Kweseka, Vibrant Band secure spots at CRTF finals

Music outfits Kweseka from Matabeleland North and Vibrant Band from Manicaland have secured their places as provincial representatives for the Chibuku Road to Fame finals.

Matabeleland North held its music talent search competition at Lwendulu Beerhall in Hwange, while Manicaland hosted theirs at Mandel Bar in Mutare on Saturday.

Kweseka emerged victorious in Hwange, defeating Shantani and Walk of Life, who finished in second and third places respectively. Meanwhile, Afro-fusion group, Vibrant Band claimed the top spot in Mutare, overcoming competition from sungura band, Mutare Super Stars and traditional music outfit ASG Band from Nyanga.

These two groups now join other provincial finalists, including Music 2 Music from Bulawayo, Pilgrims of Christ from Mashonaland East, Fugees from Matabeleland South, Afro-fusion group, The Outlaws from Harare Metropolitan, The Cousins from Midlands and Shanty Town from Mashonaland.

Provincial winners walked away with US$2 500, while the second and third-place finishers received US$1 500 and US$1 000 respectively.

The final two provincial competitions will take place this Saturday in Mashonaland West at Hustlers Bar, Murombedzi and in Masvingo at Chihambakwe Beerhall, Triangle.

The national finals are set for November 9 in Harare, with the venue yet to be confirmed. This year’s theme, “Bvirarira, Tshay’iNgoma”, promises an exciting finale. The national winner will take home US$15 000 along with a recording contract, while the second and third-place finishers will receive US$10 000 and US$7 500 respectively.

The competition, one of Zimbabwe’s most popular and long-standing, aims to promote and uplift aspiring musicians across the country, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents, particularly in traditional and contemporary music genres like sungura, jazz and Afro-fusion. — @mthabisi_mthire