Sometimes the spark of genius lies in knowing exactly what people are talking about.
For Chitima Band, that moment came when a viral video from Chief Tobias Garahwa’s traditional court hit social media in August 2025.
The clip showed the Chief’s secretary reading out new community rules for the Garahwa kingdom, including a quirky directive barring children from watching television in beerhalls.
From that unlikely setting, the now-famous catchphrase “Mwene weBhawa” literally “Owner of the Bar” was born, quickly gaining traction in everyday conversations and on social media.
Recognising the cultural pulse, Chitima Band moved fast.
They turned the phrase into the backbone of a song that would not only resonate with fans but also deliver them victory at the Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 National Finals.
When the band launched into the chorus of “Mwene weBhawa” inside Gwanzura Stadium on Saturday, the crowd erupted.
Judges and fans alike saw in the track what makes grassroots music so powerful its ability to capture the moment and turn it into art that feels both familiar and fresh.
That ingenuity paid off. Chitima Band walked away with the US$15,000 top prize and a recording contract, cementing their status as Zimbabwe’s newest breakout act.
Their debut single is expected to be “Mwene weBhawa,” already a hit long before its official release.
The story of Chitima Band underscores why the Chibuku Road to Fame competition, organised by Delta Beverages in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, remains so vital.
For 25 years, the platform has given young artists the stage to take risks, showcase originality, and transform cultural trends into music that connects with everyday people.
By seizing on a piece of street lingo and turning it into a crowd-winning anthem, Chitima Band showed how creativity, timing, and cultural awareness can define success.
And for the competition that discovered them, the Chibuku Road to fame, it’s another reminder of the unique role it plays in keeping Zimbabwe’s music scene alive and evolving.
Check out a glimpse of their hit song and interview below
@zimbuzz We are going to Ororo Motors says Chitima band, winners of the Chibuku Road to Fame 2025
Share Your Comments