DAPURAHUNANZVA and Chipolopolo book final places as provincial contests conclude.
Zimbabwe’s indigenous dances reverberated across Manicaland and Midlands provinces over the weekend as Dapurahunanzva Dance Group and Chipolopolo secured the last two places in the 2026 Chibuku NeShamwari Traditional Dance Festival National Finals, bringing an end to an exciting provincial competition season celebrating the country's diverse cultural heritage.
The two groups emerged victorious in the final round of provincial competitions, completing the line-up of champions from all 10 provinces which will battle for national honours at the finals on July 18 at Harare Gardens.
Representing Manicaland, Dapurahunanzva impressed judges with a polished and authentic Mbakumba dance performance at Mandel Bar in Watsomba, Nyanga. MANSA claimed second place with a chinyambera dance presentation, while Chihomva finished third after performing the zhana dance.
In Midlands province, Chipolopolo captivated audiences at Patsime Tavern in Mbizo, Kwekwe, with an energetic gure Zambia performance to secure the provincial title. Mhukahuru of Gweru came second with a chinyambera dance, while Zikuvave finished third after presenting gure Malawi.
The top three groups in each province received prize money of US$2 500, US$1 500 and US$1 000 respectively, while all other participating groups received US$500 each.
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The provincial competitions marked the culmination of a six-week nationwide programme that ran from May 9 to June 20. Organisers said the 2026 edition featured 100 selected dance groups and about 1 500 performers from across the country, making it one of the festival's most vibrant editions.
More than 30 traditional dance forms were showcased during the competition, reflecting Zimbabwe's rich cultural diversity. These included muchongoyo, mbende, shangara, mbira, chinyambera, gure Zambia, gure Malawi, zhana and mbakumba.
Acting National Arts Council of Zimbabwe provincial arts manager for Manicaland, Oliver Chauke, commended the quality of performances and the cultural significance of the festival.
“The winning dance group, Dapurahunanzva, demonstrated maturity and stood out from the rest with its mbakumba dance. Their attire, props and storytelling were impressive. We look forward to seeing them compete alongside other provincial champions at the national festival,” Chauke said.
Excitement is already building ahead of the national finals, with dance enthusiasts debating which province will emerge victorious. In Midlands, supporters have expressed confidence that this year's national champion will come from Gweru and surrounding communities.
The national finals offer substantial rewards, with the winning group set to receive US$15 000. The runners-up will earn US$7 500, while third place will take home US$5 000. All other finalists will receive US$1 000 each.
The festival is sponsored by Delta Corporation, which has long supported the preservation and promotion of Zimbabwean cultural heritage through the Chibuku NeShamwari Traditional Dance Festival.
As the countdown to the finals begins, the stage is set for a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwean culture, heritage and artistic excellence as the nation’s finest traditional dance groups prepare to compete for the coveted national title.