Chibuku Neshamwari Festival 2025: A Cultural Triumph and a Call to Honour Alumni

The 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival concluded on a high note at Mutare Showgrounds on July 19, delivering a vivid celebration of Zimbabwe’s cultural identity through traditional dance. This year’s national champions, the Green Stars Dance Troupe from Harare, secured the coveted US$15,000 grand prize for their powerful performance of the Chinyambera dance. Spanning from May to July, the festival toured all ten provinces, under the theme Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’Isigubhu Mngane — a call for unity and shared rhythm. Since its inception in 1963, the festival, organized by Delta Beverages, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), has continued to be a cultural anchor for the nation.

Finalists represented a vibrant array of traditional genres, with standout performances from Undi Gure (Midlands), Semvumba (Manicaland), Katawa Traditional Dance (Mashonaland West), Imvimbi Arts (Matabeleland North), and Jeketera Renyaungwe (Masvingo). Provincial winners earned up to US$2,500, reaffirming the festival’s commitment to rewarding artistic excellence. Beyond the monetary value, the event plays a pivotal role in preserving heritage, promoting intercultural exchange, and uniting communities through dance. However, despite the festival's continued success, two persistent concerns have emerged: the growing inclusion of non-traditional music acts and the neglect of past winners.

Recent editions have featured performances by urban music stars like Alick Macheso, Killer T, and Tocky Vibes. While these appearances are meant to draw younger audiences, critics argue they dilute the festival’s core — Zimbabwe’s traditional dance. Cultural purists warn this trend risks overshadowing the indigenous artistry at the festival’s heart. Moreover, many past winners voice disappointment over being sidelined after their moment in the spotlight. Groups such as Sekunjalo MaAfrica Arts, the 2018 champions, report being excluded from national events like Culture Month or the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA). According to them, there is little institutional effort to integrate alumni into the ongoing cultural ecosystem.

“Winning Chibuku Neshamwari is a blessing, but the silence that follows is deafening,” said a member of Sekunjalo MaAfrica Arts. “We rarely get called for national events or cultural promotions, which stifles our growth.”

Only a few groups like Dapurahunanzva have managed to break this cycle. The Mutare-based troupe has toured internationally and even released an album after their Chibuku victory, proving that long-term success is possible with the right support. Observers argue that a dedicated alumni program, year-round exposure, and deeper integration into national arts platforms could elevate the festival’s role from an annual contest to a sustained cultural movement. To ensure the future of Chibuku Neshamwari remains authentic and impactful, stakeholders must find ways to both preserve traditional roots and modernize engagement. Suggestions include expanding media partnerships, increasing youth involvement through education programs, and streaming future events to wider audiences without compromising the traditional core.

Tragically, this year’s festival ended on a somber note. On July 20, three members of the Sekusile Sitshikitsha dance group — Ms. S. Mpofu, Ms. I.T. Mike, and Mr. L. Mazara — died in a road accident while returning home from Mutare. Employed at How Mine in Mzingwane District and representing Matabeleland South, the group was involved in a crash on the Gweru–Bulawayo highway. Several others were injured and are receiving care.

In a joint statement, NACZ, ZNTDA, and Delta Beverages expressed their condolences:

“This loss leaves an irreplaceable void in our artistic community. We also stand in solidarity with the members of the Sekusile Sitshikitsha dance group as they deal with the aftermath of this ordeal.”

As the dust settles, the 2025 festival leaves both a cultural high and a reminder: Zimbabwe’s traditional dance heritage is alive, powerful, and worthy of consistent recognition — not just during the festival season, but all year round.