05/06/2025
Chibuku Neshamwari Provincial Competitions Reach Midway Point Ahead of National Finals
By Ashlyn Magaa
The 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival is in full swing, with provincial competitions taking place across Zimbabwe. By the end of this weekend, five provinces will have completed their contests, leaving five more to go before the much-anticipated national finals—date and venue to be announced soon.
This year’s theme, “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’isgubhu Mngane” (Let the drum beat, my friend), celebrates the unifying power of traditional dance. In each province, the top three groups walk away with cash prizes: $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third.
The journey began on May 10th in Gweru at Mkoba 4 Beerhall, representing the Midlands Province. The Zambia Nyau dance group, Undi Gure, took first place and they walked away with the $2,500 prize.
Next, on May 24th, Manicaland Province hosted its competition at Muchina Muhombe Bar. The winners were:
Semvumba Group – Dinhe (1st place)
Chenhaka Group – Chinyambera (2nd place)
Makoni Group – Zhana (3rd place)
On May 31st, competitions were held simultaneously in two provinces:
Matabeleland North: Imvimbi Arts claimed first place with their Umzansi dance at Lwendulu Beerhall in Hwange.
Mashonaland West: The Katawa Traditional Dance Group from Zvimba North won top honors at EMM Leisure Sports Bar in Banket.
Looking ahead, the Masvingo provincial competition is set for Saturday, June 7, at Masiza neNgere Bar in Chiredzi.
Here’s the schedule for the remaining provinces:
Mashonaland East – June 14 at Padhana Sports Bar, Mutoko
Matabeleland South – June 14 at Malaxo Beerhall, Beitbridge
Harare – June 21 at Hurudza Bar, Mabvuku
Bulawayo – June 28 at The Manor Hotel
Mashonaland Central – July 5 at Tipaz Night Club, Shamva
The national finals promise even bigger rewards, with winners set to receive $15,000 (1st place), $10,000 (2nd), and $7,500 (3rd).
Now in its annual tradition, the Chibuku Neshamwari competition continues to celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage through music and dance. The festival is proudly hosted in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association, and Delta Beverages.