The Sunday Mail
CELEBRATED producer and guitarist, Clive Mono Mukundu has partnered a programme that is being pioneered by a local company to scout for local talent starting on Saturday at the Zimbabwe College of Music.
Mukundu will be the technical partner responsible for coaching the selected participants at the Scarlet Business Communications programme.
He said the programme will equip gospel artistes to be more competitive.
“I will be in charge of coaching the participants who will be selected from the auditions for them to be fully prepared for the final competition,” he said.
“The schedule is still being worked out so I cannot tell the programme will be for how long. But talent shows are basically done for secular music so you find that gospel music becomes overshadowed.
“That is why when gospel musicians get on a platform with secular musicians, they are swallowed and overshadowed.
‘‘Generally, people are accustomed to secular musician.
‘‘So when we coach them (gospel musicians), we want to make sure that does not happen,” Mukundu said.
Scarlet Business Communications co-director , Mrs Rumbidzai Matinanga said the first event will have praise and worship leader, Pastor Richard Dube and seasoned gospel musician, Esther Mkazika Matanga on the judges panel.
“The show’s objectives are to harness, capacitate and individually convert boys, girls, men and women of all ages into thinking beyond the scope of using their vocals just to live for a day, for entertainment or to lead into the presence of God their local churches and communities. But into being recognised as national and international stars that generate income for themselves and the economy.
“However, the difference between this music competition and any other is that the winner’s personal and professional life should portray the fruits of the spirit at all times. The individual must be living for Christ and maintaining spirituality while at the same time they are focused and business minded.
“The vessel goes beyond entertainment, but worships, thereby leading people into the presence of God. In a nutshell, they must be a usable vessel in the kingdom of God,” Mrs Matinanga said.
As part of the package, the winner is set to walk away with $3000 and will get to record his or her single at Eternity Productions Studio.
The winner will also shoot a video with Tasca Studios.
Five more artistes will receive complimentary prizes.
Established producer, MacDonald Chidavaenzi is chief executive for Eternity Productions Studio.
