Tomorrow, Glamis Stadium will come alive with the sounds of Zimbabwe’s finest up-and-coming talent at the Chibuku Road To Fame national finals, where a prize pool of over US$30,000 awaits the nation’s most promising bands.
As the longest-running and most prestigious talent competition in Zimbabwe, Chibuku Road To Fame has carved a legacy that goes beyond entertainment—it’s a pillar for nurturing the country’s creative potential and spotlighting emerging artists.
In this year’s finals, ten groups will compete for the top honours, including eight Afro-fusion bands, one sungura outfit, and one gospel group.
They will battle not just for the grand prize of US$15,000 and a coveted recording contract, but for a place in Zimbabwe’s musical heritage.
The second and third-placed groups will also walk away with substantial prizes of US$10,000 and US$7,500, respectively.
This year’s competition is running under the theme “Bvirarira, Tshay’iNgoma.” Joining the finalists will be guest performances from well-known local stars such as Freeman, Feli Nandi, Master H, Chillspot Family and the 911 Band, who triumphed in last year’s edition.
Chibuku, a brand synonymous with the arts, plays an integral role in this legacy. In collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Chibuku has steadfastly invested in local culture, pouring resources and passion into helping young talent rise.
Through this partnership, Chibuku Road To Fame has become more than just a competition; it’s a movement that reaffirms the importance of Zimbabwean music and brings hope to communities across the nation.
For decades, the competition has empowered aspiring musicians, giving them a stage and the means to evolve their craft.
It has grown into a launching pad for artists who may otherwise go unnoticed, offering them not only a spotlight but the financial backing and industry guidance to establish long-lasting careers.
Chibuku’s dedication to this cause goes beyond brand promotion—it’s a commitment to the country’s artistic and cultural heritage, young musicians’ dreams, and the creative industry’s resilience.
The competition will start at 10 a.m and is open to audiences aged 18 and above.
DJ Ribhe, a producer from the Mbare-based music label Chillspot, has been arrested and appeared in court today facing allegations of rape.
The producer whose real name is Tafadzwa Mandaza, stands accused of forcing a 14-year-old girl to skip school and subsequently assaulting her.
According to details reported by the Sunday Mail, DJ Ribhe was brought before Harare Regional Magistrate Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa, where he was formally charged with rape.
He was not asked to enter a plea and has been remanded in custody pending a bail hearing.
The allegations suggest that the victim, a student at Eduvest Secondary School in Glen Norah A, was reported missing from school for two consecutive days by her concerned father.
On October 16, 2024, the girl returned home after attending classes, but her whereabouts soon became a topic of concern.
The prosecution, led by Mr. Anesu Chirenje, claims that on the night of the alleged incident, the girl visited DJ Ribhe’s residence accompanied by others.
Reports indicate that the group went to Mashwede Village, where DJ Ribhe allegedly compelled the girl to consume an unknown substance and smoke shisha.
Following this, it is claimed that they returned to his home around 3 a.m., where the assault occurred.
As the case unfolds, it has sparked significant public interest and concern regarding the safety of minors in entertainment circles. The legal proceedings will continue to be monitored closely as more information becomes available.
The Zimbabwe Rugby National Team began their Asian tour with a powerful 62-22 win over the United Arab Emirates at the 7s Stadium in Dubai.
The Sables wasted no time, getting on the scoreboard in the first minute when fly-half Ian Prior slotted a close-range penalty.
They continued to apply pressure, eventually securing their first try through a penalty try awarded after repeated UAE infringements in the maul, which also saw a UAE forward sent to the sin bin.
Zimbabwe’s loose forward Godfrey Muzanargwo and captain Hilton Mudariki extended the lead to 24-0, both crossing over the try line with conversions added by Prior.
The hosts struggled to respond to Zimbabwe’s fluid play, directed by Prior’s clever kicks and sharp territorial gains.
Zimbabwe coach Pieter Benade’s decision to play Sharks starlet Tinotenda Mavesera at eighthman proved successful, as he was a constant threat with ball in hand, regularly breaking the defensive line with his hard running.
Tighthead prop Munashe Mhere, debuting for the Sables and a standout in South Africa’s Currie Cup with the Pumas, also impressed as a powerful ball carrier, creating gaps in the UAE defense.
For the first time in a while, the Sables’ lineout functioned seamlessly, with veteran hooker Matthew Mandioma, making his 48th appearance, consistently connecting with his jumpers.
