WERRAS Park Club in Glen View today hosts the Harare province Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals, in what promises to be a showcase of Zimbabwe’s vibrant traditional dance heritage.
The competition marks a key milestone in the 10-group contest of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival, with the province aiming to build on the high standards set by last year’s winners, The Green Stars.
William Ndinde, provincial arts manager for the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), expressed confidence in the calibre of the upcoming performances.
“We expect a tough competition as Harare seeks not only to defend but also to surpass the benchmark established by The Green Stars, 2025 winners” he said.
The journey to the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national finals, which began on May 9, gained momentum on May 30 as Bolamba Culture Birds from Matabeleland South and Marondera Nyau from Mashonaland East claimed victory in their respective provincial competitions.
Both groups secured their places in the national finals, scheduled for July 11.
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In Matabeleland South, 10 groups competed at Colleen Bawn Beerhall in Gwanda.
Bolamba Culture Birds triumphed with a spectacular Tsutsube dance performance.
Runners-up Blanket Mine Chioda performed the Chioda dance, while third place went to Blanket Mine Ben Arinot.
Provincial arts administrators lauded all participants for their dedication to preserving and promoting indigenous dance traditions.
Mashonaland East’s provincial final, held at Camp and Caravan in Murehwa, showcased 10 groups competing for the province’s sole national final spot.
Marondera Nyau emerged victorious with a masterful Gule (Nyau) dance, followed by Vimbiso Dance Group from Goromonzi district performing the Mbende dance and Murehwa Prison securing third place with another Mbende routine.
Organisers described the contest as a vibrant demonstration of Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity and resilience.
The first groups to secure national final berths include Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble (Bulawayo), Dzimbabwe Nengoma Ensembles (Mashonaland Central) and Musa (Masvingo).
In Bulawayo, Ezimnyama dominated the provincial finals at Manor Hotel with a commanding Tsutsube performance, ahead of Mthwakazi kaNdaba Arts (Setapa dance) and Bambanani Traditional Dance Group (Isitshikitsha).
Cleopatra Dube, Bulawayo provincial arts manager, praised the high performance standards.
Dzimbabwe Nengoma Ensembles impressed adjudicators in Mashonaland Central with a Chinyambera dance performance at Groove Bar in Mt Darwin.
Ensemble director Farai Meki highlighted that early qualification allows more preparation time for the national finals.
In Masvingo, Musa captured the provincial crown with an electrifying Bira reVadzimu performance at Tafara Madondo Hotel, followed by Africa Musical Arts Village (Mbakumba) and Dzimbadzamabwe Traditional Dance Group (Jukwa).
Kennedy Kachuruka, Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association president, commended Masvingo for preserving authentic Karanga dances.
With Harare province preparing to host the provincial finals, expectations are high for an intense and inspiring contest.
Organisers predict a competitive atmosphere as local groups aim to surpass the standards of last year’s Green Stars.
Dance enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike can anticipate performances rich in traditional music, storytelling, and elaborate regalia that highlight Zimbabwe’s dynamic cultural heritage.
Running under the theme Yorira Ngoma Shamwari, Siyakhal’ Is’gubhu Mngane, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival continues to celebrate Zimbabwe’s heritage through music, dance, and storytelling.
Provincial winners receive cash prizes of US$2 500 (first place), US$1 500 (second place), and US$1 000 (third place), with national finals awarding US$15 000, US$10 000 and US$7 500, respectively.
Beyond the stage, Chibuku remains a prominent cultural brand through its portfolio, including Chibuku Super, Scud and other flavoured beverages, supporting community-based cultural initiatives nationwide.
As provincial competitions continue, anticipation grows for the national finals where Zimbabwe’s finest traditional dance groups will vie for top honours, showcasing the enduring power of culture to unite communities across generations.