Economic difficulties affecting the country may have sent many talent shows along with the entire arts sector into the doldrums, but Dream Star continues to soar.
By Kennedy Nyavaya
The annual event, which is in its third year, is organised by the Chinese Federation of Zimbabwe (CFZ) and Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) with the aim of nurturing artists.
A total of 20 artists chosen from all provinces in the country have made it into the semi-finals of this year’s edition after final preliminary rounds last weekend.
In an interview with The Standard Style, the show’s spokesperson Tinashe Kitchen said despite feeling the economic pinch, they had continued to support Dream Star financially because of the talent in the country.
“Zimbabwe definitely has the talent. If it didn’t, JCMC would not be committed to promoting it to the national stage,” said Kitchen.
“What is important is packaging this young talent and nurturing it so that it is capable of attracting the eyes and ears of funders both locally and abroad.
“With DreamStar it’s not just about talent identification but talent promotion, development and cultural exchange.” The semi-finals are set for November 5 at Long Cheng Plaza in Harare before culminating into the ultimate finale to be held at the Harare International Conference Centre on December 17.
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“The grand finale is going to be incredible because the talent we witnessed at the regional finals in Bulawayo and Harare was top drawer and surely the semi-finals to be held on November 5 will be even greater,” he said.
Kitchen believes the hiccups they encountered in previous events helped them learn more.
“The nature of this industry is one of entertaining and having a good time. So, although there are difficulties faced along the way in terms of administration and management, the process is always worth it,” he said.
Unlike other talent shows that mainly focus on the musical aspect, Dream Star has moved to promote different niches.
Last year’s competition was won by Pro Beatz, a beat boxer and this has scaled up competition with more artists of different talents contesting to pocket $3 000, $1 500 and $500 for first, second and third place respectively this year.
