Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma ,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
MUTARE is set to explode in colour, rhythm and energy this Saturday as it hosts the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national finals.
Ten top groups from across Zimbabwe will battle for the crown — and a fat US$15 000 prize.
This year’s showdown comes after last year’s electrifying edition at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo, and all eyes are on Manicaland as it becomes the epicentre of Zimbabwe’s traditional dance.
Bulawayo is placing its hopes in Sekunjalo MaAfrika, while Sekusile Dance Group flies the flag for Matabeleland South. Imvimbi Arts steps up for Matabeleland North in what promises to be a cultural clash of titans.
They will go head-to-head with:
• Undi Gure (Midlands)
• Semvumba Arts Ensemble (Manicaland)
• Katawa Traditional Dance (Mashonaland West)
• Jeketera Renyaungwe (Masvingo)
• Goromonzi Arts (Mashonaland East)
• Green Stars Dance Troupe (Harare)
• Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble (Mashonaland Central)
The winners walk away with US$15 000, while second and third pocket US$10 000 and US$7 500 respectively.
To add more fire to the stage, Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah, and Enzo Ishall will bring the crowd to its feet with live performances.
Organised in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), the festival is a celebration of heritage, storytelling, and raw cultural expression.
“This is the heartbeat of Zimbabwean identity — our people, our dances, our drums,” said an official from the NACZ.
Get ready for stomping feet, swirling skirts, and thundering drums. Mutare is about to move.
Follow the action on X @mthabisi_mthire
