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Kiyapili Sibanda, Showbiz Reporter
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) company in conjunction with Zimpraise at the weekend, launched the ZITF Choral Music Competition at a colourful event held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.

ZITF board chairman, Ms Ruth Ncube said the choral music competition was meant to foster development and identify music talent in communities.

She said the theme for the competition was “The Colours of Music” as the competition seeks to unpack the different genres which are encompassed in choral music.

“The competition calls upon participants to observe the traditional, gospel, romantic and contemporary choral styles.

“Music has traditionally been embraced as the uniting factor, a medium to send messages and a form of upholding values of a people. The Zimbabwean music industry has since played to that tune as it is evidenced by various pieces of music we boast of as a nation,” said Ncube.

The event is scheduled to run from January to April 2018 and the grand finale will be on April 28, the last day of the ZITF 2018 show.

ZITF company marketing and public relations manager, Ms Stella Nkomo said the group that would come out tops would walk away with $2 000.

“First place will walk away with a big surprise and $2 000 cash prize, second place will get a surprise and $1 000 cash prize while the third placed group will get a cash prize of $700,” she said.

Nkomo called on all church and community choirs to be part of the exciting event.

“Choirs will be required to pay $100 affiliation fee upon submission of the application form. Music choirs of a maximum of 50 members and a minimum of 16 members each are invited to participate in the competition and registering choirs will be required to submit a  three- minute video demo of their music talent.”

Zimpraise chief executive officer Joseph Madziyire said he was thrilled by the ZITF’s vision and said they were going all out to make the event successful.

He said it was important for every Zimbabwean to be involved in this inaugural event.

“As Zimpraise, we’re putting 100 percent effort in this vision and it’s important to involve everyone in Zimbabwe. This is good for the Bulawayo community,” said Madziyire.

@Kiyaz_Cool