The Sunday Mail
THE establishment of Zim Got Talent in 2014 by the Chinese Federation of Zimbabwe (CFZ), Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) brought a valuable player to the talent search scene in the country.
This platform was established to empower talented young artistes by providing them with the opportunity to venture into the mainstream of the arts industry. The show’s key objectives are to bring together and capacitate the youths aged between 12 and 40, providing them with the opportunity to transition from using their talent recreationally and informally to becoming recognised world stars while earning a living from it.
After just one season, Kenako Media claimed they had acquired the rights for the Zim Got Talent franchise and so they were the legitimate owners of the brand in Zimbabwe prompting CFZ to rebrand the show to Dreamstar in 2015.
While Kenako’s Zim Got Talent is yet to materialise, Dreamstar is now entering its second season with auditions kicking off on September 16 in Masvingo and Gweru.
The auditions will run until October 15 and will be held in various cities and towns including Mutare, Bulawayo, Marondera, Kwekwe, Harare, Bindura and Chinhoyi.
For the finals, the organisers are planning a big event to be held at the HICC on December 17 were contestants who make it will battle it out for prizes worth thousands of dollars.
The first placed winner is walking away with US$3 000, while the first and second runner-ups will pocket US$1 500 and US$500 respectively.
Aside from the prize money for the top three, all the finalists in the top 10 will travel to China for a three-week tour so as to give them exposure and experience of performing on the international stage.
Outstanding individuals will get academic scholarships and employment opportunities in China. This is probably one of the most beneficial talent search contests in the country as it comes with massive exposure and benefits for those who excel.
The previous two editions were not only aired on ZTV but also on CCTV in China giving contestants international exposure. Last year’s top 10 finalists comprising of around 30 contestants toured China on a cultural exchange programme and performed in Beijing and Chengdu.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Leisure, JCMC Marketing Director Eddie Sanyanga said this year they were planning an even bigger and better show.
“I am happy that we have recorded successes in the past, so this year we are going to improve and bring an even better show. Last year we held the finals at the 7 Arts Theatre but this time we have moved it to the HICC because we are planning on hosting a big ceremony,” said Sanyanga.
He said the show did not only give young artistes exposure but numerous opportunities for outstanding participants.
Added Sanyanga: “Nine finalists from last year’s edition got one year contracts to ply their trade in China and they have been working there since December. There is another guy who got a full academic scholarship to go and do his MBA so he left for China on Monday.”
When the show started, they were only focusing on Harare but have now expanded to nine cities with the aim of covering more areas in the future.
“From next year we are expanding to include rural areas as well so that everyone also gets a chance to participate in the show.”
Last year’s winner Probeatz, a beat boxer, has established himself as a top notch international performer, whose talent saw him scooping five gold medals at this year’s edition of the World Championship of Performing Arts in Hollywood. Probeatz and Nyasha Dengwani, last year’s second runner-up, will be this season’s brand ambassadors.
