All Byo roads led to Chibuku Road to Fame finals

THIS Saturday afternoon Manor Hotel is the place to be as various groups would be vying to represent Bulawayo province at the national finals of Chibuku Road to Fame.

In a statement, William Nyandoro, provincial programmes officer of National Arts Council of Zimbabwe said there were eight music bands in the contest.

"The winner gets the opportunity to meet other winners from different provinces within the country. The performers on Saturday include Sungura bands Bavumile Super Sounds, Nqaba Stars, Kunodziva Sounds, Hillbrow Stars and Facebook Brothers.

"There are also afro jazz groups African Tribe, Isizwe Sakithi, and Rising Flames," said Nyandoro.

He said a cash prize of $1 000 would be awarded to the winning group and the second and third runner-ups would pocket $500 and $300 respectively.

"The standard requirement for participants is to have never recorded and to be above the age of 18. The maximum number of artistes per group is eight and the group must play live instruments including the drum and at least one guitar. The set requirement is for each group to perform three songs," Nyandoro said.

He said groups were given the leeway to enter any type of music, giving them the chance to concentrate on a genre they are familiar with, just as long as the music was original.

Chibuku Road to Fame is a talent search competition that was started in 2001 by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and sponsored by Delta Corporation.

It identifies music groups with a potential to reach higher levels.

"The competition gives a platform for upcoming artistes to showcase their untapped talent before a guaranteed large audience," said Nyandoro.

He said seasoned, award winning stage actor and Amakorokoza star Zenzo Nyathi would direct proceedings while exciting and popular group Ndolwane Super Sounds would entertain the crowd after the competition.

Nyampi Stars won last year's provincial finals. Bulawayo province’s last victory at the national finals was in 2006 when Blackface scooped the first prize.

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