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Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya
AFTER struggling for two years in the Chibuku Road to Fame competition, Kupenya Stars clinched the representative title for Bulawayo at the annual provincial contest at Manor Hotel on Saturday.
They shrugged off competition from eight other groups, walking away with $1,000 followed by Lion Stars who got $500 and Abeluleki Besizwe in third position who got $300.
The annual event, which is funded by Delta Beverages through the Chibuku brand and co-organised by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) is anchored on promoting upcoming local talent.
Speaking after the event, manager of Kupenya Stars, Kudzayi Chikomo said after returning to the drawing board for two years they seem to be doing well.
“The competition has been very challenging for the past two years. This is the third time, and we never gave up. For us winning the competition actually is due to the group’s resilience and optimism about the future,” said Chikomo.
He added that they played songs off their debut album, which they launched earlier this year.
“Surprisingly most of the songs that we played this year are part of the debut album that we launched. To our surprise they got an even better response from our fans that were out in their numbers to support us today,” he said.
Chikomo is confident that they will emerge victorious at the national final.
Bulawayo Provincial Road to Fame programmes officer, William Nyandoro said that he was happy with this year’s contest.
“I am so much excited in relation to the level of this year’s competition. The judges had a difficult time in coming up with who is going to be representing Bulawayo in the finals. Nevertheless they did their best,” said Nyandoro.
The Chibuku Road to Fame national final is set to be held in Harare on September, 24 at Glamis Stadium.
Meanwhile, all roads lead to the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional dance finals, which are going to be held in Bulawayo on 30 July at White City Stadium.
Online Reporter