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Babes Wodumo Makes a Triumphant Return to the Music Scene

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Babes Wodumo Makes a Triumphant Return to the Music Scene

The Queen of Gqom has returned to her thrown. After a hiatus from the music business, following the loss of her life partner and long-time collaborator Mampintsha, Babes Wodumo will be releasing her long-awaited EP MABESHINGO on 17 October.

 

In a build up to the project’s release Babes will be releasing three singles on Friday 3 October: Sip n See ft Madanon, Jay Music, Don Edward, Frost, Sk, & Sundile: Ekhoneni, a joint collaboration between Babes and Lelowhatsgood featuring Rifle Deep.

These two Gqomhits re-affirm Babes’ status as the queen of the genre and highlight some new heavy-hitters within the Gqom and EDM space.

What many fans may not anticipate is the Maskandi track NgakuthandaKahulu ft UshuniWasemzini, a creative venture into an entirely new but still deeply personal creative style for the singer.

“I took time to reflect on life’s events that happened in my life .I appreciate the love I have been getting from people appreciating my talent and music.”

“They also show love during the difficult times of losing my husband Mampintsha. This new work is dedicated to him ,the people of South Africa and the world .Thank you for the love and support,” Babes Wodumo said.

The certified platinum performer has intrigued and excited audiences since she shot to meteoric fame with Wololo in 2015.

Following the success of the single Babes has been no stranger to the limelight, featuring on the Black Panther soundtrack which earned her a nomination for Song of the Year and Breakthrough Artist at the MTV Africa Awards in 2016.

While tragedy in her personal life saw the SAMA nominated artist briefly retreat from the creative world her skill and talent as the master of Gqom was brought back to life during a song camp organised in August featuring some of Gqom’s newest players.

The song camp was organised by Content Connect Africa, in collaboration with Babes, to facilitate the creation of what has become the Mabeshingo EP.

The project is about reclaiming power after loss, stepping back into the legacy Babes was an integral part creating, and paving the way for a new era of Gqom, with her as its Queen.

Chitima Band Turns Viral Street Lingo Into Winning Formula at Chibuku Road to Fame

Michael Shoko
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Chitima Band Turns Viral Street Lingo Into Winning Formula at Chibuku Road to Fame

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

♬ original sound – Zimbuzz

Zimbabwe Crowned Africa T20 Champions After Unbeaten Run

Brian Matamba
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Zimbabwe Crowned Africa T20 Champions After Unbeaten Run

Zimbabwe finished the tournament in style, beating Namibia by seven wickets in a thrilling finale at Harare Sports Club.

 

The hosts ended the T20 Africa Qualifier unbeaten, registering five wins from five matches.

Skipper Sikandar Raza won the toss and elected to field, backing his side’s strength in chasing, which had been a feature throughout the tournament.

Namibia’s innings lacked their usual firepower as they posted 167/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Louren Steenkamp top-scored with 40 from 27 balls, while captain Gerhard Erasmus chipped in with 38.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by strike pacer Richard Ngarava, were impressive once again, with Ngarava claiming 3/26 in his four overs.

In reply, Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a shaky start when in-form opener Brian Bennett, who had been superb all tournament, fell for 15 to the bowling of Ben Shikongo.

Dion Myers and Tadiwanashe Marumani then steadied the innings with a crucial third-wicket partnership worth 88 runs.

Myers was eventually dismissed for 44, but Marumani played a mature innings, anchoring the chase right to the end. He finished unbeaten on 70 and was named Player of the Match.

Ryan Burl provided valuable support with 26 not out, striking the winning boundary as Zimbabwe reached 171/3.

Bennett’s outstanding form throughout the tournament saw him named Player of the Tournament after amassing 314 runs in five innings.

Picture by Wonder Mashura

Zimbabwe Seal 2026 T20 World Cup Spot After Semifinal Win Over Kenya

Brian Matamba
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Zimbabwe Seal 2026 T20 World Cup Spot After Semifinal Win Over Kenya

Zimbabwe stretched their unbeaten run in the T20 Africa World Cup Qualifiers to 4/4 after beating Kenya by 7 wickets in the semifinals at Harare Sports Club, booking their ticket to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to be hosted in Sri Lanka and India.

