adminMelissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
BULAWAYO tshibilika group, Facebook Brothers, proved they were a force to reckon with when they took third position at the Chibuku Road to Fame finals held in Harare at the weekend.The group, which had promised to bring the Chibuku title home, managed to beat seven others and was unfortunately outshone by Attack Jazz band from Chinhoyi who are this year’s victors. Talent Falls band from Manicaland took second position.
The finals, which were held at the Glamis Stadium in Harare, saw the Bulawayo group walking away with prize money of $3,000. Talent Falls band left $4,000 richer while Attack Jazz band were given $5,000 and a recording contract to record their debut album.
But the eight-member Bulawayo group said they felt they could have done better if they were financially prepared.
The tshibilika group only had a month to prepare with no financing compared to other provincial winners who were given $1,000 each.
They were called to replace this year’s Bulawayo Chibuku Road to Fame winners Sounds of the Universe who were disqualified for their conduct of bringing the competition into disrepute.
“We are happy to have taken third position especially considering that we were number two at the provincial finals.
“Perhaps if we had been number one at the Bulawayo finals and received the prize money, we would have been more prepared in terms of resources as some preparations like uniforms and instruments needed money,” group leader, Vincent Newende said.
The group, which was clad in black and white attire, said they felt their outfit was not up to scratch and could have let them down.
“You never know where we could have lacked. Since we had financial challenges, our uniform was not that attractive and this could have let us down,” he said.
However, the group left a mark in Harare as their act was unique. Since their genre is similar to sungura, which was the order of the day, their act impressed revellers as they upped their game by spinning bicycle wheels and dancing with them on top of their heads and backs.
Newende said the group would contest again next year, hoping to take first position.
“Next year we are coming hot because we are highly talented musically. We survive on those talents and will hopefully be number one next year,” he said.
He thanked Chase Skuza, Ndux Junior and Martin Sibanda for having trained the group ahead of the finals.
“I would like to thank the artistes who assisted and prepared us for the finals. Ndux Junior even came here with us to lend support,” he said.
Also celebrating and cheering the group was Sandra Ndebele who was the first artiste to perform at the Road to Fame after party.
Asked how they would spend their prize money, Newende said they would use it to buy instruments and uniforms.
“We will keep the change in our band coffers.”
The group, which was formed in 2011, said they were given the name Facebook Brothers by their tutor Obadiah Matulana who wanted to give them a modern feel.
“We were given the name by Matulana so that the group could have an appeal to audiences and raise interest,” said Newende.
The diverse group sings in Ndebele, Shona and Kalanga.
Winning group, Attack Jazz band will likely give contemporary musician, Jah Prayzah a good run for his money when they record their music as their music is similar to his.
Online Reporter