By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
KWEKWE — The drums have spoken, and they have chosen Chipolopolo Zambia Nyau.
The Kwekwe-based traditional dance group has clinched the Midlands provincial title, earning a coveted spot at the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance National Finals scheduled for July.
For the 35-member ensemble, the victory is more than just a trophy — it is a statement of intent.
“We are already rehearsing for the national finals because we are hoping to take the grand prize for the first time since the formation of the group some 15 years ago,” said an elated Robson Banda, the group’s leader.
Banda attributed the provincial triumph to unity and flawless coordination among the dancers, who delivered a mesmerising performance over the weekend.
“The good thing is that all our dances and moves are well coordinated, and fans should expect fireworks come July,” he promised.
A fierce contest
The Midlands provincial finals were a battlefield of rhythm and movement. Gweru-based Mhukahuru dance group and Zikuvave Gure from Kwekwe finished second and third respectively — but on this night, Chipolopolo Zambia Nyau owned the stage.
A festival of unity
This year’s Chibuku Neshamwari festival beats to a powerful, unifying rhythm:
“Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’ sgubhu Mngane” — “Let the drum roar, friend, and strike the gubhu, comrade.”
From 9 May to 11 July 2026, the festival has swept across all ten provinces, transforming Zimbabwe into a living, breathing stage of movement, memory, and belonging. Each provincial final is more than a contest — it is a homecoming.
The stakes have never been higher
Provincial winners have already taken home:
1st Prize: USD 2,500
2nd Prize: USD 1,500
3rd Prize: USD 1,000
But the real treasure awaits at the National Final, where the country’s finest traditional dance groups will battle for life-changing prizes:
1st Prize: USD 15,000
2nd Prize: USD 10,000
3rd Prize: USD 7,500
A living museum without walls
In partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA), Chibuku Neshamwari has become something rare: a living museum without glass cases or velvet ropes.
Just raw, unstoppable rhythm. From dinhe to nyau to mbende — the festival celebrates the full spectrum of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
For Chipolopolo Zambia Nyau, the journey is far from over. The national stage awaits, and the group is determined to make their 15-year dream a reality.
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