Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
LOCAL Afro-Fusion outfit, The DAB Band recently secured a decisive victory at the Bulawayo provincial finals of the significant 2025 Chibuku Road to Fame competition. The win propels them one step closer to national glory and a substantial cash prize.
Organised in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), this year’s contest, celebrating, “25 Years of Discovering Talent,” saw fierce competition across the provinces. In Bulawayo, The DAB Band’s unique blend of rhythms and melodies captivated the judges, leaving Amani Pulse to claim second place and the Royal Band securing third.
The victory marks a significant milestone for The DAB Band, a relatively new outfit founded under the DAB THREE Investment Studio portfolio in 2024.
Archie Hadebe, the band’s spokesperson, expressed elation at the win, highlighting the group’s dedication.
“It feels great obviously to win the Chibuku Road to Fame provincial finals. The secret to success is simple hard work and respect of the craft. Preparations for the finals have started on a high, and we’re changing nothing; it’s the same process because we believe in our sound,” Hadebe stated.
The band boasts a dynamic eight-member line-up: Sanelisiwe Musipa, Paris Tariro Musa, and Nolizwe Sibanda Brilliant handling lead vocals, supported by Muziwenkosi Magwaza on percussion (and backing vocals).
Instrumental prowess comes from Akim Chunda Chinula (keys), Toufiq Y Masinda (drums), Mbusi Ndlovu (lead guitar), and Khulekani Ndlovu (bass).
Meanwhile, in the Matabeleland South provincial finals, the honours went to Bolamba Culture Birds, with the sungura stylings of Mukanoni earning second place and Luduhambo Express, another talented sungura outfit hailing from Beitbridge, taking third.
Reflecting its 25-year legacy and increased appeal, organisers have streamlined the 2025 competition to fast-track the journey to the national stage.
Provincial finals have been consolidated into six major events, each featuring 20 competing groups. Results for each province will be announced sequentially during these combined finals.
“The joint provincial finals will feature 20 groups in total. The results for the first province to perform will be announced before moving on to the next provincial performances,” confirmed a competition statement.
“From each provincial competition, winners will be selected. The top performers from these provincial finals will earn their spot in the national grand finale, where the country’s top ten will compete for the ultimate title.”
The stakes are undeniably high. The overall national champion will pocket a life-changing US$15 000 plus a coveted recording contract. The second and third place finalists nationally will receive US$10 000 and US$7 000 respectively, providing significant boosts to their musical careers.
Having commenced on August 23, the Chibuku Road to Fame continues its journey across Zimbabwe, culminating in the highly anticipated national grand finale on October 4.
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