Chibuku Road to Fame National Finals Set for October 4 at Gwanzura Stadium

Ten bands from Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces will compete in the Chibuku Road to Fame National Finals for a US$15 000 prize and a recording contract. The final takes place on October 4 at Gwanzura Stadium in Harare, promising a day of music and entertainment.

The event, hosted by Delta Beverages, will feature performances from Winky D, Killer T, Feli Nandi, Saintfloew, Travellers Band, Kweseka Band, DJ Nash, and other top entertainers. They will also headline the after-party, ensuring the festivities continue late into the evening. Delta Beverages’ portfolio includes Castle Lager, Carling Black Label, Chibuku, Chibuku Super, Castle Lite, Redd’s, Castle Milk, Golden Pilsener, and Zambezi.

Feli Nandi, also known as Musikana Wemarokwe, will perform and showcase leadership in advancing the Afro-fusion genre. Eight of the competing bands focus on Afro-fusion, while two specialize in sungura and traditional music.

The competing bands are DNA Band (Mashonaland Central), Chitima (Harare), Core Vibes (Midlands), All in One (Mashonaland West), Simuniziva (Matabeleland North), Dab Band (Bulawayo), Afro Pulse (Masvingo), Mnenga Band (Manicaland), Bolamba Culture Birds (Matabeleland South), and Jungle Foxes (Mashonaland East). Entry to the finals is free and open to adults aged 18 and above.

Chibuku Road to Fame, a collaboration between Delta Beverages and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, is running under the theme Celebrating 25 Years of Discovering Talent. Past winners and participants include Winky D, Progress Chipfumo, Romeo Gasa, Club Shanga, Mokoomba, Band 911, The Way, and Ntswai Ntswai.

The competition offers US$15 000 and a recording contract for first place, US$10 000 for second, and US$7 000 for third. It has been a key platform for developing young musicians into skilled performers and responsible artists. Afro-fusion has grown in popularity through the competition, fostering a culture of dress, music, and celebration of Zimbabwean and African cultural diversity.

Irimayi Muzorewa, Delta Corporation’s marketing director, highlighted the company’s role in brewing lager and traditional beer, as well as bottling soft drinks under licence from Coca-Cola.

By providing exposure, mentorship, and national competition experience, Chibuku Road to Fame continues to launch careers and build confidence, stage presence, and innovation among emerging musicians. Gwanzura Stadium, with a rich history of hosting festivals like Jenaguru, October Music Festival, and Bira Rembira, will once again serve as the heartbeat of Zimbabwean musical culture.

Attendees can expect high-energy performances, a celebration of Chibuku Super flavours including ginger, chocolate, and scud, and a vibrant, unforgettable experience for adults and families.