Leonard Ncube
HWANGE’s Shantani won the Matabeleland North Chibuku Road to Fame competition at the weekend and will represent the province at the national finals in Harare.
Shantani, a six-member group which was formed last year sings in Nambya and Tonga and fuses afro jazz and contemporary music. The group’s manager, Zibusiso Ngwenya said winning the provincial competition in Victoria Falls meant a lot to them as it was their first high profile competition. They managed to beat seasoned groups like Kweseka and Chicken Bus.
“This is a sign that we’re moving in the right direction. We’re only in our first year as a group and already our future looks bright,” said Ngwenya.
For their efforts, Shantani went home $1 000 richer while second placed Kweseka, which sings in Lubale and Nambya won $500. Renowned Chicken Bus, whose lead guitarist and vocalist Peter Salimu was brutally murdered last year, was given $300.
Ngwenya said they were now hard at work preparing for the national finals.“Shantani will not go to Harare to add numbers, but to give competitors a good dance for their money.”
The group will among others, compete against Matabeleland South’s Zonda Mthakathi and Bulawayo’s Kupenya Stars.One of the organisers of Chibuku Road to Fame competition – Kudakwashe Chimwanda said all was set for the national finals. The finals will be held at the Glamis Stadium in Harare on September 24.
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