 

The Chevrons will now face Namibia in the final on 4 October at 2 pm at Harare Sports Club. With both teams already qualified, the final will be about bragging rights and the battle to be crowned continental champions.

Kenya won the toss and elected to bat on a sunny Thursday in Harare. The flat wicket looked good for batting, but the East Africans never really got going, finishing on 122/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Rakep Patel was the only batsman who offered real resistance, top-scoring with 65 off 47 balls. Sachin Gill (19) and Jaraj Kundi (13) also managed double figures, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept things tight.

Blessing Muzarabani was the pick of the attack, taking 2 wickets for 19 runs in 4 overs at an economy of 4.75. Brad Evans was also tidy with 1/21, while Richard Ngarava finished with 1/31.

Zimbabwe’s top order, which has been in blazing form all tournament, set the tone once again. The dependable Brian Bennett struck his ninth T20 half-century, scoring 51 before falling to spinner Vraj Patel. It was Bennett’s third Player of the Match award in four games.

Together with Tadiwanashe Marumani (39), Bennett shared a 78-run opening stand off just 38 balls that put Zimbabwe firmly in control. Marumani, who looked set for a fifty of his own, fell trying to clear the ropes once too often.

The Chevrons chased down the target comfortably in just 15 overs, finishing on 123/3, with Ryan Burl unbeaten on 16 and hitting the winning runs.

After missing out on the 2024 edition in the USA and West Indies, Zimbabwe will feel relieved and vindicated as they return to where they believe they belong the T20 World Cup.

Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 Finals Set for Gwanzura Stadium With Afro-Fusion Dominance

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Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 Finals Set for Gwanzura Stadium With Afro-Fusion Dominance

The spotlight falls on Gwanzura Stadium this Saturday, October 4, as the Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 National Finals bring together the top 10 provincial winners in a contest that has defined Zimbabwe’s grassroots music scene for a quarter of a century.

 

The event marks the 25th anniversary of the competition, which is organised by Delta Beverages’ Chibuku brand in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.

The stakes are high: the winning group will walk away with US$15,000 and a recording contract, while second and third place winners will receive US$10,000 and US$7,000 respectively.

This year’s lineup reflects a clear shift in Zimbabwe’s contemporary music trends.

Of the 10 finalists, eight represent the Afro-fusion genre, underscoring its growing dominance across the country.

Other genres, including Sungura, traditional contemporary music, and Afro-jazz, remain represented but in smaller numbers, pointing to how tastes among emerging musicians are evolving.

Organisers have also lined up a heavyweight after-party program to transform the finals into a full-day celebration.

Superstar performers including Winky D, Killer T, Feli Nandi, Saintfloew, DJ Nash, Travellers Band, and Kweseka Band will take the stage once the competition concludes.

The event is free to adults aged 18 and above, a move expected to draw thousands to Gwanzura, situated in the heart of Harare’s Highfield suburb.

For many, the concert represents not only a chance to discover the next big act in Zimbabwean music but also to enjoy a festival atmosphere reminiscent of the country’s major cultural showcases.

Launched in 2001, Chibuku Road to Fame has grown into Zimbabwe’s premier grassroots music competition.

Over the past 25 years, it has unearthed talent from rural villages and urban neighborhoods, giving unknown acts the opportunity to perform on national stages and launch professional careers.

The revamped 2025 format consolidated provincial contests into larger regional competitions, intensifying the road to the finals at Gwanzura.

With Gwanzura’s historic stage set to host both the national showdown and a star-studded after-party, the 2025 Road to Fame finals are poised to be one of the most memorable in the competition’s history.

Zimbabwe Storm into Semifinals with Unbeaten Run

Brian Matamba
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Zimbabwe Storm into Semifinals with Unbeaten Run

Zimbabwe maintained their perfect record in the Africa T20 Cup Qualifiers with another commanding performance, crushing Tanzania by 113 runs at Harare Sports Club.

 

Tanzania won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit the early morning swing. The hosts, however, had other ideas as the in form Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani got off to a flying start.

The pair shared a blistering 138-run opening stand off just 78 balls before Marumani fell for 49, one run short of a deserved half century.

Bennett continued his assault on the Tanzanian attack, powering to his maiden T20 international century.

