Green Stars Shine Bright at Chibuku NeShamwari Harare Finals, Secure Spot in National Championships
Drums thundered, feet pounded, and the air was thick with cultural pride as Tafara came alive during the Chibuku NeShamwari Traditional Dance Competitions. The much-anticipated Harare Provincial Finals took place at the Hurudza Bar Hall on Saturday, drawing crowds eager to witness Zimbabwe’s finest traditional dance groups battle for supremacy.
Kuwadzana’s Green Stars Dance Group emerged victorious with a captivating performance of the Karanga-rooted chinyambera dance. Their synchronised moves, authentic costumes, and high-energy routine earned them not only deafening applause but also the top prize of US$2,500 and a golden ticket to the national finals set for July 19 in Mutare.
The competition was fierce, with 10 groups giving their all on stage. Chigwirizano Dance Group delivered a powerful rendition of the Malawian gule nyau dance, clinching second place and walking away with US$1,500. Their celebratory journey home on the back of a lorry through Chitungwiza became a joyful spectacle on its own.
Glen Norah’s Pasichigare Muchongoyo dancers took third place, pocketing US$1,000 for their efforts. The remaining seven groups—Shumba Mbira, Chitukuta, Kondonani, Chisoni, Akupanyira, Tasiyamariro, and Karingezuva—were each awarded US$500 for their participation.
Spectators were treated to a variety of dance styles, with many teams showcasing their take on Zimbabwean, Zambian, or Malawian gule nyau dances. DJs kept the festive mood going by spinning popular gure nyau-inspired tracks by artists like Baba Harare, prompting spontaneous freestyle dances from members of the crowd. These volunteer dancers were rewarded with Chibuku T-shirts and packs of Chibuku Beer.
Judging proved tough for the adjudicators, with decisions coming down to small errors in singing, timing, and stage entry and exit. However, the overall standard of competition was hailed as one of the best in recent years.
A representative from Green Stars described their win as the fruit of dedication and teamwork. The group, made up mainly of local youth, not only entertains but also plays an active role in community outreach, championing campaigns against illicit drug and substance abuse.
William Ndinde, Harare Province Manager at the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, commended all the participants for raising the bar. He praised the judging panel for recognising authentic choreography and cultural expression. “It’s encouraging to see how these traditional dances, including the widely performed gure nyau, have evolved into mainstream entertainment while preserving their historical significance,” said Ndinde.
The Chibuku NeShamwari Traditional Dance Competitions are an annual showcase of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage, organised in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association, Chibuku, Delta Beverages, and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
As the Green Stars prepare to represent Harare at the national finals in Mutare, anticipation is already building. The upcoming event will see provincial champions from across the country competing for the grand cash prize of US$15,000 for first place, US$7,500 for second, and US$5,000 for third.
With such high stakes and incredible talent on display, this year’s Chibuku NeShamwari National Finals promise to be a celebration of tradition, resilience, and the unifying power of dance.
