Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Afro-fusion music outfit Simuniziva has secured a place at the Chibuku Road to Fame national finals after emerging victorious at the Matabeleland North provincial competition held in Victoria Falls on Saturday.
The group outshone strong contenders, including traditional jazz ensemble Abelifa The Inheritors, who came second, and Zambezi Fusion, who settled for third place.
So far, Afro-fusion is dominating this year’s competition, with all three confirmed provincial winners representing the genre. Simuniziva joins Core Vibes from Midlands and All in One from Mashonaland West in the race to the grand finale.
Core Vibes claimed the Midlands crown ahead of Ambassadors (Afro-fusion) and Ecossa Rhythms (Sungura), who finished second and third respectively.
Meanwhile, All in One triumphed in Mashonaland West, beating contemporary outfit Boom Jazz into second place and Afro-fusion group Nhapi Tapi into third.
The 2025 edition of the talent search is running under the theme: “25 Years of Discovering Talent”. Organised in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, the competition continues to be a launchpad for aspiring musicians across the country, offering exposure, mentorship, and career-changing opportunities.
The tour continues this Saturday with Bulawayo and Matabeleland South battling it out at KoNjabulo Beerhall in Bulawayo. Mashonaland East and Manicaland will compete at PaGomo Leisure Gardens in Marondera on September 13, the same day Masvingo hosts its provincial contest at Hightown Night Club at Nyika Growth Point. Meanwhile, Harare and Mashonaland Central will stage their joint showdown at Makuluwani Bar, Whitehouse, in Harare.
The national finals are scheduled for October 4, with the venue yet to be announced. The top 10 will battle it out for the coveted title and lucrative prizes.
Provincial winners walk away with first place (US$2 500), second place (US$1 500), and third place (US$1 000). At national level, the stakes are even higher — first place (US$15 000 and a recording contract), second place (US$10 000), and third place (US$7 500).
Last year, Matabeleland North’s Kweseka Band clinched the national title at Harare’s Glamis Arena, pocketing US$15 000 and a recording deal. Chinhoyi-based Boom Jazz came second with US$7 000, while Bulawayo’s Music to Music finished third, taking home US$5 000. —@mthabisi_mthire
