The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE Chibuku Road to Fame competition which was on a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 lockdown is back with 10 local groups expected to battle it out in the Manicaland provincial finals slated for August 20 at Chinyausunzi Beerhall in Sakubva.
For the first time ever, the contest which was previously dominated by sungura and afro-jazz fusion music is now open for other genres such as Zim-dancehall and hip-hop, the National Arts Council provincial manager, Caroline Makoni said this week.
She said preparations are progressing on well and they are expecting a tough contest.
“A total of 10 groups are expected to battle it out in the provincial finals which are back after a two-year sabbatical. We have finalised on several issues such as the venue and other logistics.
“Although we are not yet in a position to reveal the names of the groups scheduled to perform at the contest for now, we can reveal that preparations are going on well,” she said.
She outlined some of the rules and regulations that will guide the participating groups.
“The competition targets bands that have never recorded before.
“ A band should comprise of five to eight members. This year’s event is open to other genres like Zim-dancehall and hip-hop in addition to the genres that have dominated the competition before, that is sungura and afro-fusion,” she said.
The competition is a partnership between the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and Delta Beverages, with the former being the technical partner, while the latter is the sponsor.
In 2019’s edition of the Chibuku Road to Fame Manicaland provincial competitions, Eastern Riders won the contest after outplaying seven other outfits that participated in the tightly-contested event.
Ragga Manyika sensation, Assegai Crew, were the guest artistes and they belted hits from past productions.
