Chibuku Neshamwari Festival Heads to Mat North and Mash West for Double Dose of Dance

THE heartbeat of Zimbabwean tradition is set to strengthen as the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival continues its journey across the provinces, and this Saturday, the festival will feature cultural events in Matabeleland North and Mashonaland West, with two provincial finals in Hwange and Banket, respectively.

In Matabeleland North, the cultural spotlight will shine on Lwendulu Beerhall in Hwange, while Mashonaland West gears up for rhythmic revelry at EMM Leisure Sports Bar in Banket.

Traditional dance groups from across each region will gather to compete for top honours and a chance to represent their province at the national finals in July.

Winners at each provincial event will walk away with:

• 1st Prize: USD2,500
• 2nd Prize: USD1,500
• 3rd Prize: USD1,000

Running under the high-energy theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari! Tshay’sgubhu Mngane!”, the festival continues its mission to preserve, promote, and celebrate Zimbabwe’s diverse traditional dance heritage.

Now in its 61st year, Chibuku Neshamwari, in collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), offers entertainment and a celebration of cultural pride and creative expression.

With last year’s national crown claimed by Mashonaland East’s stunning Mbende Dance, the stage is set for fierce but festive competition in both Hwange and Banket.

Aspiring dance groups still have a chance to join the celebration by registering with NACZ and ZNTDA ahead of their local provincial events.