The road to the national finals of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival continued over the weekend as Matabeleland North and Mashonaland West crowned their provincial champions, adding two more groups to the growing list of contenders for Zimbabwe’s most prestigious traditional dance competition.
The provincial finals, held on June 13 in Victoria Falls and Chinhoyi, showcased the rich cultural diversity that has made the festival one of the country’s most enduring celebrations of heritage and indigenous expression.
In Matabeleland North, the group Amakhosikazi from Victoria Falls emerged victorious with a spirited performance of the Isitshikitsha dance, earning the right to represent the province at the national finals.
The Isitshikitsha dance, known for its energetic footwork and rhythmic movements, captivated both judges and spectators, underlining the group’s mastery of one of the region’s most cherished traditional dance forms.
Second place went to Gulewankulu Hwange, which performed the Gure Zambia dance, while Amafolosi Amahle claimed third with their rendition of the Indlamu-Mzansi dance.
Meanwhile, in Mashonaland West, Pisa Pisa Nyau claimed top honours after impressing judges with a performance of the Malawi Gulewankulu dance.
The victory secured Pisa Pisa Nyau a place in the national finals and the provincial winners’ prize of US$2,500.
Second place went to Chabvondoka, whose Nsenga Zambia Nyau dance earned high praise from adjudicators, while Norton Achewa finished third with their performance of the Achewa Gulewankulu dance.
Sponsored by Delta Beverages through its Chibuku brand, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival has become a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s cultural calendar, preserving indigenous dance traditions while providing communities with a platform to celebrate their heritage.
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