Andrew
Dennis Chimanzi
THE revered Chibuku Road to Fame competition is back.
Arguably the country’s biggest grassroots talent identification programme, the event had been put on hold since 2020 owing to the Civid-19 pandemic.
However, with more people being vaccinated and the number of new cases and fatalities having significantly dropped, Covid-19 regulations have since been relaxed resulting in showbiz springing back to life.
The provincial finals will kick-start in Bulawayo on July 30 at Njabulo Beer Garden.
Matabeleland South is set to host its provincial finals on August 27 at Malaxo Beerhall in Beitbridge with Harare finals scheduled for September 3 at Warren Bar.
In Masvingo, the provincial finals will take place on September 10 in Triangle while Midlands will have a go on September 17 with the national finals slated for October 1 at a yet to be announced venue.
The programme is run by Delta Beverages through their Chibuku brand in conjunction with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
Delta Corporation general manager corporate affairs, Patricia Murambinda said all was set for the programme to start rolling.
“Everything is now in place and we now await dates for the event to begin,” she told The Sunday Mail Society last week.
She added the event was part of their corporate social responsibility.
“The company has a huge presence throughout the country and we are making profits because of our loyal customers, thus, it becomes our obligation to give back to the communities.
“Our objective is for the competition to keep on identifying talents throughout the country.
““It is our hope that the programme will continue running for years to come,” added Murambinda.
Since its inception in 2001, Chibuku Road to Fame has helped identify several talents.
Romeo Gasa quickly comes to mind.
Gasa won the competition in 2007 while Tendai Ngwazi, brother to Mark Ngwazi, scooped the top prize in 2016 with his group Adequate Sounds.
Masvingo’s Afro-Fusion band, Identity was the last winner in 2019. In second position was Chitungwiza’s Jesa (Afro-fusion) with Matabeleland South’s Dengedza Express in third position.
“Getting an opportunity to participate in the competition means a lot. If you win, it is a bonus and if you do not make it, you still get to benefit from the experience,” said one of the participants of the competition.
Agga Nyabinde said he was happy the competition was back.
“Chibuku Road to Fame is important for all aspiring and even seasoned artistes. The programme helps identify as well as promote talent,” said Agga Nyabinde.
Online Reporter