Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 Marks a Silver Jubilee Celebration

Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 Graphic (image source)

Zimbabwe’s longest-running music talent search, Chibuku Road to Fame, returns in 2025 with a grand silver jubilee celebration, commemorating 25 years of discovering and promoting local musical talent alongside Chibuku’s 62nd brewing anniversary. In collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), the initiative aims not only to celebrate music but also to uplift and empower emerging artists. The campaign is centered around the theme: “25 Years of Discovering Talent.”

This year introduces a revamped format in which there are six joint provincial finals, instead of the usual ten separate events. Each joint final features 20 musical groups, with three winner spots per competition advancing to the national stage. The competition begins with Midlands and Mashonaland West at Speedway Bar in Kadoma on August 23, followed by other provinces as per the schedule:

• August 30 – Matabeleland North at Chinotimba Beerhall, Victoria Falls

• September 6 – Bulawayo and Matabeleland South at KoNjabulo Beerhall, Bulawayo

• September 13 – Mashonaland East and Manicaland at Pagomo Leisure Gardens, Marondera

• September 13 – Masvingo at Hightown Night Club, Nyika

• September 20 – Harare and Mashonaland Central at Makuluwani Bar, Whitehouse, Harare
  

The national finals are scheduled for October 4, at a venue to be revealed once all provincial finalists are confirmed. This year provincial participants will be competing for a USD 2,500 prize for first place, whilst the second and third placed winners will walk away with USD 1,500 and USD 1,000 respectively.

For the national finals, the first prize winner will walk away with USD 15,000 plus a recording contract. Second and third prize winners will take home USD 10,000 and USD 7,000 respectively. These rewards underscore the program’s commitment to nurturing Zimbabwean talent through both financial support and career opportunities.

Over its 25-year history, Chibuku Road to Fame has helped launch careers of bands such as 911, The Way, Mokoomba, Club Shanga, Munandi Express, Terry and Bliss, and Romeo Gasa. Many alumni remain influential within Zimbabwe's music industry today. Organised by Delta Beverages, a subsidiary of Delta Corporation, the competition is part of the company’s strategic engagement with communities through arts and culture. Delta’s extensive brand portfolio includes Chibuku, Castle, Carling Black Label, Castle Lite, Redd’s, Golden Pilsner, and more. In addition to beverages, Delta has strong local and regional influence through its distribution network and affiliate African Distillers, as well as its majority stake in Natbrew Plc in Zambia.

The competition not only spotlights musical talent but also strengthens community bonds and cultural pride. Each weekend promises lively showcases as provinces take turns spotlighting their best artists under the jubilee theme. Aspiring musicians and fans alike are invited to participate and follow the journey—from provincial stages to the national final. Stay tuned for updates, venue announcements, and live coverage from Southerton Business Times.