The iconic Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival makes its grand return for 2025, celebrating over six decades of rich cultural heritage and traditional dance.
Running from May 10 to July 19, the festival will tour ten provinces in a spirited build-up to the national finals, bringing communities together through the timeless power of dance.
This year’s theme, “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’ sgubhu Mngane,” which loosely translates to “Let the Drum Sound, Friend,” underscores the call to unity and cultural pride through the beat of traditional music.
Organised in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), the festival has become a cornerstone of national identity, offering a stage for local dance groups to showcase their talent and preserve Zimbabwe’s cultural legacy.
Each provincial final will not only offer audiences a vibrant cultural experience but also reward the top three teams with cash prizes—US$2,500 for first place, US$1,500 for second, and US$1,000 for third.
The excitement builds toward the national finals, where champions will compete for the grand prize of US$15,000, with US$10,000 and US$7,500 awarded to the second and third place winners respectively.
Last year, the Mbende Dance from Mashonaland East stole the show and claimed the top national prize, this year’s competitors are expected to bring even more energy, colour, and rhythm to the stage.
Aspiring participants are encouraged to register their dance groups with NACZ and ZNTDA to take part in the festivities.
Here’s a look at the 2025 provincial competition schedule:
- 10 May – Midlands (Mkoba 4 Beerhall, Gweru)
- 24 May – Manicaland (Muchina Muhombe Bar, Mutare)
- 31 May – Matabeleland North (Lwendulu Beerhall, Hwange)
- 31 May – Mashonaland West (EMM Leisure Sports Bar, Banket)
- 7 June – Masvingo (Masiza Nengere Bar, Chiredzi)
- 14 June – Mashonaland East (Padhana Sports Bar, Mutoko)
- 14 June – Matabeleland South (Malaxo Beerhall, Beitbridge)
- 21 June – Harare (Hurudza, Mabvuku)
- 28 June – Bulawayo (Manor Hotel, Bulawayo)
- 5 July – Mashonaland Central (Tipaz Night Club, Shamva)
The date and location for the national finals will be announced in due course.
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