Shingai troupe dances its way to national glory at Chibuku Neshamwari Festival
Harare’s Shingai Dance Troupe stamped its authority on Zimbabwe’s traditional dance scene after being crowned champions of the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival, walking away with the US$15,000 top prize following a commanding Mbakumba performance at Harare Gardens on Saturday.
The triumph completed a remarkable journey for the Harare ensemble, which progressed from the provincial qualifiers to overcome nine other provincial champions in the national finals of the country’s premier traditional dance competition.
Bulawayo’s Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble secured second place after impressing judges with the Tsutsube dance to earn US$10,000, while Manicaland representatives Dapurahunanzva finished third with a polished Mbakumba routine, collecting US$7,500.
The annual festival, organised by Delta Beverages in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association, once again brought together the nation’s best traditional dance groups in a colourful showcase of Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity.
This year’s finals featured performances representing all 10 provinces, with dance groups presenting a wide range of indigenous styles, including Mbakumba, Tsutsube, Gulewankulu, Chinyambera, Isitshikitsha and Bira reVadzimu.
The event attracted thousands of spectators, who were treated to performances celebrating Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage through music, rhythm, storytelling and traditional choreography passed down through generations.
The festivities continued after the competition with a musical celebration headlined by Jah Prayzah, Baba Harare, Nisha Ts and the Chillspot Family, creating a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary Zimbabwean entertainment.
Over the years, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival has established itself as one of Zimbabwe’s most enduring cultural platforms, promoting the preservation of indigenous dance traditions while giving community groups an opportunity to perform on the national stage and inspire younger generations to embrace the country’s rich cultural heritage.
