Culture, competition and celebration merged seamlessly recently as the heartbeat of Zimbabwean traditional dance echoed across two continents — from the vibrant energy of the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Championships to the global stage of the Osaka Expo in Japan.
Amid this cultural crescendo stood the rising stars of Semvumba Arts Ensemble, whose graceful steps and spirited performances are fast transforming it into a household name.
On July 19, Semvumba Arts Ensemble lit up the stage with a fever akin to a Chibuku home teams derby, as they stood toe-to-toe with some of Zimbabwe's most seasoned traditional dance troupes in the 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Championships. The group came third in the finals.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, the group’s leader and spokesperson, Takudzwa Matete, said coming third in the finals was an achievement, as it marked the group’s debut on such a grand stage.
Pirouetting its way through a stunning dinhe dance performance, Semvumba came third to claim the US$5 000 prize money.
The Goromonzi Arts Ensemble came second with its electrifying jerusarema mbende performance, earning US$7 500. Green Stars Dance Troupe triumphed, taking home the US$15 000 top prize for its energetic chinyambera act.
For Matete and his team, the event signalled not just a win, but a pivotal moment of transformation. Their cultural artistry has now found a global audience, with Matete representing Manicaland and Zimbabwe at the Osaka Expo on July 16.
“As the director of Semvumba Arts Ensemble, I got an opportunity to be among the 12 national dance performers who showcased our culture at the Zimbabwe National Day programme at the Osaka Expo in Japan on July 16,” he said.
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Matete added that they performed so well and impressed the audience on the occasion where the guest of honour, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, delivered a powerful and connecting speech affirming that Zimbabwe is open for business.
Delta Beverages' strategic cultural engagement through the Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Championships has not only deepened brand loyalty but also redefined the synergy between tradition and corporate presence.
Other brands eyeing this model should have a template worth emulating, which infuses cultural sophistication into product identity while aligning with grassroots platforms.
The Chibuku brand, once seen primarily as a traditional sorghum beer, has evolved into a symbol of Zimbabwean pride and artistry. By elevating cultural events, they’ve repositioned themselves and recorded measurable commercial gains. Brands seeking to replicate this success must move beyond token sponsorship to authentic cultural investment where art, identity and product narrative interlace.
Matete expressed deep appreciation for the platforms that have spotlighted his group’s work.
“I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the organisers of the Chibuku Dance Festival and the Osaka Expo. These opportunities have been pivotal for our growth and exposure. Representing Manicaland and Zimbabwe has been both an honour and a responsibility,” he said.
As Semvumba Arts Ensemble looks ahead, it is not simply dancing for applause, but to preserve a legacy, to tell stories and to inspire a generation. At a time when cultural identity risks being diluted, groups like Semvumba reminds us that art, when nurtured and elevated, can serve as both a bridge to the world and a mirror to ourselves.
As the rhythm of Chibuku beats on so does the dream of many young dancers who now know that tradition, when celebrated boldly, can lead to global acclaim.