Sables speedster Edward Sigauke flies over the line, securing one of his three tries in a thrilling performance against UAE.
UAE managed only three points in the first half, while Zimbabwe added two more tries through pacey wing Edward Sigauke and Mudariki, heading into halftime with a commanding 36-3 lead.
In the second half, UAE emerged with renewed purpose, putting pressure on the Sables’ set pieces. Zimbabwe struggled to regain rhythm as penalties mounted, allowing UAE to capitalize with tries from forwards Epeli Davetawalu and Matt Mills.
However, Zimbabwe responded when Trevor Guruwe broke through for their sixth try. Sigauke, in fine form, completed his hat-trick with two more tries, stretching the score to 55-15.
Center Brandon Mudzekenyedzi then crossed the line to put the final touch on Zimbabwe’s scoreboard.
UAE had the last say, earning a penalty try after Zimbabwe lock Simbarashe Siraha was penalized and sin-binned for entering the maul from the side.
Despite the emphatic win, the Sables may want to focus on improving their set pieces, particularly their scrums, where they faced significant challenges in the second half. Next, Zimbabwe heads to South Korea to continue their Asian tour.
Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer and composer, has died at the age of 91.
Jones worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and many other artists.
Among his best-known credits was as the producer of Jackson’s historic Thriller album. Jones oversaw the all-star recording of the 1985 charity record We Are The World.
His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that he died on Sunday, Nov. 3 at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family. The news was first reported by the Associated Press.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
“He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
The musician is survived by seven children: Rashida Jones, Kidada Jones, Kenya Kinski-Jones, Quincy Jones III, Jolie Jones Levine, Martina Jones, and Rachel Jones.
He is also survived by grandchildren Isaiah Jones Koenig, Quincy Renzo Delight Jones IV and Nea Jones. He was godfather to actor-musician Quincy Brown, who was named after the music great.
His career, which spans more than 75 years, saw him achieve 28 Grammy award wins out of 80 nominations.
He was named one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century by Time magazine.
Simba Bhora is on the brink of reaching their promised land, Canaan, just a step away from savouring the milk and honey they envisioned at the start of the season.
Simba stands on the cusp of clinching their first Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title, a remarkable feat for a team that only recently got promoted from the Northern Region Division One in 2022.
Currently, they hold a commanding nine-point lead at the top of the league table after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Caps United at Wadzanayi Stadium on Saturday.
Having narrowly avoided relegation in the 2022/2023 season, Simba Bhora has transformed into a formidable force.
They have maintained an unbeaten record at their home ground since it was sanctioned by football authorities.
From the outset of the season, Simba Bhora boldly declared their intentions with a new slogan, asserting that the league was theirs for the taking.
Backing up their bold claims, they embarked on a spending spree in the transfer market, acquiring top talents such as Walter Musona (FC Platinum), Tatenda Chikwende (FC Platinum), Junior Makunike (Dynamos FC),
Goalkeeper Taimon Mvula (Dynamos FC), Wilson Mensah (Triangle FC), goalkeeper Tanunurwa Shumba (Triangle), Harrison Masina (FC Hunters), Gift Saunyama (Black Rhinos FC), and Malvin Mkolo (Bulawayo Chiefs).
The recent win over Caps United means Simba Bhora will be crowned league champions if they can secure just one point in their final three matches of the season.
Meanwhile, FC Platinum’s title hopes have all but evaporated following a 2-0 defeat to Dynamos at Rufaro Stadium.
This loss effectively hands the league to Simba Bhora, who now only need a draw to seal their victory.
Simba Bhora sits comfortably on 63 points, with FC Platinum trailing at a distant 54 points.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 31 Results:
Zimbabwe Cricket Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani has been named as the Interim Chairman of the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) at the organisation’s annual general meeting held in Harare this Saturday.
He will lead the continental body for the next six months.
His interim tenure is expected to usher in a period of transformation, emphasising the expansion of cricket’s popularity, the deepening of talent development programmes and the increase of competitive opportunities for African teams on the global stage.
Commenting on his appointment, Mukuhlani said: “One of the outcomes of the AGM is to restructure the ACA – its governance structures, its constitution and, along with that, the general council did come up with a resolution that there will be an interim committee that I will chair for the next six months until we have the next AGM in May.
