The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
TALENTED Afro-jazz sensation, Expressions Band, shrugged off stiff competition from six other groups to be crowned this year’s champions at the Manicaland Chibuku Road to Fame provincial finals held at Chinyausunzi Beerhall in Sakubva last week on Saturday.
It was not an easy road to success for the six-member band as they faced a formidable challenge from more experienced outfits.
The champions walked away with US$1 500 prize money, while second-placed and favourites, Deze RaWasu received US$1 000.
Afro-centric outfit, Munenga from Makoni District were on third place and walked away with US$500.
The champions will represent Manicaland at the national Chibuku Road to Fame competitions to be held at Glamis Arena in Harare on October 1.
They strummed their own compositions for 10 minutes.
The group also managed to charm the adjudicators with their well-choreographed acts, composure, organised stage management and excellent vocals.
Expressions Band leader, Romeo Fagero, said he was surprised but happy that his group had been crowned champions, especially considering that their competitors were equally hungry for success.
“We are excited to be crowned champions. It was not an easy contest. We realised that every band was super hungry for the coveted prize, but we rehearsed well and everything went according to plan. Our instrumentalists were on point and we are grateful to God for seeing us through,” said Fagero.
He added: “We are now bracing up for a tougher challenge, the national finals. We have already commenced rehearsing and we have engaged some professionals in the local entertainment sector to assist us with information and expertise on what we should expert in Harare. We know it won’t be easy, but we will do our best.”
In a side interview after the event, one of the adjudicators, musician and veteran producer, Peter ‘Cool Dude’ Muparutsa described the event as a success.
