Keaven Simomondo, the result was not the ending they had hoped for, but it reflected the group’s commitment, hard work and dedication to preserving the Zimbabwean cultural heritage.
“To the people of Manicaland, we extend our deepest gratitude for the unwavering support, prayers and encouragement you gave us throughout our Chibuku Neshamwari 2026 journey. Finishing as the second runner-up at the national finals for the second time is an achievement we accept with pride. We represented Manicaland with honour, discipline and everything we had,” said Simomondo.
Dapurahunanzva’s journey to the national stage was built on passion, teamwork and a deep appreciation of traditional performance.
Their mbakumba presentation showcased the rich cultural heritage of Manicaland through energetic movement, drumming and storytelling, drawing admiration from fans and fellow performers alike.
Simomondo said every member played a part in delivering a memorable performance.
While acknowledging the competitive nature of the festival, he said the group respected the outcome, and remained proud of their contribution.
“Every dancer, drummer, singer and supporter poured heart and soul into preserving our cultural heritage through the mbakumba dance. Like every competition, there are moments of joy and moments that leave room for reflection. We firmly believe our performance reflected the highest standards of traditional dance, and many who witnessed it shared that view. While the final outcome was not the one we had hoped for, we respect the competition and remain convinced that excellence will always speak for itself over time,” he said.
The third-place finish has not dampened the group’s ambitions.
Instead, Simomondo believes it will spur Dapurahunanzva to keep growing and create more opportunities for young performers.
“This result will not discourage us. Instead, it strengthens our resolve to work even harder, mentor young artistes, preserve Zimbabwe’s rich cultural traditions, and continue flying the Manicaland flag with pride,” he said, adding that success in the arts should not be measured by trophies alone, but also by the influence artists have within their communities.
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival, organised by Delta Corporation through its Chibuku brand in partnership with National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association, remains one of the country’s premier platforms for celebrating indigenous performing arts.
This year’s festival highlighted Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity and promoted the preservation of traditional knowledge and the transfer of skills across generations.
The finals also featured performances by Jah Prayzah, Baba Harare, Nisha TS, and Chillspot Records DJs Fantan and Levels, who entertained crowds during the post-event celebrations.
Despite falling short of the championship title, Dapurahunanzva’s performance reinforced their standing as one of Manicaland’s leading traditional dance ensembles.
