HARARE, Aug. 2 (NewsDay Live) – Shingai Dance Troupe of Harare claimed its fourth Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national title on Saturday after a captivating Mbakumba performance at the 2026 national finals held at Harare Gardens.
The Mufakose-based ensemble walked away with the US$15,000 top prize and the Chibuku brand ambassadorship after impressing judges with its choreography, authentic costumes and disciplined stage performance before a crowd of more than 12,000 spectators.
Bulawayo’s Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble finished second with a Tsutsube performance to earn US$10,000, while Manicaland’s Dapura Hunanzva Dance Troupe placed third with another Mbakumba performance, receiving US$7,500 and brand ambassador recognition.
Held under the theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari!” (Let the Drums Play, My Friend), the festival brought together provincial champions from all 10 provinces in Zimbabwe’s premier traditional dance competition.
Founded in 1995, Shingai Dance Troupe celebrated its fourth national Chibuku Neshamwari crown.
Founder and artistic director Musa Lejala attributed the victory to years of hard work, teamwork and community support.
“We have invested heavily in preserving our traditional dances while mentoring young performers through schools and community programmes. This victory belongs to everyone who has supported the troupe over the years,” Lejala said.
He said the prize money would be invested in strengthening the group’s operations and developing future talent.
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Dapura Hunanzva Dance Troupe leader Kevin Simomondo described the third-place finish as a landmark achievement for Mutare and Manicaland Province.
“Competing against Zimbabwe’s best traditional dance groups and finishing on the podium is a proud moment for us. We hope this achievement inspires more young people to embrace and preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) chief executive officer Napoleon Nyanhi said the competition reflected the continued growth of Zimbabwe’s traditional arts sector.
He said 100 dance groups participated in provincial competitions before 10 provincial champions qualified for the national finals.
Nyanhi commended the partnership between the NACZ, the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association and Delta Beverages, whose sponsorship under the Chibuku brand has sustained the festival for decades.
Beyond the competition, the festival showcased Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity while promoting the preservation of indigenous knowledge, intergenerational skills transfer and national identity through traditional performing arts.
Entertainment included performances by Nisha TS, Ba Harare and Jah Prayzah, while Chill Spot DJs entertained revellers during the post-event celebrations.
Organisers delivered one of the festival’s most polished productions, featuring professional stage design, high-quality lighting and sound, giant LED screens and seamless technical coordination that transformed Harare Gardens into a world-class cultural showcase.
