CHIBUKU ne Shamwari finals champion Nyaungwe Arts Ensemble from Murehwa, Mashonaland East province, has credited “reinvention” as the formula to their success.

The five-time winners clinched the prize in 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2024.

The group triumphed over nine other groups in the annual finals held at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo on Saturday.

Bolamba (Matabeleland South), Pezhuba Pachena (Matabeleland North), Dzimbahwe Nengoma (Mashonaland Central), Culture Warriors (Harare), Gango (Masvingo), Mkango (Midlands), Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensemble (Manicaland), Budiriro Arts (Mashonaland West), Khaya Arts (Bulawayo) and the winners Nyaungwe were shortlisted for the finals.

For their win, the group took home a US$15 000 prize.

Group spokesperson Mattersettled Nyikadzino said their victory was a result of reinvention.

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“This victory belongs to all the people from Mashonaland East who have been rallying behind us. We also credit hard work and resilience for our win. We have entered the competition for years and we always reinvent our dances and skills so that we don’t give fans the same style,” he said.

“We are going to use the prize money wisely. As a group, we have been doing several projects and we are going to invest in animal husbandry projects.”

Harare-based Culture Warriors came second, while Dapuraunzva from Manicaland came third.