Sungura Maestro Alick Macheso to Headline Chibuku neShamwari Traditional Dance Competition Finals in Mutare

This Saturday, Mutare Showgrounds will come alive with vibrant culture and electrifying performances as Sungura legend Alick Macheso headlines the much-anticipated Chibuku neShamwari Traditional Dance Competition finals. Joining him on stage will be acclaimed contemporary artist Jah Prayzah and popular Afrobeats singer Enzo Ishall, promising a night packed with diverse musical entertainment.

The event also marks a special celebration for Delta Beverages, as the iconic brewing company commemorates 62 years of Zimbabwean cultural-oriented brewing excellence. This milestone was highlighted by Carol Makoni, Manicaland provincial arts manager for the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), who expressed excitement over the upcoming festivities and the cultural significance of the competition.

The grand finale will feature ten provincial dance groups, each having earned their place through regional contests. The competition offers substantial cash prizes, with the winner walking away with US$15,000, followed by US$10,000 and US$7,500 for the second and third place finishers, respectively.

The finalists are a diverse group representing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural tapestry: Semvumba Dance Group (Mutare, Manicaland), Green Stars Dance Group (Kuwadzana, Harare), Undigure (Zvishavane, Midlands), Imvimbi Traditional Dance Group (Matabeleland North), Goromonzi Arts Ensemble Dance Group (Goromonzi, Mashonaland East), Sekunjalo MaAfrica (Mzilikazi, Bulawayo), Sekusile Isitshikitsha (Mzingwane, Matabeleland South), Jeketera Renyaningwe (Chivi, Masvingo), Katawa Dance Group (Zvimba, Mashonaland West), and Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble (Guruve, Mashonaland Central). Semvumba Dance Group emerged as Manicaland provincial champions at the recent regional finals held in Watsomba, securing their ticket to the national showdown.

Makoni assured the public that preparations for the event are progressing smoothly. “We are looking forward to a memorable event as all preparations have been accomplished,” she told NewsDay Life & Style. She added, “Musicians Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah, and Enzo Ishall, along with many other surprises, will be at the core of entertainment at this year’s Chibuku neShamwari Traditional Dance Competition Finals. The fact that Delta Beverages is celebrating 62 years of brewing excellence is synonymous with the group that provides the best celebration carrying the day.”

Launched in 1963 at Mbare’s Mai Musodzi Hall, the Chibuku neShamwari Traditional Dance Competition has long been a cornerstone in preserving and promoting Zimbabwe’s vibrant traditional dances. The competition has not only showcased cultural pride but has also helped revive and sustain traditional art forms that are central to Zimbabwe’s identity.

The competition features a broad spectrum of traditional dances, with nyau dances being the most widely performed across the provinces. Other styles include dinhe, mhande, chinyambera, mbakumba, setapa, ingquzu, and isitshikitsha, among others — all narrating stories of heritage and community.

A standout in the competition’s history is the Mashonaland East-based Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble, which holds the record for the most national final wins — five victories spanning from 2009 to 2024. Their mastery of the jerusarema and mbende dance styles has earned them a revered ambassadorial role in Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape.

Embracing Zimbabwe’s cultural pride, Chibuku has expanded its product range to include flavors like Scud, Banana, Chocolate, and Ginger, catering to consumers who value culturally refined and organic food products.

The Chibuku neShamwari Traditional Dance Competition is a result of a powerful partnership between the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, the National Traditional Dancers Association of Zimbabwe, Delta Beverages, and Chibuku. Together, they continue to champion the preservation and celebration of Zimbabwe’s traditional arts and cultural heritage.

As the competition draws near, excitement is building across the country. With the fusion of exhilarating dance performances and top-tier musical acts, this year’s Chibuku neShamwari Traditional Dance Competition finals in Mutare promise to be a landmark event — honoring Zimbabwe’s rich past while inspiring future generations to keep their cultural roots alive.