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Simbarashe Mutizwa Showbiz Reporter
AUDITIONS for the Star Open Mic Set competitions are underway with the talent search party travelling to Gweru next month to scout for talent in the Midlands province.

The competition which launched this year is expected to be taken to the country’s 10 provinces. It is a musical show that provides up-and-coming artistes with an opportunity to win a recording deal with the country’s top producers. So far auditions have been successfully conducted in Bulawayo with seven finalists shortlisted and Victoria Falls with five people booking spots at the finals. Pritchard Kasomali aka Teeko, the organiser of the event said the Star Open Mic Set national finals would be held next year at a venue and date to be advised.

“The contest is going on well so far. We’ve done auditions in Bulawayo where we’d a huge turnout of artistes coming through to audition. More than 20 artistes auditioned in Victoria Falls,” said Kasomali.

He said they decided to introduce the competition after realising that there were many talented groups in the country which needed guidance to grow.

Kasomali added that the competition was unique compared to other similar events as theirs had no age barrier.

“The competitions are open to anyone, even families are allowed to audition,” he said. Ivy Khoma one of the finalists from Victoria Falls said she was proud to have been chosen to represent her province at the national finals.

“I’m happy that the opportunity I’ve always wished for has finally come my way. I enjoy singing and have always wanted an opportunity to showcase my talent. It’s unfortunate fellow up-and-coming artistes from my city have never been given such a platform,” she said.

Other finalists include Nozithelo Ndlovu, Lawrence Moyo, Billy Gowere and Aldarcle Ndiweni.