THE stage is set for the inaugural Battle of Bands competition this Saturday at the country’s premier music training institution, Zimbabwe College of Music (ZCM) in Harare.
In collaboration with diverse partners, ZCM is organising the competition in an effort to promote and unearth untapped talented musicians or groups across the country that are yet to record their music.
Headed for the grand finale, the competition’s call was open to bands from all genres comprising three to eight members, from the age of 18 to 40 years, who have not yet had the chance to record their music.
The free-to-attend Battle of Bands competition will be held at the ZCM’s outdoor stage under the theme Untapping Untapped Talent, featuring 24 bands from different cities and towns like Bulawayo, Gweru, Beitbridge and Macheke.
Afro-fusion sounds will dominate the competition after 12 bands registered.
Sungura has five representatives and traditional music will be represented by two bands, with Jiti, Afro-jazz, contemporary jazz, Afro-soul and electro registering a band each.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, ZCM executive director Rachel Jera-Chigwanda said all was set for the competition, adding that they were happy with the support from sponsors came on board to help unearth untapped talent.
“Preparations have been going smoothly and we are happy that we have some sponsors who have answered our call in our efforts to unearth untapped talent. We might have all the ideas, but sometimes resources do limit us to execute our ideas,” she said.
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“As Zimbabwe College of Music, we are open for partnerships showing our dedication to nurturing musical talent and providing opportunities for artistes to thrive on the big stage.”
Jera-Chigwanda said the Battle of Bands competition showed their commitment to providing the hidden gems across the country with an opportunity to shine and propel their musical journeys.
“I urge music fans, corporates and all Zimbabweans at large to come and join us in celebrating the untapped talent. Apart from the music extravaganza, there will be exhibitions from the competition’s sponsors,” she said.
Speaking about the competition’s judges, Jera-Chigwanda said there would be a panel of respected adjudicators from the country’s music industry, whose task was to evaluate performances based on originality, musicality, stage presence and audience engagement.
She said winning bands would be rewarded as they will receive cash prizes, professional recording time and Fasclean products, among other complementary prizes.
