The thunder of drums, swirling traditional regalia and pulsating indigenous rhythms signals the beginning of Zimbabwe’s biggest traditional dance showcase, with Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble, Dzimbabwe Nengoma Ensemble and Musa becoming the first groups to secure places at the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national finals set for July 11.
Provincial competitions, which began on May 9, have already produced dazzling displays of Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity, with Bulawayo, Mashonaland Central and Masvingo provinces unveiling champions eager to battle for national honours.
In Bulawayo, Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble stamped its authority with a commanding tsutsube performance during the provincial finals held at Manor Hotel. The ensemble walked away with US$2 500 and a ticket to the national stage ahead of runners-up Mthwakazi kaNdaba Arts, which performed setapa dance, while Bambanani Traditional Dance Group finished third with an energetic isitshikitsha act.
Bulawayo provincial arts manager Cleopatra Dube praised the quality of performances showcased during the competition.
“This weekend the stage came alive with outstanding performances from various dance groups and we are proud of every team that participated,” Dube said.
“The winning dances — tsutsube by Ezimnyama, setapa by Mthwakazi kaNdaba Arts and isitshikitsha by Bambanani — reflect the cultural diversity found in the Matabeleland region.”
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Ezimnyama artistic director Phibion Ncube described the victory as humbling and motivating.
“We are overwhelmed and excited by this win. It takes dedication, discipline and hard work to succeed in competitions of this nature,” said Ncube.
In Mashonaland Central, Dzimbabwe Nengoma Ensembles emerged provincial champions after impressing adjudicators with their chinyambera dance performance during competitions held at Groove Bar in Mt Darwin.
Group director Farai Meki said early qualification accorded the ensemble more time to prepare for the national finals.
“We started our journey from Bindura and we are affiliates of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association. We take this early participation as a blessing in disguise because it gives us ample time to polish our chinyambera dance act,” said Meki.
Masvingo province also produced memorable performances during competitions held at Tafara Madondo Hotel in Gutu, where Musa claimed top honours through an electrifying bira revadzimu dance presentation.
Africa Musical Arts Village finished second with mbakumba dance, while Dzimbadzamabwe Traditional Dance Group took third place with jukwa dance.
Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association president Kennedy Kachuruka commended the province for preserving authentic Karanga dances.
“All went well from start to finish. The adjudicators witnessed several unique performances from the participating groups,” Kachuruka said.
“We saw Karanga dances including bira revadzimu, mhande, majukwa, jaka and chokoto.”
Musa received US$2 500 for first place, while Africa Musical Arts Village pocketed US$1 500 and Dzimbadzamabwe earned US$1 000. Groups finishing from fourth to 10th position received US$500 each.
Masvingo provincial arts manager Helen Mudefi applauded organisers and sponsors for sustaining the competition.
“We would like to thank Delta Beverages through Chibuku Neshamwari and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association for their unwavering support,” she said.
Running under the theme Yorira Ngoma Shamwari, Siyakhal’ Is’gubhu Mngane, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Competition celebrates Zimbabwe’s rich cultural identity through indigenous dance, music and storytelling traditions.
The national winners will walk away with a grand prize of US$15 000.