“This is a unique opportunity for us to set up robust pathways for players, coaches and administrators in our region. With the support of the ACA members, I am confident we can achieve significant milestones in the months ahead.”
The Mukuhlani-led interim committee also includes South Africa’s Riaan Richards, Nigeria’s Uyi Akpata, Rwanda’s Stephen Musale, Uganda’s Michael Nuwagabs and Sierra Leone’s Franklyn Conteh.
The ACA, representing 23 cricketing nations, is a vital force in promoting unity and collaboration within the African cricketing community, driving the sport’s development and accessibility across the continent.
The number of young people who made presentations at the CIMAS Health Group Healthathon 2.0 is a testament to the brilliant minds that the country has.
The Healthathon, which was hosted Friday at CIMAS headquarters in conjunction with the Harare Institute of Technology attracted 9 groups of health innovators mostly from the graduates and students from Zimbabwe’s tertiary institutions.
It was held under the theme “Transforming Healthcare: Pioneering Tomorrow’s Health Solutions.”
The competition which started in the morning showcased various innovative ideas aimed at harnessing the creativity and ingenuity of local innovators in addressing the unique challenges faced by the local healthcare system.
The Healthathon was fierce as all the groups presented their projects to a panel of industry experts and thought leaders and try to scoop the prizes that were on offer by CIMAS, the country’s leading private medical aid society and healthcare service provider.
The EpiApp, a mobile device designed to revolutionise epilepsy care, was awarded the grand prize of US$1,500 and an opportunity to see its idea developed and implemented in the health sector.
Apart from the brilliant presentation and practicality of the idea, the developers of the EpiApp presented a working prototype before judges, something which may have earned them more marks than their competitors.
It aims to provide real-time monitoring for epilepsy patients and deal with the unpredictable seizures that can disrupt daily activities, leading to fear and anxiety.
The application was developed by Munashe Dube, a Bioengineering student at the University of Zimbabwe, and Lincoln Casette, an Electronics Engineering graduate from the Harare Institute of Technology.
Speaking during the break of the Healthathon, CIMAS Health Group Chief Information Officer Foster Akaketwa, gave an indication of what the judges were looking out for during their adjudication.
“We look at whether it is feasible to implement, how practical it is in our market, in our environment because a solution can be relevant in other markets but when it comes to Zimbabwe it struggles,” said Mr Akaketwa.
Part of the judges’ panel listening to the Healthathon presentations
“We also look at how scalable the solution is, because when you look at the solutions that are made possible by the adoption of AI (artificial intelligence) they must be scalable to accommodate every Zimbabwean whether they are low or high-income earners.”
Cash prizes were awarded from first to fifth position, although every participating group received a certificate of participation.
Astro secured the second position with their innovative telemedicine platform aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility in rural regions, earning a prize of US$1,000.
Taking third place was Hypernova, recognized for their AI-powered diagnostic tool that facilitates the early detection of infectious diseases, which earned them US$750.
In fourth place, Eskani Systems created a mobile application focused on medication adherence and patient management, winning a reward of US$500.
Dev Bytes claimed fifth place, receiving US$400 for their digital health solution designed to streamline claims adjudication and identify fraud.
In a speech delivered by Dr. Beullah Chirume, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services, the Minister of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services, Hon. Dr Tatenda Mavetera, stated that the government is committed to promoting an environment that supports innovation.
“Technology is not just a tool; it is the lifeblood of our development strategies, especially in sectors like healthcare. From telemedicine to data-driven diagnostics, technology is rapidly transforming how we deliver and access health services,” said Hon. Dr. Mavetera.
“Our Ministry’s mission aligns closely with the core objectives of this Healthathon competition. As government we are committed to promoting an environment that supports innovation, nurtures talent, and encourages the use of ICT in all sectors, particularly in critical areas like healthcare.”
Hon. Dr. Tatenda Mavetera hailed the competition saying events like the healthathon were essential for Zimbabwe as they foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, academia, and young innovators who are the future of Zimbabwe.
Featured image:
From left: Dr. Lodrina Masiyazi, Director of Technology Transfer, Licensing, and Commercialization at HIT, Mrs. Thando Kembo, Cimas Group Operating Officer, Munashe Dube, a Bioengineering student at the University of Zimbabwe, Lincoln Casette, an Electronics Engineering graduate from the Harare Institute of Technology and Dr. Beullah Chirume, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services
Another heart stadium is set to be constructed in Kwekwe by one of Prophet Walter Magaya’s business associates.
