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Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]

The versatile music group, The Fugeez Band, representing Matabeleland South province, is poised to compete for the coveted title at the Chibuku Road to Fame (CRTF) national finals, this weekend.

Hailing from Beitbridge, the band aims to elevate the profile of the “Rainbow Province” by delivering a unique musical blend of Afro-Jazz, traditional Zimbabwean sounds, Rhumba, Sungura and contemporary elements influenced by the Venda, Shona and Ndebele cultures.

The Fugeez Band’s line-up includes Edgar Tumbare, Pressure Mlambo (drummer), Mucharwei Mazungunye (bassist), Wilson Mutero (drummer), Nyasha Kwashirai (lead guitarist), Mtandani Bobo (lead guitarist), Junior Mazvimbakupa (rhythm guitarist), Everjoy Meki (dancer), Judith Gozoya (dancer), Hermish Cheya (vocalist), Honesty Mungindi (keyboardist and band manager) and Romeo Machisa Ncube (sound engineer).

The Fugeez Band

Founder of the band, Tumbare, reflecting on their provincial win to represent Matabeleland South at the national finals, described the moment as “amazing and incredible”.

“It was validation of the hard work and dedication we’ve put into our music over the years. This has been a dream come true for us, especially after participating in the competition three times without success.

The Fugeez Band

Tumbare, a passionate musician and entrepreneur has dedicated himself to the group’s success.

“My deep love for the arts and the desire to showcase Beitbridge’s musical talent inspired the formation of this group. Over the years, I’ve self-funded the band’s operations through my pest control business to ensure its survival and growth.”

He said the band’s objective is to create music that resonates with Zimbabwe’s diverse cultures while promoting unity through art.

“We want to uplift Matabeleland South and Beitbridge by raising their cultural and artistic profiles on national platforms,” Tumbare said.

Tumbare revealed plans to strengthen the band’s presence by performing at more festivals across Zimbabwe and expanding their fan base.

“We aim to represent Zimbabwe on the international stage by blending traditional sounds with modern music to showcase our rich cultural heritage to the world.”

He added that the band is working on its debut album.

“We’re working on our debut album, set for release next year. We plan to release music that tells authentic Zimbabwean stories in Venda, Shona and Ndebele, introducing a broader audience to our Afro-Fusion sound.”

Tumbare said the group is now working tirelessly in preparation for the finals taking place at Glamis Arena in Harare this Saturday.

At the national CRTF finals, The Fugeez will compete against nine groups from across the country. They are Boom Jazz from Mashonaland West, Panhimbe Crew from Masvingo, Kweseka from Matabeleland North, Vibrant Band from Manicaland, Music 2 Music from Bulawayo, Pilgrims of Christ from Mashonaland East, Afro-fusion group The Outlaws from Harare Metropolitan, The Cousins from the Midlands and Shanty Town from Mashonaland province. —@mthabisi_mthire