The cultural heartbeat of Zimbabwe is set to echo through the eastern highlands as Mutare prepares to host the grand finale of the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival.
The national finals will take place on July 19 at the Mutare Showgrounds, bringing together the best traditional dance groups from across the country in a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwean heritage.
So far, five out of the ten provincial champions have been crowned, marking the halfway point in the lead-up to the prestigious national showdown.
The remaining five provinces—Harare, Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, Mashonaland East, and Mashonaland Central—are still in the process of selecting their representatives.
Since the festival’s kickoff on May 10, thousands of Zimbabweans have flocked to provincial competitions, drawn by the unifying power of traditional dance.
Organised in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), the event is a cornerstone of the country’s cultural calendar.
Meet the Finalists (So Far):
| Province | Group Name | Dance Style |
| Midlands | Undi Gure | Zambia Nyau |
| Manicaland | Semvumba | Dinhe |
| Mashonaland West | Katawa Traditional Dance | Mhande |
| Matabeleland North | Imvimbi Arts | Umzansi |
| Masvingo | Jeketera Renyaungwe | Bira |
These groups will be among the ten finalists competing for top honours and a share of the generous prize pool:
- 1st Prize: USD 15,000
- 2nd Prize: USD 10,000
- 3rd Prize: USD 7,500
The national finals promise a full day of entertainment, starting at 10 AM and running until late.
Entry is free, making it an accessible and inclusive event for the whole community. Spectators can expect an explosion of colour, rhythm, and tradition as dance troupes showcase a rich tapestry of Zimbabwe’s cultural identity.
More than a competition, the Chibuku Neshamwari Festival is a celebration of who we are as a nation—honouring the dances, stories, and rhythms passed down through generations.
The festival is proudly sponsored by Delta Corporation through its flagship brand Chibuku, in collaboration with cultural stakeholders. Delta Corporation is one of Zimbabwe’s largest beverage companies, with a legacy of supporting the arts and community development across the nation.
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