The new stadium will be named Chawanda Stadium, also known as The Heart Main Arena, after Shepherd Chawanda.
Chawanda is the main funder of the project.
According to Prophet Magaya, this will be a magnified and transformed version of the Heart Arena in Waterfalls, Harare, coming out bigger and better, correcting all the flaws of the first Heart.
“My partner is strong enough and well encouraged; we will probably complete this by early January, coinciding with the ZIFA elections,” said Magaya.
“My other eye is on the southern and eastern regions; they need the same.”
Chawanda Stadium, The Heart Main, will have a capacity of 10,100 seats, meeting all CAF requirements, and will benefit the Premier Soccer League and national teams.
Prophet Magaya has also established other signature Heart stadiums in Malawi and Mozambique.
He mentioned that he is focused on the southern and eastern regions to develop similar facilities.
Nolo Phiri, an influential figure in South African entertainment and a trailblazer in empowering young creatives, is set to launch a groundbreaking project: Leading Ladies, a 10-part roundtable series in celebration of South African female industry leaders.
Nolo, best known for her unforgettable role as Niki on Rhythm City (2011-2018), has made a significant impact both on-screen and behind the scenes.
An Honours graduate from Wits University’s School of the Arts, Nolo’s career began with a major in fine arts at the National School of the Arts.
She has produced celebrated documentaries and dramas, including Muvhango for SABC, and has collaborated on projects with Mzansi Magic, Showmax, eTV, Netflix, and Paramount, to name a few.
As the founder of Girl Next Door Media, Nolo dedicates her career to cultivating and empowering the next generation of creatives.
“This new project represents a celebration of women’s voices and talents in our industry,” says Nolo. Leading Ladies will bring together South Africa’s top female creatives to share insights and amplify their voices shaping storytelling from the inside out.
The series will celebrate the grit, vision and authenticity women bring to the screen- because when we tell our stories, we make room for all stories.”
Leading Ladies will feature insightful discussions with prominent women in South African television. Through in-depth conversations, these women will share their journeys, experiences, and knowledge, offering mentorship to up-and-coming talent in the industry.
With extensive experience as a moderator and MC across television, film, and live events, Nolo is known for her charisma, quick wit, and professionalism, making her an engaging host at high-profile events.
She brings a unique blend of storytelling, audience engagement, and an eye for detail, honed from years of experience as both an actress and a producer.
Her presence has captivated audiences at various notable events, including fundraisers and industry panels for organizations like Mrs. South Africa & CANSA, Canon, BANKSETA, and Tshwane University of Technology.
Through her work with Girl Next Door Media, Nolo has fostered growth in the entertainment sector by creating valuable opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and connecting them with seasoned professionals.
Her fashion line, Apples & Oranges for Nolo Phiri, and the Girl Next Door Conversation Series have become key platforms for youth empowerment, mentorship, and skills development.
As a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment, Nolo has collaborated with brands such as Unilever’s Even & Lovely to promote confidence and self-expression among young women. She continues to inspire with her vision and commitment to championing women and young talent in the creative industry.
The pride of being crowned the 2024 Chibuku Road to Fame winner, a hefty reward of a cool US$15,000, a recording contract, and loads of media mentions awaits one of the ten provincial groups by the close of business on November 9.
With music currently ranking among some of the most rewarding jobs in the country, fierce competition is expected at the Glamis Arena, Showgrounds in Harare.
Runners-up will also be rewarded, with the second-place finisher taking home US$10,000 and the third-place winner receiving US$7,000.
The journey to the 2024 Chibuku Road to Fame began on September 28, with provincial finals running throughout October, all leading to the coveted national finals.
The provincial finals have been met with a lot of excitement, delivering bonding moments for consumers of Chibuku through extended drinking occasions.
Ten provincial competitions were successfully held, and the finalists have earned their spots to compete in the National Finals.
Preparations are now underway for the Chibuku Road to Fame National Finals, set to take place on Saturday, November 9, at the Glamis Arena, Showground, Harare.
This year’s finale will feature guest performances from Freeman, who has just released a new album, the ever-consistent Feli Nandi, and the hottest pop artist of the moment, Master H.
The Chillspot Family and the 911 band, the winners of Chibuku Road to Fame 2023, will also grace the stage.
Entry is free, and the performances will kick off at 10 AM and continue into the night.
