Harare Gardens will come alive with the finest traditional dance ensembles on Saturday, 1 August, when the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival National Finals bring together provincial champions to compete for top honours and a share of a lucrative prize pool.
The event marks the end of a nationwide festival that began on 9 May 2026, with qualifying competitions held across all 10 provinces. The festival is organized in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association to celebrate and preserve Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural heritage through traditional dance.
After months of provincial contests, 10 winning groups have secured places in the national finals, each representing a unique dance tradition from their respective regions.
Bulawayo will be represented by Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble performing Tsutsube, while Masvingo’s MUSA will showcase Bira reVadzimu. Mashonaland Central will field Dzimbahwe Nengoma with Chinyambera, and Harare’s hopes rest on Shingai Dance Troupe performing Mbakumba.
Matabeleland North will be represented by Amakhosikazi with Isitshikitsha, while Mashonaland West’s Pisa Pisa Nyau will perform the Malawi Gulewankulu dance. Manicaland’s Dapuraunanzva Dance Ensemble will also present Mbakumba, Midlands will feature Chipolopolo Zambia Nyau performing Zambia Nyau, Matabeleland South’s Bolamba Culture Birds will showcase Tsutsube, and Mashonaland East’s Marondera Gure Arts Group will perform Chewa Gulewankulu.
The national champions will walk away with a grand prize of US$15,000, while the second-placed group will receive US$10,000 and the third-placed ensemble will earn US$7,500.
Admission to the festival is free, with gates opening at 10am. Organisers expect thousands of spectators to attend the day-long celebration, which has become one of Zimbabwe’s flagship cultural events.
Beyond the competition, the festival provides a platform for communities from across the country to celebrate their traditions while promoting cultural exchange and safeguarding indigenous dance forms for future generations.
The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival is presented in partnership with Delta Corporation, which has continued to support the promotion of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage through the annual event.
