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Itai Mutinhiri : Arts Correspondent

Scouting for Zimbabwean participants to take part at the World Championships for Performance Arts competition to be held in the United States has begun. Speaking during unplugged, an event that takes place monthly in Borrowdale, over the weekend, Zimbabwean representative for the international talent scout, Zandile Ndlovu said they have been travelling around the country interacting with performance arts institutions, schools and arts coaches to partner them in assisting to spot talent.

“We have so far been to three cities scouting for talent and we have only two months left before the world championships,” said Ndlovu.

“We have gone to Mutare, Bulawayo and Harare looking for both professionals and amateurs who have exceptional talent in the categories of singing, dancing, acting, modelling and playing instruments among others.”

The world championships of performing arts are held in Hollywood annually and this year marks the 20th edition.

It is an invitation-only event with over 63 countries taking part. From Africa, only South Africa, Nigeria and Namibia have been attending over the past few years.

It will be Zimbabwe’s debut participation at the competitions.

The idea came from South Africa-based Ndlovu and Jessica Nyari Tandy who founded Zimbabwe Championships of Performance Arts to facilitate the country’s participation at the world contest.

The duo’s daughters represented SA at the competitions last year and the mothers thought of bringing the idea home.

The two felt Zimbabwe has a strong talent base and lobbied for the country to get invited and granted a performance licence. Ndlovu said anyone who wishes to participate in the competition should visit their website www.zicopa.org and register online.