Sundaymail Editor
Dennis Chimanzi
CHIBUKU Road to Fame Harare province winner Chashe Band, which is fronted by Gladys Telah Walani, is gunning for the top prize.
Chashe Band sailed through to this year’s Chibuku Road to Fame national finals after beating nine other contestants.
Walani, who is commonly known as Mbira Bae in music circles, led her band to a convincing victory, beating second-placed Ocean Waves by 15 clear points.
Third-placed ZCM Ensemble, an Afro-fusion group, was 25 points adrift of the red-hot Chashe Band.
The six-member group performed three songs – “Kumhunga”, “Basa Mangwanani” and “Kandiro” – and impressed the panel of judges.
Walani has now set her eyes on the national finals, which will be held at the Glamis Arena in Harare on October 1.
“We are now focusing on the national finals in which we are going to battle it out against nine equally good competitors,” the songstress said.
She announced her entrance onto the local music scene in 2019 with her debut song titled “Kumhunga”.
“Kumhunga” was well-received and earned Walani a sizeable following.
The provincial finals provided the band with an opportunity to participate in a musical competition for the first time.
Walani is taking the national finals as a learning curve.
The song that catapulted her to national recognition was recorded in a backyard studio.
Winning the provincial title also opened doors for the band, with corporate bodies approaching Walani and offering sponsorship deals.
Patricia Murambinda, the Delta Corporation general manager in charge of corporate affairs, said all the 10 provincial finalists have been selected.
Online Reporter