AFTER representing Zimbabwe at Africa's top, unsigned acapella talent search, the Old Mutual Amazing Voices (OMAV) Season 2 singing competition in South Africa where the group raised the country’s flag high, Unveiled has been making waves as a musical group.
The group consists of Charmaine Chinowaita, Salem Mtima, Gift Zinyau, Joshua Mtima, Orion Mtima, Ashley Mapfumo, Adonai Mushori, Kudzai Sachikonye, Owen Kabasa, and Brandon Japa Japa.
The group started off with Joshua Mtima and his two sisters Orion and Salem by inviting others in November 2020 counts reaching the OMAV finals, sharing the stage with Janet Manyowa and performing at the last NAMA awards among its achievements.
Speaking to Standard style, Ashley Mapfumo, who is the group’s spokesperson said 2022 has been a year of growth as the acapella group managed to release a number of singles in which three of them are original sounds whereas the rest are renditions.
“We have grown and are still growing as we have learnt to manoeuvre difficult situations. The challenges we faced include failing to get sponsorship for our project and being undervalued as upcoming artistes as people tend to underplay us," said Mapfumo.
“We resorted to doing things using our own resources and now we are looking forward to recording our first album, hosting a concert and going on a tour.”
Mapfumo said there is a lot of looking down upon hardworking upcoming artistes as promoters, organizers and even churches tend to want them to perform for free in the name of being given exposure.
"Most people in music, fashion, art and film are being made to work long periods for free all in the name of getting exposure in turn which is a biased understanding of value exchange," he said.
"Fame and platform cannot be acquired overnight, however hard work and dedication should be paid for as exposure to many does not provide instant success."
Mapfumo added that the year 2022 was a great experience and for them, the future is looking bright.