Chewa, Tsutsube Dances Take Top Honours at Chibuku Provincial Finals
TRADITIONAL dances from Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural communities were in the spotlight over the weekend as the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival continued its provincial rounds in Mashonaland East and Matabeleland South.
The Chewa Gule Wamkulu dance emerged as the winning performance in Mashonaland East, where Marondera Gure Arts Group claimed first prize at the provincial finals held at Camp and Caravan Park in Murewa.
The competition showcased some of the province’s finest traditional performers, with Vimbiso Dance Troupe finishing second after performing the UNESCO-recognised Mbende Jerusarema dance. Murehwa Prison also impressed judges with its Mbende Jerusarema routine to secure third place.
In Matabeleland South, the spotlight fell on the Tsutsube dance, which earned Bolamba Culture Birds first place at the provincial finals staged at Collen Bawn Beerhall.
Chihoda Blanket Mine’s performance of the Chihoda dance was enough to secure second position, while Blanket Mine Beni completed the podium places with the Beni Arinoti dance.
The results highlight the cultural diversity that continues to define the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival, with dance groups preserving and promoting traditions passed down through generations.
As provincial competitions continue across the country, the winning groups have secured places in the national finals, where they will compete against champions from other provinces for the coveted national title.
The annual festival, organised in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association, remains one of the country’s most important platforms for celebrating indigenous culture, dance, and heritage.
