Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
AFRO-FUSION outfit, Vibrant Band, largely made up of female band members, is buoyant about prospects of leaving an indelible mark at the Chibuku Road to Fame national finals after clinching the provincial contest at Mandel Leisure Centre, Watsomba last Saturday.
The band, comprising four females and three males, shrugged off stiff competition from six other groups drawn from Mutare, Nyanga, Mutasa and Chipinge to win the coveted prize.
The band outplayed other equally deserving groups, especially the runners-up, who were all geared for the contest.
Vibrant Band walked away with US$2 500, while first runners-up, Mutare Super Stars scooped US$1 500.
ASG Band, a traditional outfit, was second runners-up, and walked away with US$1 000.
The Vibrant Band will represent Manicaland at the national finals slated for Harare on November 9.
The group will square up against other provincial winners.
The Afro-fusion outfit is led by an effervescent vocalist, pianist, congas and marimba player, Charllote Chibi, who said they are preparing hard for the finals.
“We are excited to be crowned winners. It was not an easy contest as all groups were prepared to clinch the coveted prize. This was our first ever competition as a group, and we are glad to have managed to keep our head above the water and conquered. It was tough. We, however, now shifted our focus to the more competitive national finals. We know it will not be easy. We have a lot of polishing to do before travelling to Harare. We know what we are capable of doing, and we are going there not to add the numbers, but to prove our mettle,” said Chibi.
The group enthralled scores of spectators who attended the event with their verve, confidence and mob-fascinating stage performance.
They charmed even the most pretentious fans and adjudicators, who included multi-award winning artiste, Dorcas Moyo, Cloris Machuwaire and producer, C Bleech, with some well-arranged instruments and silky voices.
Chibi’s music is deeply influenced by her appreciation for traditional music, and artistes like Jah Prayzah and Feli Nandi.
She is currently working on her debut album, Charlotte’s Harmony, a project that reflects her journey and musical evolution.
The Chibuku Road to Fame competition is a partnership between NACZ and Delta Beverages, with the former being the technical partner, while the latter is the sponsor.
This is a music talent search programme, which targets youths aged between 18 and 35.
