Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
VICTORIA FALLS will come alive with the pulsating rhythms of traditional drums and colourful cultural displays on Saturday when Matabeleland North hosts its provincial finals of the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival.
Held under the theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane,” the festival continues its mission of celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage while providing a platform for traditional dance groups to showcase their talent and compete for lucrative prizes.
The Matabeleland North showcase is expected to attract some of the province’s finest traditional dance ensembles, all battling for the coveted provincial title and a place at the national finals set for July 11.
Backed by Delta Beverages through its Chibuku brand, the festival has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s premier cultural events, bringing together communities through song, dance and storytelling.
Organised in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA), the competition has become a key vehicle for preserving indigenous cultural practices.
Provincial winners stand to pocket US$2 500, with runners-up receiving US$1 500 and third-placed groups taking home US$1 000.
The stakes become even higher at national level, where the champions will walk away with US$15 000.
The Victoria Falls event comes on the same day as the Mashonaland West provincial finals, which will be staged in Chinhoyi, underlining the nationwide reach of the festival.
Over the years, Chibuku Neshamwari has evolved beyond a dance competition into a celebration of identity and unity, drawing large crowds eager to witness the diversity of Zimbabwe’s traditional dance styles.
With Victoria Falls renowned as one of the country’s leading tourism destinations, organisers are expecting a vibrant atmosphere as performers seek to impress judges and secure a ticket to the national stage.
As the drums beat and dancers take centre stage on Saturday afternoon, Matabeleland North will once again have an opportunity to showcase the richness of its cultural heritage in what promises to be a spectacular celebration of Zimbabwean tradition.
Last year, Harare-based Green Stars triumphed at the national finals that were held at the Mutare Showgrounds, securing a prize of US$15,000.
The second-placed Goromonzi Arts Ensemble earned US$10000, while the hosts, Semvumba Arts Ensemble, finished third with US$7500.
Other participating groups included Guruve Marimba Stars from Mashonaland Central, Sekunjalo MaAfrica from Bulawayo, Jeketera Renyaungwe from Masvingo, Imvimbi Arts from Matabeleland North, Katawa Dance Group from Mashonaland West, Undi Gure from the Midlands, and Sekusile Dance Group from Matabeleland South.
-@FungaiMuderere
