Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
HARARE GARDENS will be the place to be on August 1 when it hosts the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival.
A whopping US$15 000 top prize will be up for grabs, making this year’s edition one of the most competitive in the festival’s history. The second-placed group will receive US$10 000, while the third-placed finalists will take home US$7 500.
This year’s sizeable prize money has further enhanced the appeal of the festival, which celebrates Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage through traditional song and dance. Running under the theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari”, the country’s premier traditional dance competition is expected to attract thousands of cultural enthusiasts.
The event is organised by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA).
The competition, which began with provincial finals on May 9, has once again been praised for producing highly competitive dance groups from across the country.
Bulawayo, which hosted the opening provincial finals, will be represented by Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble, showcasing the Tsutsube dance. Masvingo will be banking on Musa to claim the top prize with its Bira reVadzimu performance. Mashonaland Central’s Dzimbahwe Nengoma will showcase the Chinyambera dance, while hosts Harare will be represented by Shingai Dance Troupe performing Mbakumba.
Amakhosikazi Cultural Ensemble (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 Marondera Gure Arts Group (Mashonaland East) will present the Gule Wamkulu dance.
NACZ spokesperson Agga Nyabinde confirmed that preparations for this year’s edition are well on course. “The provincial finals were completed on schedule and we are now looking forward to the national finals, where the champions will be crowned,” Nyabinde said.
“We ensured the provincial rounds were completed on time to give the groups adequate time to prepare for the national event.”
He added: “This festival is important because it showcases Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity. We are looking forward to another exciting edition that celebrates excellence in traditional dance.”
Nyabinde urged Zimbabweans to attend the festival in large numbers.
The defending champions, Harare-based Chinyambera outfit Green Stars, won the 2025 edition in Mutare with a captivating performance. As the countdown to the national finals continues, excitement is building for what promises to be a memorable celebration of Zimbabwean culture.
