THE stage is set, the beat is rising, and the countdown begins!
All roads lead to the ultimate musical showdown the Chibuku Road to Fame national finals on October 4, where dreams will collide with destiny in a celebration of raw talent, rhythm and cultural pride.
With electrifying finalists like Dab Band and Bolamba Culture Birds already tuning their instruments and tightening their choreography adding the tally of finalists to five.
Today has been predicted to be another fantastic weekend as Masvingo Chibuku Road to Fame provincial finals are set at High Town Night Club in Nyika, while Mashonaland East and Manicaland provincial finals are scheduled for Pagomo Leisure Gardens in Marondera.
Three position one bands will make it to the national finals.
Last Saturday was a weekend of more than entertainment at the Sekunjalo Bar in Bulawayo, where 20 youthful music bands from Bulawayo and Matebeleland South provinces showcased their acts in competition for honours in the Chibuku Road to Fame finals.
Dab Band, an Afro-fusion outfit from Bulawayo, and Bolamba Culture Birds from Matebeleland South emerged the victors.
For coming out tops, Dab Band and Bolamba Culture Birds pocketed US$2 500 each.
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Second-positioned Amani Pulse (Afro-jazz) from Bulawayo and Mukanoni Pride (sungura) were each rewarded with US$1 500, while third-placed Royal Band (Bulawayo) and Luduhambo Express (sungura) got a US$100 each.
Bolamba Culture Birds band leader Mthabisi Dube said he was quite impressed to become the provincial winners in what he called a hard-hitting competition which was characterised by tight music and well-choreographed performances.
Bolamba Culture Birds, who perform Afro-traditional contemporary music, consists of Dube, the band leader and lead vocalist, Mphokuhle Sibanda (whistle and bell), Sinobuhle Dube (backing vocalist), Thembelani Ndlovu (backing vocalist), Preacher Dube (keyboardist), Mzobanzi Magutshwa (bass guitarist), Prince Marozwa (drummer) and Pride Mthokozisi Bafana (lead guitarist).
They said they are more than prepared to cause another impressive run in October.
Nomore Sibanda, from the Royal Band (Bulawayo), who came third and were the Bulawayo representatives in the Chibuku Road to Fame national finals last year, admitted that artistes are creating higher standards of music.
Despite their beautifully arranged music and demonstrating maturity on performing Isitshikitsha and Ndebele folk inspired songs, they could only settle for the third position.
Band manager Bekezela Ncube said Dab Band, who hail from Bulawayo, is a creation within the Dab Three Portfolio, which has productions designed to support, magnify and promote emerging talent.
“This victory is affirmation that we are on the right trajectory of modernising our local sound,” he said.
“Looking ahead, this is not the last time to hear from The Dab Band as this victory is just the beginning of a promising future in the music industry.”
Dab Band has Ncube, Sanelisiwe Musipa (backing vocalist), Paris T Musa (backing vocalist), Brilliant N Sibanda (lead vocalist), Akim C Chinula (keyboardist), Khulekani Ndlovu (bassist), Mbusi Ndlovu (lead guitarist), Toufiq Y Masinda (drummer) and Muziwenkosi Magwaza (percussionist).
Just like music, Chibuku comes in many flavours, each bold, unique and crafted to stir the soul.
From the tropical twist of Banana, the rich kick of Ginger, the smooth indulgence of Chocolate, to the elevated thrill of Chibuku Super, and the legendary strength of Scud, there’s a taste for every vibe and every victory.
In life and in music, competition sharpens the craft, pushes boundaries and brings out greatness.
Every band that steps on stage is like a new flavour; daring, distinctive and determined to leave a lasting taste on the hearts of fans.
This is the spirit of Chibuku Road to Fame, where music meets legacy, and only the boldest rise to the top.
