AFRO jazz group Jesa will represent Harare province at this year’s edition of the annual Chibuku Road to Fame competition after they beat eight other bands to emerge ultimate winners on Saturday at Zimunhu Beerhall in Epworth, Harare.
BY ANESU MUSHAWATU
For their efforts, the Chitungwiza-based member group pocketed $500 and booked the sole ticket to represent the province at the competition’s national finals where they will clash with other nine provincial winners on September 29 at Glamis Arena in Harare.
The second and third-placed Vedu and African Roots walked away $300 and $200 richer, respectively.
In an interview with NewsDay Life &Style on the side-lines of the event, Jesa frontman Tichaona Muchemwa said after failing to make the grade in 2015, they had worked hard for this year’s edition.
“We took part in the same competition when we formed this group in 2015, but we failed to win. We, however, came prepared this time and we knew we would win because we had put so much work on our act,” he said.
“Our dream is to be known worldwide. We are excited that we now have a strong support base here at home since we have already secured some in Europe after a series of tours in that continent, courtesy of Music Crossroads Academy.”
Muchemwa said they would use their prize money to purchase some instruments.
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Multi-instrumentalist and head judge at the competition Mono Mukundu said the unique sound and presentation by Jesa made the magic for their victory.
“There was very impressive talent, especially from the winning teams, but the Jesa team (overall winners) had a unique sound, great stage presence, confidence and parcel of performance and their stage attire was well themed.”
Mukundu, however, expressed disappointment over the sungura groups which dominated the competition, saying they lacked originality.
“I was disappointed with the Sungura guys, they are all doing a copy and paste of Alick Macheso sound and style, which is a recipe for disaster. No one has made it big by mimicry,” he said .
The music talent show is sponsored by Delta Beverages through the Chibuku brand, in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
