Where are the Chibuku winners?

I KNOW of a musical group that only makes waves this time of the year. Having noticed the trend, I figured out the reason. When others are busy at the studio, going about town looking for sponsors and promoters, this group takes a back seat. Instead of doing shows, they attend other musicians’ shows. Do not for a second think they would be there to appreciate and offer support to a fellow musician. Neither would they be copying style.

First, I thought I was reading too much into the innocent life of the poor musical group. I was right in prying into their lives.
Here is a group with a lot of talented individuals whose aim is to participate in musical competitions, grab the top prize and enjoy the money.

Competitions are just but a job opportunity for them. They know it too well they are good on stage. What they do not know, sadly though, is that they are stupid.

On winning a musical competition, they celebrate and get all the publicity there is. They receive the prize money and relax.
The name is quickly forgotten and we hear of them a year later at another music competition. Their works are not heard on radio, concerts or even at parties.

This is what has become of the many musical groups that have won competitions.
At the start of June every year, these musicians resurface. They register for prestigious competitions and after participating they vanish.

In as many years, Chibuku-Delta Beverages’ trademark brand that sponsors the arts in Zimbabwe has held competitions for musicians. Those in the traditional genre have outdone one another in the Chibuku Neshamwari while contemporary styles belt it out in the Chibuku Road to Fame.
There is a sad story about these competitions. Few musicians that have won the competitions have excelled in the showbiz industry.

Organisers might point out a handful of success stories but, that is not enough to equal the status of the competitions.
How many have won and went on to record, as promised, and emerged successful? In Bulawayo I single out Umkhathi. This group has done well in the Chibuku Neshamwari contests and went on represent the country abroad.

What about the other winners? How did they spend the Chibuku money?
No one has bothered to do a follow up and maybe it’s time organisers do that.

Musicians need money but what is critical for their survival is requisite skills. A band from Lupane which is used to playing homemade guitars is bound to make flops on winning a competition.

It is not all about money but there is a need for capacity building in the local music industry.
If musicians are left to do as they please, competitions risk being events where upcoming musicians meet and enjoy each other’s company.
The Chibuku competitions present an opportunity for show promoters and performers who must complement Delta Beverages’ efforts to promote music and dance.

Artistes should therefore make hay while the sun shines.
Upcoming musicians often called as raw and undiscovered, must seize opportunities offered by Delta Beverages.

As observed by many, young musicians have spoiled the show in Chibuku competitions. Impressive displays are seen in the old folk, mainly those who have been musicians but failed to go to the studio.

We hope this year’s Chibuku Neshamwari and Road to Fame competitions will be bigger and better.
Budding musicians have no room for the silly excuse that “we are doing it for the first time”. Bring us the REAL stuff and get us packed in an open space and we will come in numbers. Do not forget the braziers and the braai stands.

When you win, do something with the money, lest we ask “Where are the winners?”

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