Online Reporter
Mathew Masinge-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IT seems Afro-fusion continues to grow and is becoming a beloved genre after eight upcoming bands made it to this year’s Chibuku Road To Fame finals.
The musical genre that fuses different African music styles with other global sounds has become something that is making waves in the Zimbabwean entertainment industry.
At least, two Afro-fusion groups have won the national finals in recent years with Kweseka Band having won in 2024 and 9-1-1 Band in 2023.
This year, Afro-fusion has seen strong representation and victories at provincial and national stages in recent editions.
This year’s finals are slated for Gwanzura Stadium on October 4.
On Saturday, Harare’s Chitima Band and Mashonaland Central’s DNA Band completed the talent search as the groups came top at a joint preliminary round held at Makuluwani Bar in Whitehouse.
Both groups took home US$2,500 for their efforts.
They now join other finalists, which include Core Vibes (Midlands), All in One Mash-west), Simuniziva (Mat-north), Dab Band (Bulawayo), Bolamba Culture Birds (Mat-south), Afro Pulse (Masvingo), Mnenga Band (Manicaland) and Jungle Foxes (Mash-east).
Chitima Band, who carry the hopes for Harare, said they will put everything on the line for the national badge.
“We are happy we made it to the finals and having won the ticket to represent Harare, this has been overwhelming and a humbling moment for us.
“To be outstanding among so much talent means a lot to us and the focus now is to win the prestigious Chibuku Road To Fame title.
“The finals are in two weeks’ time and we will perfect every aspect according to the confines of the competition to win it,” said Chitima Band leader, Charles Chakanetsa.
The group, which was formed in 2023, is made up of students who met at the Zimbabwe College of Music where they decided to join forces and start a band.
Organisers, Delta Corporation, said they are looking forward to another exciting grand finale.
“All is set for the much-anticipated Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 National Finals, scheduled to take place on Saturday, 4 October 2025, at Gwanzura Stadium.
“The Chibuku Road To Fame competitions have continued to deliver thrilling performances and showcase emerging talent.
“This year marks a special milestone as the event celebrates 25 years of covering and nurturing talent, in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ),” said Delta Corporation marketing director Irimayi Muzorewa.
The Chibuku Road to Fame competition has been running since August 23 with all provincial finals having now been held across the ten provinces.
