Bolamba Culture Birds were crowned champions of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival Matebeleland South provincial finals after a commanding performance at Collen Bawn Beer Hall over the weekend.
The talented group captivated judges and spectators with an electrifying Tsutsube dance, a vibrant traditional performance deeply rooted in the province’s cultural heritage. Their outstanding display earned them the top spot and secured their place among the country’s leading traditional dance ensembles.
The competition was fiercely contested, with Chihoda Blanket Mine taking second place after delivering a powerful and polished Chihoda dance performance. Blanket Mine Beni finished third with an energetic Beni Arinoti routine that showcased impressive skill and passion.
This year’s festival is running under the theme, “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’gubhu Mngane” (Let the drum roar, friend, and strike the gubhu, comrade), celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural traditions through music, dance, and storytelling.
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The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival, which runs from May 9 to July 11, 2026, will see groups from all ten provinces compete for honours and a place at the national finals.
Provincial winners will receive USD 2,500, while second and third-placed groups will take home USD 1,500 and USD 1,000 respectively.
At the national finals, the stakes will be even higher, with the winning group set to receive USD 15,000, while second and third place will earn USD 10,000 and USD 7,500.
Organised in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA), the festival continues to play a vital role in preserving and promoting Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural heritage.
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