By Staff writer
Sheer self belief, motivation and determination is what powered 911 band Zim to victory at this year’s Chibuku Road to fame competition.
The Gweru based music outfit pocketed US$ 15 000 for emerging victorious at the national finals held at Takashinga cricket grounds in Highfields, Harare last Saturday.
High Five band from Mashonaland Central province came second and walked away with US$10 000.
While Matabeleland North based Kweseka band won third place and got US$7 500.
But for 911 band it is a feat many upcoming musical groups can only dream of.
As Matthew Mabengo, the bassist in the six member all male group revealed, it was all as a result of self belief and the desire to fulfill a long held vision.
“We had self motivation of what we needed to accomplish as a group and company,” Mabengo intimated to _The Echo News_ “So we went in the competition head on to scoop the prize money.”
Prior to this win, 911 band’s biggest acclaim to fame was winning the provincial competitions in the Midlands province earning a spot to compete against nine other bands from the other nine provinces.
Mabengo said the group is now working on making new music and also penetrating the international market.
“Expect new music in the industry and also we are looking at sourcing international tours and markets,” he added.
Started in 2021, the Afro fusion outfit comprises of Taona Tiakudze who is the lead vocalist, Clemence Shirichena(lead guitar),
Tinaishe Mugari (drummer).
Other members include Penniel Kariteni on the acoustic guitar as well as vocals,Tanatswa Yotama on keyboards and Mabengo who plays bass and does vocals as well and doubles up as the band manager.
