YOUTHFUL musical band Ukama lifted the Zimbabwean flag high after coming first in the prestigious Imagine Music Experience competition in Brussels, Belgium, last month.
Ukama band consists of three Music Crossroads Academy Certificate in Professional Music students Kundai Mudepu, Nyashadzashe Alison Gurira and Nokutenda Kutirai as well as 13-year-old Takudzwa Mudepu, who is in secondary school.
Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, the director for Music Crossroads Academy, said their institution was born from Music Crossroads International in Zimbabwe and has over the years produced winners and runners-up in the Imagine Music Experience Music competitions such as Mokoomba, Bongo Love, WERE, JESA, Wenyombwe and Vazukuru veAfrica.
Katomeni-Mbofana said news that Ukama came first came to her on December 15 and it brought her some early Christmas celebrations as they, as an institution, continue to register themselves as a good organisation for music teaching and learning.
“Last night, the stage of Le Botanique came alive with energy and passion from nine of the world’s most promising bands and soloists at the Imagine Music Experience (IMX) International Final 2024. This magical event brought together 28 talented musicians from Belgium, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Hungary, North Macedonia, Norway, Sweden and Zimbabwe. Each act showcased original music and demonstrated the diversity and raw talent that IMX aims to develop,” a post on IMX website read.
“Amid a kaleidoscope of sounds and styles, Ukama from Zimbabwe has been crowned the winner of the IMX 2024. Their energetic, authentic performance and style wowed the audience and jury alike! Alongside the title, they received a €1 500 cash prize, professional coaching and the opportunity to take their career to the next level.
“Second place went to Mellecrack from Belgium, with their unique experimental sound and third place was awarded to Krapyl from Norway, whose powerful metal mayhem got the audience jumping off their seats. A special mention to Grote Geelstaart from The Netherlands, who won the Muziekgiterij prize (a package including performance, studio and recording opportunities), and to Kraiden from Finland, the online public’s favourites.”
IMX Added: “In the true spirit of IMX, the finalists spent the week in Brussels participating in skills-building workshops with industry professionals, exploring creative collaborations and nurturing cultural exchange.
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“Beyond the competition, they formed friendships and shared musical ideas with fellow young artists from across the globe that they will be able to cherish forever.”
The IMX, organised by JM International, is a global movement that empowers young musicians under the age of 21 by providing a platform to showcase their original music.
Unlike traditional competitions, IMX prioritises artistic development, collaboration, and the creation of original work.
This year’s International Final was made possible by the support of BELSPO, the EU Creative Europe Programme, the Belgian National Lottery, JBL, and Africalia.
Music competitions are a vital component of cultural refinement and to music students, it helps them to perfect their creative works and school given projects while they remain focused to their educational goals.
Music Crossroads Academy graduates and its associates are household names in the school teaching of music instruments, while bands like Mokoomba, WERE and May Anibal have claimed internationally recognised status.
Ukama Band becomes a perfect sample for convincing the world that musical arts education has taken major steps up to match the international world.
