Zimbabwe’s premier grassroots music competition, Chibuku Road to Fame, will culminate at Gwanzura Stadium, Highfield, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, with ten provincial winners set to battle for the coveted crown.
The national lineup is now complete following the final provincial contests in Harare and Mashonaland Central. In Harare, Chitima Band took first place with their Afro-fusion performance, followed by Khaya Lami Band in second and Rimi Band in third.
Mashonaland Central also saw Afro-fusion dominance, with D.N.A Band winning the top prize, Shanda Band in second, and Mt Darwin Stars Band, representing Sungura, finishing third.
Provincial winners were awarded US$2,500, while runners-up and third-place acts received US$1,500 and US$1,000, respectively. At the national finals, the champion will walk away with US$15,000 and a recording contract, while second and third place will earn US$10,000 and US$7,000, respectively.
Ten provincial winners will compete at Gwanzura, including six Afro-fusion groups — Mnenga Band (Manicaland), Afro Pulse (Masvingo), Simuniziva (Matabeleland North), Core Vibes (Midlands), All in One (Mashonaland West), and Dab Band (Bulawayo). They will be joined by Bolamba Culture Birds of Matabeleland South in the Traditional Contemporary category and Jungle Foxes, representing Sungura.
Organisers said preparations are at an advanced stage for the 25th edition of the competition, which runs under the theme “25 Years of Discovering Talent”, marking a quarter-century of unearthing and nurturing Zimbabwean musical talent in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ).
“This year’s edition is particularly special as it celebrates 25 years of discovering and grooming musical talent,” organisers said.
Adding star power to the finale, Winky D will headline the event, joined by fellow crowd-pullers Saintfloew, Feli Nandi, and Killer T with Kweseka Band. The full-day show will run from 10 a.m. until late, with free admission.
First held in 2001, Chibuku Road to Fame has become one of Zimbabwe’s leading platforms for showcasing fresh talent, producing several artists who have gone on to enjoy successful careers in the local music industry.
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