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Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe’s cultural hub, is now home to a vibrant new music group, Music 2 Music, dedicated to reviving Afro and traditional music.

In less than a year since its formation, the group has made waves, winning the fiercely contested Chibuku Road to Fame Bulawayo provincial finals, held recently at Elangeni koNjabulo beer garden.

Competing against top local talent, Music 2 Music clinched the top spot, beating Afro-fusion group Amani Pulse from Mzilikazi, which placed second, and sungura group Tawedzegwa from Bulawayo Central, which took third.

The group will now represent Bulawayo at the national finals in Harare, competing against nine other provincial champions.

                                                           Music 2 Music group

The national Chibuku Road to Fame (CRTF) finals will see Music 2 Music face off with Boom Jazz from Mashonaland West, Panhimbe Crew from Masvingo, Kweseka from Matabeleland North, Vibrant Band from Manicaland, Pilgrims of Christ from Mashonaland East, Afro-fusion group The Outlaws from Harare, The Cousins from the Midlands, Shanty Town from Mashonaland, and The Fugeez from Matabeleland South.

Julius Phiri, the band leader, shared the group’s vision: “Our goal is to reach audiences across Africa and beyond through Afro-traditional music. We entered this competition with hopes of winning a recording contract, which would help us expand our reach and represent Zimbabwe globally.

“Our dream is to release an album and tour Zimbabwe to build a strong fan base locally before setting our sights on international audiences.”

Winning the provincial competition, Phiri said, is a promising start. “I’m thrilled with our victory, and we’re honoured to represent Bulawayo at the national finals. The team is overjoyed, but I’ve reminded them to focus on the upcoming challenge – we’ll be competing against other top groups.

“We’re determined to bring the cup back to Bulawayo. It’s been a while since our province had a national win, but with God’s grace, we’re hopeful.”

Music 2 Music consists of talented members: Phiri (lead vocalist and acoustic guitar), Ashley Ndlovu (bass guitarist), Travolta Chikwanda (keyboardist), Tyron Tavengana (drummer), Zinzile Majola (vocalist), and Buhle Moyo (backing vocalist).

This year’s CRTF competition theme, “Bvirarira, Tshay’iNgoma,” celebrates Zimbabwean musical heritage. The national winner will receive a US$15 000 prize and a recording contract, while the second and third places will take home US$10 000 and US$7 500, respectively. – @mthabisi_mthire