By Dumisani Ndlovu
GWERU-The annual Chibu ku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival is set to commence its provincial finals in the Midlands province on May 10 at Mkoba 4 Beerhall in Gweru. The festival, organized by Delta Corporation in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), aims to promote Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and traditional dance.
This year’s theme, “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’ sgub hu Mngane,” highlights the importance of preserving and promoting traditional dance in Zimbabwe. The provincial finals will be held in all 10 provinces, culminating in the national finals on July 19, with the venue yet to be announced.
The festival offers attractive cash prizes for winners, with the top three provincial winners receiving US$2,500, US$1,500, and US$1,000, respectively. The provincial representatives will then compete in the national finals, where the grand prize is US$15,000, followed by US$10,000 and US$7,500 for second and third place, respectively.
Last year’s competition was won by Mbende Dance from Mashonaland East, showcasing the talent and diversity of traditional dance in Zimbabwe.
The festival not only promotes cultural heritage but also provides a platform for traditional dance groups to showcase their talents and compete against each other. The festival also promotes social cohesion and unity among Zimbabweans, as traditional dance transcends ethnic, linguistic, and regional boundaries.
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival is an important event in Zimbabwe’s cultural calendar, promoting and preserving traditional dance and providing a platform for talented dance groups to shine.
The festival’s provincial finals in the Midlands province on May 10 are expected to attract a large crowd of local residents, who will have the opportunity to witness and enjoy traditional dance performances from various dance groups.
Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival is a significant event in promoting Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and traditional dance. The festival offers attractive cash prizes, promoting healthy competition and providing a platform for talented dance groups to showcase their skills. Local residents are encouraged to attend the provincial finals in their respective provinces and support their favorite dance groups.
The 2025 provincial competitions were scheduled as follows:
10 May – Midlands (Mkoba 4 Beerhall, Gweru)
24 May – Manicaland (Muchina Muhombe Bar, Mutare)
31 May – Matabeleland North (Lwendulu Beerhall, Hwange)
31 May – Mashonaland West (EMM Leisure Sports Bar, Banket)
7 June – Masvingo (Masiza Nengere Bar, Chiredzi)
14 June – Mashonaland East (Padhana Sports Bar, Mutoko)
14 June – Matabeleland South (Malaxo Beerhall, Beitbridge)
21 June – Harare (Hurudza, Mabvuku)
28 June – Bulawayo (Manor Hotel, Bulawayo)
5 July – Mashonaland Central (Tipaz Night Club, Shamva) National finals (To Be Announced)
