Entertainment Reporter
AFRO-JAZZ ensemble 911 Band from Gweru has won this year’s Chibuku Road to Fame and bagged a recording contract along with US$15 000.
This makes the band the second from the Midlands province to win the competition after The Travellers Band won it in 2017.
The group beat nine other talented participants from across Zimbabwe, with Mashonaland Central’s Hi-Five Band coming in as first runners-up and Matabeleland North’s Kweseka Band the second runners-up.
The two runners-up each won US$10 000 and US$7 000 respectively.
The six-man 911 Band has been active for five years and will use its winnings to market and help launch its upcoming album.
Speaking after receiving the grand prize, 911 Band leader, Taona Tiakude, said the win was a team effort.
“This is for the people of Gweru. We did it out of their encouragement and we want to thank everyone for believing in us.
“We feel this is the major boost we were lacking to scale dizzy heights in the local arts industry and we hope to use it to our advantage.
“We were already working on an album and we will use the funds to market and align ourselves for breaking into the music industry,” said Tiakudze.
Tiakudze said they will use the recording contract to record most of their unrecorded songs.
Songs set to feature in their upcoming album include Ndomene, Nyanga Dzamushore and Pahukama.
The youthful group is made up of Tiakudze (27), Peniel Kariteni (23), Tanatswa Yotamu (21), Tinaishe Mugari (21), Clemence Shirichena (21) and Mathew Mabhengo (25).
Alick Macheso, Feli Nandi and Tocky Vibes performed at the event’s after-party.
DJ Fantan, Levels and Ribhe’s Chillspot Family were also part of the event.