05/10/2025
Chinyambera Dance
2025 & 2026 Jikinya Festival Compulsory Dance
Background
Running Theme: “Building Zimbabwe Through Traditional Dance”
Chinyambera is a traditional dance that originated in Bikita, Masvingo Province, and is performed by the Duma people. It is deeply rooted in hunting culture and serves multiple purposes related to the practice of hunting. These include;
- Summoning or installing someone with a hunting spirit
- Preparing for a hunt
- Celebrating after a successful hunt
- Seeking strength or spiritual insight following an unsuccessful hunt
The dance is predominantly performed by men, while women play a vital supporting role cheering, singing and motivating the dancers. Many movements in Chinyambera imitate hunting actions, such as striking, spearing or tracking. Hand gestures may represent throwing a spear, while the legs perform powerful stamping steps in rhythmic unison. Dancers often form a straight line, occasionally breaking into a circle before returning to the linear formation. A lead dancer guides the group, incorporating choreographic innovation.
Though traditionally a hunting dance, Chinyambera is now performed at cultural events and social gatherings to celebrate Zimbabwean heritage.
Practical Component
Basic Step Rhythm
Tati–Tati–Gitate–Tati–Gita
Clapping Pattern
1–2, 1–2, 1–2–3
Props Used
- Hosho
- Spear (Pfumo)
- Knobkerries (Tsvimbo)
- Bow and Arrow (Uta neMuseve)
- Stabbing Knife (Bakatwa)
- Basket (Tswanda)
Instruments
- 2 Drums: Small (Piniro) & Big (Shauro)
- Leg rattles (Magagada)
Attire
Traditionally, dancers wore skins from wild animals such as lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs. In contemporary settings, dancers use brown-toned synthetic materials to mimic traditional attire while adding commercial appeal.
Traditional Songs
- Pfumo Rangu
- Tambirai Vadzimba
- Nhoro
©️IYCE
