By Michelle Mutumha
Music, culture, and community will take center stage on Saturday, 4 October 2025, as Gwanzura Stadium hosts the highly anticipated Chibuku Road to Fame National Finals. The annual competition, sponsored by Delta Beverages through its flagship brand Chibuku, is celebrating an impressive 25 years of discovering and developing musical talent across Zimbabwe.
Since its launch, Chibuku Road to Fame has grown into the country’s largest grassroots music talent search, giving aspiring musicians a platform to showcase their creativity and launch professional careers. The competition is run in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and has been instrumental in shaping Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape for a quarter of a century.
This year’s edition began on 23 August with provincial finals held across the country. So far, eight provinces have crowned their champions, with Harare and Mashonaland Central set to complete the line-up. A total of ten groups will battle for the top prize at the national showdown, each bringing a unique style ranging from Afro-fusion to traditional contemporary music.
Finalists include Core Vibes (Midlands), All in One (Mashonaland West), Simuniziva (Matabeleland North), Dab Band (Bulawayo), Bolamba Culture Birds (Matabeleland South), Afro Pulse (Masvingo), Mnenga Band (Manicaland), and Jungle Foxes (Mashonaland East).
The competition offers attractive rewards: USD15,000 plus a recording contract for the first prize winners, USD10,000 for second place, and USD7,000 for third. Organizers promise an unforgettable day of entertainment, with performances from the competing groups and guest appearances by top local artists, running from 10 a.m. until late.
Delta Corporation, Zimbabwe’s leading beverage manufacturer and an associate of global brewing giant AB InBev, continues to support arts and culture through initiatives like Chibuku Road to Fame. With a portfolio that includes Chibuku, Castle Lager, Castle Lite, and Schweppes soft drinks, Delta’s involvement in the competition highlights its commitment to celebrating Zimbabwean creativity while building stronger community connections.
As the nation prepares for the grand finale, all eyes will be on Gwanzura Stadium to witness the next generation of stars take the stage and keep Zimbabwe’s musical spirit alive.