Key Points
- Kweseka Band was awarded $15,000 and a recording contract.
- Boom Jazz and Music To Music placed second and third.
- Event celebrates Zimbabwe’s musical heritage and future talent.
Matabeleland North’s Kweseka Band won the 2024 Chibuku Road to Fame grand prize, securing $15,000 and a recording contract at the event held Saturday at Glamis Arena in Harare.
Matabeleland, renowned for its Afro-fusion style reminiscent of the famed Mokoomba, Kweseka captivated the crowd and judges, taking home top honors on a night celebrating Zimbabwe’s rising musical talent.
Boom Jazz from Chinhoyi placed second, earning $7,000, while Bulawayo’s Music To Music took third and received $5,000. Industry leaders and talent scouts, including Chipaz Promotions’ Partson Chimbodza and producer Clive “Mono” Mukundu, attended the event, recognizing the festival’s impact in promoting emerging artists.
Special competition twist and diverse performances
Due to a technical issue, Mashonaland Central Province had two competing groups. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) clarified that the initial group faced challenges before the competition began, prompting organizers to allow both groups to perform.
Additional competitors included The Cousins from Midlands, Shanty Town (Mashonaland Central), Outlaws (Harare), Fugees Band (Matabeleland South), Pilgrims of Christ (Mashonaland East), Tawedzegwa (Bulawayo), Vibrant Band (Manicaland), and Panhimbe Crew from Masvingo, showcasing the diverse talent from across Zimbabwe.
Performers delight fans during after-party
The night also featured exhilarating after-party performances by Freeman and Master H, whose vintage and versatile sets thrilled fans. Freeman’s stage presence and coordination with his band highlighted his growing musical maturity, while rising artist Feli Nandi, formerly of Mhodzi Tribe, shined as one of Zimbabwe’s most promising young musicians.
With its history of elevating notable acts like Romeo Gasa, now performing internationally, Chibuku Road To Fame continues to build Zimbabwe’s music industry.
This year’s event reinforced its mission, spotlighting promising artists, fostering industry-ready skills, and drawing a large crowd that celebrated Zimbabwe’s musical heritage and future.
