Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma in Harare
Afro-fusion group Chitima Band from Harare is the winner of the 2025 Chibuku Road To Fame music competition held at Gwanzura Stadium in Harare on Saturday.
Representing the capital city, Chitima Band outshone nine other competitors from across the country, delivering a performance that captivated both the judges and the crowd.
The band comprises Charles Chakanetsa (band leader and guitarist), Precious Mapurisa (lead vocalist), Mitchel Chikosa (backing vocalist), Eliot Chapitura (bass guitarist), Tatenda Murewa (drummer), and Tapiwanashe Mbudzi (keyboardist).
To clinch the championship, Chitima Band presented a well-orchestrated set featuring their hit tracks Chitima, Tovera, and Mwene Webhawa, impressing with both their musicality and stage presence.
The band walked away with US$15 000 and a recording contract. All in One from Mashonaland West claimed second place and US$10 000 while Simuniziva from Matabeleland North came third and earned US$7 500.
Speaking after the win, Chakanetsa expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans.
“We’re so happy to have taken first place in the competition. It was tough competing against such gifted talent from across the country. To be crowned number one shows that our hard work has paid off. We thank the people of Harare for the love they showed during our performance,” he said.
Chakanetsa added that the band is now ready to release new studio projects that they hope will propel their career further.
“We’re looking forward to our next projects. We actually have two albums already completed in terms of production,” he revealed. After the competition, Gwanzura Stadium came alive as performers continued the celebrations, with electrifying performances from Kweseka Band,
Travellers Band, Nisha Ts, Saintfloew, Ninety6, Killer T, and Winky D. A spectacular fireworks display marked the competition’s 25-year milestone, leaving attendees in awe. — @mthabisi_mthire
