THE country’s premier music training institution, Zimbabwe College of Music (ZCM), has added the Battle of Bands competition to its calendar of events as it seeks to promote and unearth untapped talented musicians or groups across the country that are yet to professionally record.
Established in 1948 by dedicated musician and teacher Eileen Reynolds, ZCM is one of the country’s leading formal music training institutions that offers a wide range of music courses in collaboration with Africa University, including the National Certificate of Music and Bachelor of Music degrees.
Registration for the inaugural Battle of Bands competition is in progress until November 1 ahead of the competition’s grand finale set for November 23 at the ZCM’s outdoor stage in the capital.
The registration for Battle of Bands competition to be held under the theme Untapping Untapped Talent is for free.
College of Music executive director, Rachel Jera-Chigwanda, said the country is home to a wealth of untapped musical talent, yet many talented artistes struggle to find avenues for exposure and development.
“We are happy to be launching the Zimbabwe College of Music Battle of Bands,” she said.
“This Battle of Bands competition aims to provide a dynamic platform for aspiring artistes across the country to showcase their skills, connect with industry professionals and gain the exposure they need to kickstart their musical careers.”
The competition is open to bands from all genres and focuses on artists who have not yet recorded their music.
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“This is a commitment from the College of Music as we seek to provide the hidden gems across the nation with an opportunity to have a chance to shine and propel their musical journeys.”
Jera-Chigwanda said this initiative not only celebrates creativity, but aims to foster a supportive community for emerging musicians.
“Interested bands can register for free online at www.zcm.co.zw by November 1, 2024. We encourage participation from all musical genres that include, but not limited to rock, jazz, sungura, dancehall, hip-hop and traditional music, among others” she noted.
Jera-Chigwanda said the Battle of Bands will consist of several rounds leading up to a grand finale, where the top bands will compete for the title.
“The Battle of Bands is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the vibrant musical talent that exists in Zimbabwe,” she noted.
“By providing a platform for artists to showcase their work, we hope to inspire and encourage aspiring musicians to pursue their dreams and contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of our nation.”
Added Jera-Chigwanda: “On the grand finale, each registered group will be allocated 15 minutes to showcase three of their well-polished songs with live instruments accompaniment. After all the bands have performed, adjudicators will then determine the winners.”
She said the winning bands will receive a cash prize, professional recording time, and the Fasclean products among other complementary prizes.
Jera-Chigwanda said the competition’s judges will be a panel of respected adjudicators from the Zimbabwean music industry who will evaluate performances based on originality, musicality, stage presence and audience engagement.
The ZCM head has confirmed that so far, bands from Bulawayo, Gweru and Beitbridge have so forregistered for the competition that will be open to the public she said.
