The Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 talent search is approaching its climax, with provincial finals in Mashonaland East/Manicaland and Masvingo producing their champions over the weekend.
In Mashonaland East/Manicaland, Mnenga Band, an Afro-fusion group, claimed the top spot with a performance that earned them the US$2,500 prize and a place in the national grand finale set for October.
They were followed by Watsomba Stars, a Sungura group, in second place, and ASG Band, representing traditional music, in third.
Groups finishing second and third are collecting US$1,500 and US$1,000 respectively.
Meanwhile, Masvingo’s contest highlighted the growing dominance of Afro-fusion. Afro Pulse emerged victorious, while Afro Beatz secured second place. The third slot went to Doctors Band, a Rhumba Afro outfit, completing a diverse lineup of regional talent.
This year’s edition marks the 25th anniversary of the competition, organised by Delta Beverages in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
Since its launch, the program has been Zimbabwe’s premier grassroots music platform, unearthing talent from across the country and helping transform aspiring musicians into household names.
The 2025 contest has adopted a revamped format, consolidating the provincial rounds into six larger competitions, each sending three groups to the national stage.
Winners at the finals will compete for the grand prize of US$15,000 and a recording contract, with second and third prizes of US$10,000 and US$7,000 respectively.
So far, champions have been crowned in Midlands, Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Bulawayo, Mashonaland East/Manicaland, and Masvingo, building anticipation for what promises to be one of the most competitive finales in the competition’s history.
The last provincials will be for Harare and Mashonaland Central, which will take place at Makuluwani Bar, Whitehouse in Harare
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