MONTHS of provincial competition culminated in a memorable finale on Saturday as Harare’s Shingai Dance Troupe emerged winners of the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival, pocketing the US$15,000 winners’ prize after impressing judges with an outstanding Mbakumba performance.
The national finals, held at Harare Gardens, brought together the 10 provincial champions in what has become Zimbabwe’s premier celebration of indigenous dance and cultural heritage.
Representing Harare Province, Shingai Dance Troupe produced the performance of the day to clinch the coveted title ahead of Bulawayo’s Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble, whose energetic Tsutsube dance earned second place and US$10,000.
Manicaland’s Dapurahunanzva completed the podium after presenting another captivating Mbakumba routine to secure third place and US$7,500.
The festival, organised by Delta Beverages in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association, showcased the richness and diversity of the country’s traditional performing arts.
Dance groups performed a variety of indigenous styles, including Mbakumba, Tsutsube, Gulewankulu, Chinyambera, Isitshikitsha and Bira reVadzimu, reflecting the unique cultural identities of Zimbabwe’s provinces.
Large crowds packed Harare Gardens throughout the day, cheering on performers whose routines blended traditional music, dance and storytelling in a celebration of the country’s living cultural heritage.
The festivities concluded with an entertainment programme featuring leading local musicians Jah Prayzah, Baba Harare, Nisha Ts and the Chillspot Family, providing a fitting end to a festival that combined cultural preservation with contemporary entertainment.
Beyond the prizes, the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival continues to provide an important platform for preserving Zimbabwe’s indigenous dances by encouraging communities to nurture traditional performance groups and pass their cultural traditions to future generations.
