The Chibuku Road to Fame music competition is back this year with a landmark celebration, marking 25 years of discovering and promoting Zimbabwe’s musical talent.
Organised by Delta Beverages in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), the event has become the country’s longest-running and most prominent music talent search, giving thousands of aspiring musicians the chance to showcase their abilities and build professional careers.
Since its launch in 2001, Chibuku Road to Fame has helped unearth some of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable music groups, creating a strong legacy in community-based talent development. The 2025 edition, which will run from 23 August to 4 October, carries the theme “25 Years of Discovering Talent” and is expected to draw massive participation across the country.
Organisers have made some changes to the structure of the competition this year. Instead of the traditional ten provincial finals, the contests have been consolidated into six joint provincial finals. Each will feature 20 groups, with three winners from each provincial round qualifying for the National Grand Finale. In a new twist, results from one province will be announced before the next set of provincial performances begins, a move expected to heighten the suspense and excitement.
The competition culminates in the National Grand Finale, where the country’s top ten groups will battle for the ultimate title. At stake is a first prize of USD 15,000 plus a recording contract. The second and third prizes are USD 10,000 and USD 7,000 respectively. Provincial winners will also be rewarded, with first prize set at USD 2,500, second prize at USD 1,500, and third prize at USD 1,000.
Delta Beverages said the prize structure reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting the arts while offering meaningful opportunities for growth. “Chibuku Road to Fame continues to leverage the unifying power of music to strengthen bonds within our communities,” said the company’s Corporate Affairs Director in a statement. “As we celebrate 25 years, we remain committed to discovering, nurturing, and rewarding Zimbabwe’s raw musical talent while giving back to our loyal consumers.”
For many communities, the competition is more than just an entertainment platform. It has become a social event that brings people together in celebration of music, dance, and cultural identity. Chibuku, Zimbabwe’s leading traditional beer brand, has long been associated with these values, making the partnership between the beverage and the competition a natural fit.
The Chibuku Road to Fame has in past years produced artists who have gone on to enjoy national acclaim, and organisers say the 25th anniversary edition will continue that tradition of spotting and nurturing talent. For the performers, the competition offers not just financial rewards, but also visibility, mentorship, and a stepping stone into the country’s vibrant but competitive music industry.
Delta Corporation, through its principal subsidiary Delta Beverages, remains one of Zimbabwe’s largest companies, employing more than 4,000 people nationwide. Its portfolio includes popular brands such as Castle, Carling Black Label, Chibuku, Chibuku Super, Castle Lite, Golden Pilsener, and Zambezi. Delta is also an associate of AB InBev, the world’s largest beer company.
With preparations now underway, music lovers across Zimbabwe are expected to turn out in their numbers for the provincial finals and to support their local favourites. As the competition celebrates a quarter century, both Delta Beverages and the NACZ are confident that the Chibuku Road to Fame will once again deliver unforgettable music, unforgettable moments, and unforgettable stars.
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[…] 25 years of discovering and developing musical talent across Zimbabwe. Since its launch, Chibuku Road to Fame has grown into the country’s largest grassroots music talent search, giving aspiring musicians a […]