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Barney Mpariwa

Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo Arts Correspondent
This year’s semi-finals of Star Brite talent show set for Golden Peacock Villa hotel in Mutare from December 8 and 9 will see at least 60 acts battling to make it into the finale. The grand finale of the sixth edition of the show will be held in Bulawayo before the end of the year. The contestants are drawn from all the 10 provinces of Zimbabwe and for the first time this year the producers are bringing the regional finalists together. In an interview, Star Brite patron Barney Mpariwa he said preparations for the semis are at an advanced stage.

“Preparations for the semi-finals are at an advanced stage and all the contestants are busy perfecting their acts. It will be a tough job for the judges because all of them are very talented,” he said. Mpariwa said the adjudicators will come up with 23 winners drawn from different categories who will make the final team.

A section of Golden Peacock Villa

“This time around the competition is stiff judging with high levels of quality shown in the preceding stages. The top 23 will consists of 11 singers, three poets, three dancehall chanters, three dancers and three juniors,” he said At the finals the finalists will be backed by live band as band-led rehearsals are seen as an introduction to the real music world for the contestants. In celebrating Zimbabwean legends organisers have picked the late musician Lovemore Majaivana as the legend who will honoured.

“Each year a legend is honoured and Lovemore Majaivana is the legend of choice and the first night at the finals will be dedicated to his indelible contribution to the music industry. All the finalists’ first performances will be themed around Majaivana.” Last year’s winner was Bright Shumba who is doing quite well in the music scene and is also working with superstar Oliver Mtukudzi at his Dzvamutsvamu sessions.

The past finals have been a huge success and have featured fashion shows which have proven to be popular. Meanwhile, officials at the venue of the semi-finals have said they are glad to host an event that identifies talent in the country.Willard Madhombiro, who is one of the managers at Golden Peacock Villa said they have worked with various organisations in talent search.

“This has been a venue for various talent search programmes and we support the idea. Star Brite is doing well in discovering talent. As an organization, we encourage them to keep up the good work,” said Madhombiro. Golden Peacock Villa is one of the best destinations in Mutare and Star Brite contestants are likely to enjoy its outstanding hospitality.

With world-class rooms, conference centre and exquisite services, the hotel stands above many in the Eastern Highlands city. Its location at a secluded and serene place from the noise of the city will give the contestants an environment to concentrate on their productions well. Madhombiro said the event is coming at a time when they are preparing their festive season specials and people that will visit will enjoy some of the services.

“Let me also take this opportunity to announce our festive season packages. We will have various specials and our big day will be December 24 when we will have family fun discounted rates on rooms and meals. Activities will include pony rides, treasure hunt, face paintings, jumping castle, swimming and entertainment from Diamond FM. People that are coming for Star Brite will have a chance to foretaste this festive season package.”