911 Band Zim to represent Midlands at Chibuku Road to Fame national finals

GWERU based Afro jazz ensemble, 911 Band Zim outclassed nine other bands from Midlands to book
a berth in the national finals of the 2023 Chibuku Road to Fame finals set for Glamis Arena in Harare
on October 14.
The all-male six made band, which rebranded from 9 One One to 911 Band Zim, staged a five-star
performance to win the hearts of the judges and music lovers who graced the provincial finals held
in Gokwe last Saturday.
For their sweat, 911 Band Zim smiled back to Gweru with the first prize of US$2 500 courtesy of
Delta Beverages. The second prize went to The Quivers an Afro fusion band from Kwekwe, who got
$1500. Another Kwekwe based group, The Afrotonic Fusion received $1000 for finishing third.
Four members of 911 Afro Jazz Zim are students at Midlands State University (MSU) studying Music
Business Musicology and Technology.
Other groups which took part in the competition are Deeproots, Paidamoyo, Dapurahunanzva, DB5,
The Chaotic, Boterekwa Stars and Black Pride.
911 Afro Jazz Zim band leader and bass guitarist Mathew MigoBass Mabengo said they are happy
that they won the provincial competition and are confident of bringing the national title to the
Midlands province.
In Gokwe, there were three bands which gave us a big challenge, but we managed to take it. When
we entered the competition, we were optimistic that we will win it and as performers, we went
there to enjoy ourselves. For us, it’s a God-given talent, which we have cultivated over the years,
said an elated Mabengo.
He said they played four original songs in 20 minutes, namely Ndomene, Paukama, Shinga and
Nyanga Dzamushore.
Mabengo said they are now preparing for the national finals to be held in Harare.
We are ready for it. We are doing rehearsals. We are performers and we are ready to bring the title
back to Midlands, he said.
Mabengo said they want to be brand ambassadors for companies, record own music, establish a
music academy and to market their music on the international stage.
Other group members are Taona Tiakudze (lead vocalist), Peniel Kariteni (acoustic guitarist), Tinaishe
Mugari (drummer), and Clemence Shirichena (Keyboard player).