Some participants have revealed that competition winners Little Swallows’ leader Tineyi Sithole recorded an album last year. The competition is for groups that have never recorded any material.
Little Swallows will represent Mashonaland East in the national finals, slated for September 17. The group also pocketed US$ 1 000 for winning the provincial competition.
But information at hand shows that the Marondera-based group under the leadership of Sithole recorded an album with Metro Studios titled Haashandike Naye last year.
Metro Studios spokesperson, Avoid Chibanda confirmed that Sithole had recorded the album with their stable. Some of the songs from the album are also being played on local radio stations.
However, Sithole denied the allegations saying the album was not his original project. “The album Haashandike Naye is a third part demo, it’s not an original project,’’ he said.
Sources in Marondera say some of the disgruntled participants visited the home of National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Mashonaland East programmes officer Oliver Chauke pleading with him to investigate the issue.
Chauke refused to comment saying he was waiting for an order to do so from Mashonaland East Province National Arts Council of Zimbabwe arts manager Hardwell Mabhakanya.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Mabhakanya referred questions back to Chauke saying he was not well. “Right now I am in a hospital in Belvedere, so I can’t say anything. If the other participants are not satisfied, they will launch a complaint at our office, but since I am admitted in a hospital, ask Chauke because he is the one who is in the office,’’ he said.
Delta Beverages marketing manager Patricia Murambinda said they had not received any complaints from the provinces, saying such correspondence is done in writing through NACZ.
If it is established that Sithole recorded an album, his group will be disqualified and first runners-up in the province Quad Afro will represent Mashonaland East in the national finals.
Inaugurated in 2001, Chibuku Road to Fame is a collaborative effort between Delta Beverages and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.Recent winners include Club Shanga, Bopoma Express and Extra Valembe.
