Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
ALL roads lead to Gwanzura Stadium in Harare tomorrow (Saturday) for the eagerly awaited Chibuku Road to Fame national finals, with Manicaland representative and Afro-fusion outfit, Mnenga Band, gearing up for a stiff challenge, and ready to pull off a surprise against the country’s top talents.
The national showdown promises to be a spectacular musical event, with most finalists hailing from the popular Afro-fusion genre.
The trend has defined the 2025 edition of the competition, raising the stakes for all participants.
Afro-fusion, known for its unique blend of traditional rhythms and contemporary flair, has become the dominant sound across the provinces, making this year’s contest one of the most competitive in history.
Mnenga Band, a seven-member outfit led by talented guitarist and composer, Musa Maruva, expressed optimism about pulling off a surprise. However, Maruva acknowledged that it won’t be an easy feat.
“We are excited to represent Manicaland at this level. Being among the final few is already an achievement, but we are not participating there to just to add numbers. We are going there with a purpose, make an impact, and prove that we can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best. The competition is tough, and most of the groups are Afro-fusion, just like us, so the difference will come down to originality, stage presence and execution. We know we are up against talented, well-rehearsed groups who have made names in their provinces. But that excites us, not intimidates us.”
He added: “We have been working tirelessly to fine-tune our act since the provincial finals in Marondera. We have looked at our strengths, cleaned up our transitions, and added some exciting new elements to our stagecraft.
“Our aim is to deliver the best as well as a performance that resonates with, both the judges and the crowd. The songs we are bringing are drawn from our lived experiences.
“They talk about everyday struggles, love and economic survival, all wrapped in vibrant Afro-fusion beats. We want the audience to feel seen, heard and entertained. More importantly, we want to raise Manicaland’s flag high and make our people proud.”
The band is expected to perform the same three crowd-favourite songs used to clinch victory at the provincial finals in Marondera — “Purezha”, “Mbabvu” and “Mari”. Each track highlights the group’s knack for storytelling, instrumentation, and vocal harmony, and they hope to replicate — or even surpass — the magic in front of a national audience.
Other finalists joining the fray include Dab Band (Afro-fusion) from Bulawayo, Bolamba Culture Birds — a traditional contemporary ensemble from Matabeleland South; Afro Pulse from Masvingo; Chitima Band, an Afro-fusion group from Harare and Simuniziva, another Afro-fusion group from Matabeleland South. Jungle Foxes will represent Mashonaland East.
With so many Afro-fusion bands in the mix, the margin for error is razor-thin.
Manicaland’s National Arts Council regional manager, Carol Makoni, wished the band the best, saying they are capable of pulling a surprise.
“It is a tough contest. Afro-fusion is currently dominating the national finals with their energetic performances and strong fan base. However, we trust that our team will rise to the occasion and pull off a surprise.
“They are a seasoned group with years of experience and a deep passion for what they do. Their resilience, creativity, and dedication have carried them this far and we believe this moment is no different. They have overcome challenges before and always managed to leave a lasting impression. With the right strategy, flawless execution and a bit of luck, anything is possible. We wish them the best,” she said.
After the potentially scintillating event, artistes such as Feli Nandi, Killer T, Saintfloew, Winky D, Travellers Band and DJ Nash are scheduled to perform.
In last year’s edition, Afro-fusion outfit, Kweseka Band, from Matabeleland North scooped first prize, and went home US$15 000 richer at the grand finale held at Glamis Arena in Harare.
The group also won a recording contract with any stable of its choice following the triumph. Chinhoyi-based ensemble, Boom Jazz came second, and won US$7 000, while third-placed group Music To Music from Bulawayo got US$5 000. Kweseka will on the day perform as a guest live band.
Manicaland was represented by Vibrant Band who found the going tough getting tough.
