By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Patience pays so they say.
And for Grade 2D ensemble it has been long journey which took them seven years to finally win the Chibuku Road To Fame top prize of US$15 000.
The Chinhoyi based Grade 2D charmed the judges who included producers Oskid, Mono Mukundu and songstress Rute Mbangwa.
It was a double delight for Oskid at Glamis Arena whose birthday on Saturday coincided with the Chibuku Road To Fame finale.
But the toast for the day was Grade 2D who had been perennial entrants to the contest aimed at developing new talent.
The closest Grade 2D came to winning the grand prize was when they emerged third in previous editions.
Narrating the long winding road to fame, Reginald Kamuchanyu, who leads the group paid tribute to the members and Chibuku Road To Fame organisers.
“It’s been a tough journey for us. Our lives literally revolved around the Chibuku Road to Fame, and winning it, after seven years of trying, was a great achievement for us.
“It means a lot to the group and our fans back home in Chinhoyi. I’d like to thank Delta and also the members for the consistency,” Kamuchanyu said.
The Afro jazz group, Grade 2D, comprises eight-members all of whom are self-taught musicians.
Midlands ensemble, The Grooves Band, were the first runner-up and they took home US$10 000 while Shantani Music Group from Matabeleland North got US$7000 for coming third.
“We are happy that the event is back after a two-year sabbatical and hope to return again bigger and better next year,” said Delta Corporation marketing director, Irimayi Muzorewa.
Some of the highlights of the event were performances by top artists the likes of Winky D, Ex Q, Tocky Vibes, Baba Harare and Mark Ngwazi at the after party.
Baba Harare notably tribute the late greats Oliver Mtukudzi and Tongai Moyo by performing songs by the legends.
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