Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
UNDI GURE emerged victorious in the Midlands provincial finals of the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance competition held last Saturday at Mkoba 4 in Gweru.
Renowned for their captivating Zambian Nyau dance routines, Undi Gure’s triumph earned them the coveted ticket to represent Midlands at the national finals later this year, accompanied by US$2 500 prize money.
Rangarai Pasichigare, specialising in Mhande, came second, while the Mbakumba ensemble Tansh Edutainment claimed third position, winning US$1 500 and US$1 000 respectively.
The event, organised by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), garnered positive reviews for its expanded reach, fulfilling organisers’ promises of leaving no one behind.
Running under the theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane,” the 2025 search began with impressive attendance at the venue in Gweru, signalling the palpable excitement surrounding this year’s festival as organisers prepare for a smooth series of provincial finals, scheduled to conclude on July 5.
Following the Gweru event, the competition moves to Mutare, where the winners will be crowned at Muchina Muhombe Bar on May 24.
Ten groups from Manicaland Province will also compete for the opportunity to represent their province.
Consolation prizes will be awarded to all participating groups, with the top three receiving significant rewards. Coinciding with Culture Month celebrations, the Mutare show presents a prime opportunity for traditional dancers in Manicaland to showcase their rich heritage.
As the festival progresses, each province will highlight its unique cultural identity through dance, with competitions held at various venues.
On May 31, Matabeleland North will select its champions at Lwendulu Beerhall in Hwange, while Mashonaland West will crown its winners at EMM Leisure Sports Bar in Banket.
Subsequent weeks will feature competitions in Masvingo, Mashonaland East, Matabeleland South, Harare, and Bulawayo, culminating in the final preliminaries at Tipaz Night Club in Shamva on July 5.
Participants are encouraged to register their groups with the NACZ and ZNTDA to compete for substantial cash prizes.
Provincial winners will receive US$2 500, while second and third-place finalists will earn US$1 500 and US$1 000, respectively.
At the national level, the ultimate winners will receive US$15 000, with the runners-up receiving US$10 000 and US$7 500, respectively.
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival, with a legacy spanning over 60 years, is celebrated for promoting various local dances, including Shangara, Mbira dance, and Jerusarema.
The festival’s appeal has grown over the years, fuelled by the substantial prize money, which has created intense competition. In Zimbabwe, traditional dances and performances like Jerusarema remain vital living traditions, practiced in diverse contexts and revered by local communities.
These dances are performed for entertainment, ritual purposes, festivals and commemorations.
The annual Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival not only showcases the richness of Zimbabwean culture but also serves as a platform for preserving and expressing traditional heritage through dance. A panel of esteemed judges, appointed by the NACZ and ZNTDA, will oversee the festival, reinforcing its status as a vital cultural celebration in the country.
With the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival search underway, it promises to be a remarkable event, highlighting the diverse cultural expressions within Zimbabwe. As traditional dancers and choreographers unite to celebrate their traditions, this festival continues to play a crucial role in fostering cultural pride and unity.
Last year’s winners, Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble, from Murehwa, Mashonaland East, showcased the Mbende Dance. It was a tight contest as 10 groups battled for the US$15 000 prize money, which significantly improved the group’s financial standing.
As such, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival not only provides a platform for cultural expression and preservation but also offers significant economic opportunities for participating groups.
By valuing and promoting traditional dance, the festival contributes to the appreciation and safeguarding of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come.
It is encouraging to see traditional dances being valued for their role in promoting and preserving these traditions.