He top-scored with a magnificent 111 from 60 deliveries before eventually losing his wicket. Zimbabwe finished strongly, posting a formidable 221 for 5 in their 20 overs.

Tanzania’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Khalidy Juma and Ally Kimote taking two wickets apiece, though both went at more than 10 runs per over.

In reply, Zimbabwe’s seamers kept the pressure on from the outset. Brad Evans was outstanding, taking 4 wickets for 16 runs in his four overs at an economy rate of 4.00.

Richard Ngarava chipped in with 2 wickets while Tinotenda Maposa claimed 1, as Tanzania were bowled out for 108 in 18.4 overs.

The emphatic win ensured Zimbabwe finished top of Group B and advanced to the semifinals unbeaten. They will face Nigeria on 2 October at 1:50 pm in the second semifinal, while Namibia take on Tanzania in the first.

The winners of the two semifinals will meet in the final on Saturday, 4 October, with a place at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India at stake.

The Avenues Clinic Reopens Refurbished Wards in Ongoing Multi-Stage Renovation Drive

Michael Shoko
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The Avenues Clinic Reopens Refurbished Wards in Ongoing Multi-Stage Renovation Drive

The Avenues Clinic has reopened newly refurbished hospital wards as part of a sweeping renovation project designed to modernise facilities and improve patient care.

 

The upgrades, now in their fourth phase, reflect the private hospital’s push to position itself as a leading centre for quality healthcare in Zimbabwe.

In an interview, Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu, General Manager of the Avenues Clinic, said the refurbishment programme is transforming key wards floor by floor.

“We are at the almost fourth stage of our renovations at Avenues Clinic. You might know that we have already done our surgical ward, which caters mostly for operation procedures. Otherwise, it’s known as One South. We have done One North, which is our medical ward on first floor. So those two floors are now done,” she explained.

The latest upgrades include the Obstetrics and Gynaecology ward, catering for new mothers and women’s health.

The ward features 15 patient rooms, including four private suites and 11 shared rooms, each accommodating two patients.

One of the private wards

Ndhlovu highlighted that the clinic has now refurbished two-thirds of its wards, with only the third floor and theatres awaiting completion.

“We have done two-thirds of the wards in this hospital. We are left with third floor and our theatres,” she said.

The Avenues Clinic is also home to one of the country’s most advanced neonatal intensive care units.

“If the baby has got any condition, we have got a world-class neonatal intensive care unit. The best in this country and it’s highly sought after. We have had 26-week babies delivered in this hospital and they live,” Ndhlovu noted.

She stressed that the renovations are not just about infrastructure but about strengthening their reputation for delivering reliable outcomes.

“We are all about good clinical outcomes. When you come to the Avenues Clinic, our wish and our expectation is that you get the best clinical outcome for your condition,” Ndhlovu said.

Ndhlovu added that private institutions like Avenues Clinic play a vital role in expanding healthcare options.

Patient room

“We continue to play our part to complement government efforts in terms of providing health. We believe that we are well placed as the Avenues Clinic to do our bit to ensure that we have a place as a country that our citizens can go to, where they are offered healing.”

Featured image: Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu, General Manager of the 
Avenues Clinic

Castle Lager Micro Braai Fest Heats Up Ahead of National Finale at Glamis Arena

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Castle Lager Micro Braai Fest Heats Up Ahead of National Finale at Glamis Arena

The countdown to Zimbabwe’s biggest meat party is well under way as Castle Lager’s Micro Braai Fests continue to draw crowds across the country, offering fans a taste of what to expect at the 10th National Braai Festival set for October 18 at Glamis Arena.

 

The micro events, which kicked off in Mt Darwin in August, have already been staged in seven towns and are being hailed as mini simulations of the national celebration.

For loyal fans who have attended the Braai Fest over the past decade, the smaller gatherings serve both as a reminder of the festival’s appeal and as a build-up to the main event.

Last weekend, Harare hosted its edition at Jongwe Corner, drawing a huge crowd of people for a day of food, music and entertainment.

The atmosphere was filled with everything associated with the national festival, sizzling braais, cold Castle Lager, and high-energy performances, only in smaller doses.

Artists on the line-up included chart-toppers Master H and Chillmaster, alongside DJs Joe and Sawada, who kept the crowd on its feet late into the night.

