Martin Muleya
HARARE-Manicaland’s Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensembe cemented its place among Zimbabwe’s leading traditional dance groups after securing third place at the 2026 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national finals.
For their captivating display of the Mbakumba dance, Dapuraunanzva walked away US$7 500 richer.
The cultural showcase, held at Harare Gardens over the weekend, brought together provincial champions from across Zimbabwe in a celebration of the country’s rich and diverse traditional heritage.
Harare’s Shingai Dance Group emerged national champions with an electrifying Mbakumba performance to claim the US$15 000 top prize while Bulawayo’s Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble impressed the judges with the Tsutsube dance to finish second and collect US$10 000.
Mbakumba and Tsutsube ultimately dominated the competition, underlining their enduring appeal and artistic excellence on the national stage.
Although they narrowly missed the top two positions, Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensemble’s podium finish marked another milestone for Manicaland’s cultural ambassadors, who have become synonymous with preserving and promoting Mbakumba dance.
Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensemble leader Keaven Simomondo in an interview with The Midweek Watch highlighted that the achievement marks yet another milestone in the group’s remarkable journey, reinforcing its reputation as a cultural ambassador dedicated to preserving Zimbabwe’s rich heritage through music, dance and storytelling.
“The road to the national finals began with victory at the Manicaland Provincial Finals, where Dapuraunanzva outperformed some of the province’s finest traditional dance groups to earn the honour of representing Manicaland on the national stage.
“With limited resources, demanding rehearsal schedules and the challenge of balancing family responsibilities, employment and community commitments, the artists embarked on an intense preparation programme. Long rehearsals stretched late into the evenings, weekends became training camps, and every member pushed beyond physical exhaustion in pursuit of excellence.
“Our responsibility was greater than ourselves. We knew we were representing every supporter who believed in us. Our dedication reflected a shared belief that Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage deserves to be preserved and celebrated through excellence. While we had hoped to reclaim the national title, the bronze finish was celebrated as another significant achievement in a competition renowned for its exceptionally high standards,” Simomondo explained.
Originally associated with communities in Manicaland, Mbakumba is celebrated for its energetic footwork, rhythmic drumming and coordinated group movements that portray unity, celebration and communal identity. Through years of performances at festivals, schools and community gatherings, Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensemble has played a significant role in ensuring that the dance remains relevant among younger generations.
The ensemble’s influence extends beyond competition. Its performances have encouraged cultural exchange, with communities in other provinces embracing and learning Mbakumba as part of Zimbabwe’s broader cultural heritage. The group’s dedication has helped transform the dance from a regional tradition into one recognized and appreciated on national platforms.
Participation at the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival has further amplified the ensemble’s impact. The festival, organized through a partnership involving National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA) and Delta Beverages, has for decades served as one of the country’s premier platforms for safeguarding indigenous dance traditions while promoting cultural identity and community cohesion.
As Zimbabwe continues to celebrate its rich cultural diversity, the achievements of Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensemble demonstrates that traditional dance remains a living heritage- one capable of uniting communities, inspiring young performers and keeping ancestral traditions alive for future generations.
