Harare — CHITUNGWIZA-based sungura outfit Bopoma Express were crowned winners of the Chibuku Road to Fame national finals held at the Glamis Stadium, in Harare, on Saturday.

The eight-member outfit walked away with US$5 000 and a recording contract with Gramma Records.

Representing Harare, Chitungwiza and Mashonaland Central, the group won the hearts of judges with songs such as Ruregerero, Paucheneke and Mukumba.

Victoria Falls Express came second and pocketed US$3 000 with their songs Mwari Baba, Zvemakaya and Udubolokuloja sung in Ndebele.

Midlands, Masvingo and Mashonaland West representative Soul Panorama settled for third place, taking home US$2 000.

Some of the songs from the group that captivated the crowd included Zvakaoma, Rudo and Tari Mangwiro.

But it was not a good day for Bulawayo-based Say Band, who were booed while on stage.

The Afro-pop band failed to impress and settled for fourth position. It was their second time competing at the grand finals. They polled 198 votes ahead of Wedza Stars, who came last in the competition.

Winners in 2007 and guest group Extra Valembe, opened the show with a superb performance. They played the hit Lucia much to the delight of the crowd that came to witness the finals. Alexio Kawara had his time and did not disappoint.

Sulumane Chimbetu, who was later joined by Alick Macheso, also put up a polished performance.

Sulu, as he is affectionately known, reminded the crowd of the days of his late father Simon when he played songs like Carol and Dzandipedza Mafuta before giving the crowd a taste of new songs from his latest offering, Reverse Deal.

Macheso, who was recently in Mozambique, closed the show with a sterling performance, comprising mostly songs from his forthcoming album.