Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE 2025 edition of Chibuku Road to Fame kicked off on a high note on Saturday, with Afro-fusion groups from Midlands and Mashonaland West provinces becoming the first to secure places in the national finals scheduled for October.
The competition, which began at the turn of the millennium, is taking a fresh approach this year, with some provinces hosting their preliminary rounds concurrently at the same venue. Midlands and Mashonaland West were the first to adopt this format.
Representing Midlands, Core Vibes stole the spotlight, outperforming Ambassadors (second place) and Sungura group Ecossa Rhythms (third place). From Mashonaland West, All in One proved unstoppable, edging out Boom Jazz and Afro-fusion outfit Nhapi Tapi, who claimed second and third positions respectively.
The competition continues this Saturday in Matabeleland North, where groups will battle it out at Chinotimba Beerhall in Victoria Falls, while Bulawayo and Matabeleland South acts face off at KoNjabulo Beerhall in the City of Kings and Queens.
On September 13, Mashonaland East and Manicaland groups will converge at PaGomo Leisure Gardens in Marondera, while Masvingo hosts its event at Hightown Night Club in Nyika. Meanwhile, Harare and Mashonaland Central will lock horns at Makuluwani Bar, Whitehouse, in Harare.
The national finals will take place on October 4 at a venue yet to be announced.
Organisers revealed that the joint provincial finals will feature 20 groups, with results for each province announced sequentially. Three winners from every provincial event will advance to the grand finale, where the country’s top 10 acts will compete for the ultimate title.
At the provincial level, winners of the Chibuku Road to Fame competition will receive US$2 500 for first place, US$1 500 for second place, and US$1 000 for third place. At the national finals, the stakes are higher, with the first-place winner set to receive US$15 000 along with a recording contract, while second and third place winners will be awarded US$10 000 and US$7 500 respectively.
This year’s edition runs under the theme “25 Years of Discovering Talent”. Held in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), the platform continues to go beyond music, uplifting the arts and empowering emerging artistes.
As Zimbabwe’s leading music talent search, event organisers said the 25th anniversary edition promises to nurture local artistry and provide aspiring musicians with a platform to shine.
“The Chibuku brand continues to leverage music and dance to strengthen bonds among consumers while supporting the next generation of rising stars,” organisers said.
Last year’s grand finale saw Matabeleland North Afro-fusion group Kweseka Band scoop first prize at Glamis Arena in Harare, walking away with US$15 000 and a recording deal. Chinhoyi-based Boom Jazz finished second with US$7 000, while Bulawayo’s Music To Music claimed third place, pocketing US$5 000. — @mthabisi_mthire
