By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Victoria Falls — The stage is set, and Imvimbi Arts is ready to shine!
Fresh off their stunning victory at the Matabeleland North provincial finals, Imvimbi Arts has officially booked a spot at the prestigious Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival National Finals — and they’ve got their eyes locked on the grand prize of US$15,000.
With two national wins already under their belt (in 2012 and again in 2023), the Victoria Falls-based dance group is hoping to pull off a spectacular three-peat at this year’s showdown.
“We’ve tightened our choreography and boosted the energy levels. If we don’t win it all, we’re definitely landing in the top three,” said group manager Blessed Chakomoka, brimming with confidence.
Their weapon of choice? The powerful and crowd-thrilling Zulu dance, which has consistently wowed both fans and judges.
“We take Chibuku Neshamwari seriously every single year. It’s not just a performance — it’s a celebration,” Chakomoka added.
At the provincial finals, Imvimbi Arts triumphed over tough competition from Amakhosikazi and Ingugama Dancers, who showcased the vibrant Isitshikitsha dance.
But for Imvimbi, the win means more than just glory. The group — made up of 15 dancers aged between 18 and 30 — reinvests 40% of its prize money into essentials like costumes, drums, and accessories. The remaining 60% is shared among members as income.
And the impact is real. “Through dance, we’re not only preserving culture — we’re creating jobs and keeping youth away from drugs, prostitution, and crime,” Chakomoka explained. “This is empowerment through art.”
Chakomoka gave heartfelt thanks to Delta Beverages, through its Chibuku brand, along with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), for turning tradition into opportunity.
“Chibuku Neshamwari is more than a stage — it’s our biggest platform, our biggest payday, and our biggest pride. It gives us visibility, dignity, and a future,” he said.
With their eyes on the prize and hearts full of rhythm, Imvimbi Arts is ready to dance their way into history — again.
Amakhosikazi
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