Chillmaster performing at the Jongwe Corner Micro braai fest

The tour is set to continue this Saturday in Bulawayo, with Mutare closing out the provincial fiestas on October 11.

Each city stop not only fuels excitement for the Glamis Arena finale but also spreads the festival’s community spirit nationwide.

Now in its 10th year, the Castle Lager National Braai Festival has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s most anticipated social events, blending food, music and culture in celebration of friendship and togetherness.

The Micro Braai Fests mirror this experience, giving communities across the country a chance to engage with the brand and share in the tradition before the national stage lights up.

Cimas iGo Pedal to Wellness Attracts 300 Cyclists in Push for Preventive Health

Michael Shoko
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Cimas iGo Pedal to Wellness Attracts 300 Cyclists in Push for Preventive Health

More than 300 cyclists, including families and children, took part in the Cimas iGo Pedal to Wellness cycling event on Saturday morning, riding from the Cimas Health Group headquarters at Borrowdale Racecourse.

 

The event, staged ahead of World Heart Day on September 29, is part of the healthcare provider’s broader campaign to promote preventive health and wellness in Zimbabwe, where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease are rising.

According to the World Health Organisation, NCDs account for more than 30% of deaths in Zimbabwe, highlighting the need for early prevention and lifestyle interventions.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Nicola Misi, Head of Cimas iGo, applauded the strong turnout and underscored the role of physical activity in preventing chronic illnesses.

“Today we hosted the annual Pedal to Wellness event, and we are happy with the turnout,” Dr. Misi said.

“We are here to promote cardiovascular health. In commemoration of World Heart Day, we are encouraging people to get active because chronic diseases are on the rise. Cycling is a fun way of keeping fit, and you can do it alone or with your family.”

She added that Cimas iGo, a wellness unit within Cimas Health Group, is dedicated to encouraging healthier living through active lifestyles, good nutrition, and preventive healthcare.

“We want people to reach out to us for guidance so that together, we can keep the ball rolling on preventive health,” she said.

Part of the young cyclists who took part in the Cimas iGo Pedal to Wellness

The event drew participants from across Harare, including amateur riders, fitness enthusiasts, and children, highlighting the community-oriented approach of Cimas’s wellness drive.

The family-friendly nature of the ride reflects the organisation’s push to make fitness more accessible and sustainable for everyday Zimbabweans.

For Cimas, which is marking 80 years of service in 2025, initiatives such as Pedal to Wellness form part of its long-term strategy to address Zimbabwe’s shifting health profile.

As more people face the burden of lifestyle-related diseases, preventive health campaigns are increasingly viewed as critical to reducing costs and improving quality of life.

Zimbabwe Thrash Uganda to Open T20 Africa Qualifiers in Style

Brian Matamba
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Zimbabwe Thrash Uganda to Open T20 Africa Qualifiers in Style

Zimbabwe kicked off their T20 Africa Qualifiers campaign with an impressive five-wicket win over Uganda, gaining revenge after their heartbreaking defeat in Windhoek in 2023, when the Chevrons lost by five wickets and missed out on a place at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA.

 

Uganda won the toss and chose to bat first on a flat wicket under clear skies. With little movement for the seamers, the visitors started brightly, scoring at nearly 10 runs an over. Summit Verma top scored with 45, while skipper Riazat Ali added a valuable 35 off 24 balls.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers, however, dragged the game back with disciplined seam bowling.

Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans picked up three wickets apiece, while Richard Ngarava chipped in with two, restricting Uganda to 152/9 in their 20 overs.

In reply, Zimbabwe’s chase got off to a flying start thanks to Brian Bennett, who struck the ball cleanly and put the Ugandan bowlers under immediate pressure.

Tadiwanashe Marumani fell cheaply for 6 with the score on 34/1, but Bennett continued his assault before eventually departing for a blistering 72 off 44 balls.

Brendan Taylor, looking in fine touch, complemented Bennett’s aggression with a well-played 39, the pair adding a 75-run partnership that set up the chase.

The hosts comfortably crossed the finish line, reaching 157/5 in 17.3 overs, with Tony Munyonga and Tashinga Musekiwa closing out the innings.

For Uganda, only Miyaji Juma offered resistance with the ball, claiming 2/42, though he proved expensive despite his breakthroughs.

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