By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, 23 July 2025 – Manicaland province proudly secured third place at the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Finals held on Saturday at the Mutare Showgrounds, with local group Semvumba Arts delivering a spirited performance of the Dinhe Dance that captivated the crowd.
Representing the host province, Semvumba Arts walked away with US$7,500, placing Manicaland on the national cultural map in a fierce competition that brought together Zimbabwe’s best traditional dance troupes.
Despite the strong presence of ten other provincial groups, Semvumba Arts impressed judges and spectators with their graceful execution of Dinhe – a traditional Shona dance rooted in ancestral worship and rhythmic drumming.
Green Stars from Harare claimed the national title and US$15,000 in prize money with their outstanding performance of the Chinyambera Dance. Goromonzi Arts Club, representing Mashonaland East, came second and earned US$10,000 for their captivating Mbende Jerusarema Dance.
The festival also saw participation from groups across the country, including Undi Gure (Midlands) with Zambia Nyau, Katawa Traditional Dance (Mashonaland West) with Mhande, and Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North) with Umzansi Dance. Jeketera Renyaungwe from Masvingo performed the Mbira Dance, Sekusile Dance Group from Matabeleland South showcased Isitshikitsha, Guruve Marimba Stars represented Mashonaland Central, and Sekunjalo MaAfrica flew the flag for Bulawayo.
The 2025 edition of Chibuku Neshamwari, sponsored by Delta Beverages in collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), ran under the theme “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’sgubhu Mngane”, highlighting unity through cultural celebration.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, music superstars Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah, and Enzo Ishall lit up the after-party with explosive performances that kept the crowd dancing late into the evening.
The event was a celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural tapestry, and Semvumba Arts’ strong showing affirmed Manicaland’s place among the nation’s traditional arts champions.
Meanwhile, the spirit of the festival was dampened by tragedy after the finals, as Sekusile Sitshikitsha Dance Group, which represented Matabeleland South, was involved in a fatal road accident on July 20 while returning home along the Gweru–Bulawayo highway.
According to a statement from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), and Delta Beverages, three group members Ms S. Mpofu, Ms I.T. Mike and Mr L. Mazara lost their lives in the accident:
The group, made up of performers employed by How Mine in Mzingwane District, had just performed at the festival. Other members sustained various injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
Organizers expressed deep condolences to the families and pledged to continue supporting the affected community.
“The loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our artistic community. We stand in solidarity with the members of Sekusile Sitshikitsha as they deal with the aftermath of this ordeal,” read the statement.