Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
FOR 25 years, Chibuku Road to Fame has been a beacon of opportunity, unearthing hidden musical gems from Zimbabwe’s remotest corners.
This year, the celebrated talent search marks its Silver Jubilee, and organisers have promised an even bigger and better show as the finals draw closer.
The contest, which started in 2001 to give exposure to grassroots musicians, has undergone a facelift this year.
To keep up with the growing interest and fast-track the process, provincial finals have been consolidated, reducing the number of events to six.
“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.
“From each provincial competition, winners will be selected, and the best will earn their spot in the national grand finale,” organisers said in a statement.
The new format has been in motion since August 23 and will run until October 4, when the last preliminaries wrap up.
So far, four regions have already showcased their best acts.
Midlands crowned Core Vibes (Afro-fusion) as winners, with Ambassadors and Ecossa Rhythms coming second and third.
In Mashonaland West, All in One (Afro-fusion), Boom Jazz (Contemporary), and Nhapi Tapi (Afrofusion) dominated the top spots.
Matabeleland North saw Afro-fusion kings Simuniziva triumph while Abelifa The Inheritors (Traditional Jazz) and Zambezi Zambezi Fusion completed the podium.
Bulawayo delivered a stylish showdown where Dab Band (Afro-fusion) emerged winners.
They were followed by Amani Pulse and Royal Band.
In Matabeleland South, Bolamba Culture Birds soared to victory, while sungura outfits Mukanoni and Luduhambo Express claimed second and third places.
With Harare, Manicaland, and Mashonaland East yet to compete, the race for a national slot remains wide open.
Running under the theme “25 Years of Discovering Talent”, this year’s competition has attracted serious contenders eyeing the life-changing prizes on offer.
At the provincial level, winners pocket US$2,500, with runners-up and third-placed acts receiving US$1,500 and US$1,000.
But the ultimate glory lies at the national grand finale, where the top prize is a whopping US$15,000 plus a recording contract.
The second and third place winners will take home US$10,000 and US$7,000.
This hefty rewards have transformed the contest into more than just a talent show, it is a career launch pad.
Bands are now investing in professional wardrobe, choreography, sound, and stage presence to meet the competition’s strict standards.
“Winning Chibuku Road to Fame is no longer about raw talent alone. It’s about discipline, creativity, and presentation,” said one organiser.
For many groups, this platform has been life-changing.
Last year’s winners, Kweseka Band from Matabeleland North, walked away US$15,000 richer after an electrifying performance at the Glamis Arena in Harare.
Similar success stories have emerged over the years, with acts like Romeo Gasa, Black Face, Bopoma Stars, Munandi Express, Terry and Bliss, Hwambakwe Stars, Identity Band, Grade 2D and others rising to fame through this competition.
This year, as the contest celebrates its silver milestone, the stakes are higher than ever.
The grand finale promises a thrilling “battle of the bands” as Zimbabwe counts down to discovering its next big star.
