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Remember Deketeke

Arts Reporter

Last week in Murewa, there was a buffet of music as youth choirs from United Methodist Church battled it out in well-choreographed vocal stylisations. 

At the end, when one considers the winners and losers, it turned out that music is soothing. Music is healing and indeed therapeutic. Everyone who attended the event, from the young to the old, will testify the powerful effect of the choir music that has for years oiled the spread of the world of God. 

As fate would have it Bindura, Kambuzuma and Kuwadzana circuit choirs emerged top three after putting up a sterling performance, that would make even the most discerning of choir masters green with envy. 

The difference between the winners and the losers was a split decision. 

The competition brought together 25 choirs from all parts of Zimbabwe and highlighted the transformative power of music to unite diverse cultures. 

Bindura came first, followed by Kambuzuma and bronze went to Kuwadzana.

Speaking after the competition, Chido Mapfeka, a member of Kuwadzana UMYF choir, said she was anxious and nervous when the results were being announced. 

“It was exciting because, you can imagine waiting for your name to be called. So, it was stressful,” she said. 

“But the minute they called our choir, we screamed. It was so exciting and we were so happy.” 

Tapiwa Mwaimboti, one of Kuwadzanaa choir directors, said he still cannot believe his choir won such a prestigious award. 

“I still pinch myself every single time, knowing that actually, we have won such a magnificent accolade,” he said.  “It is because it carries a lot of weight. The song was produced to remind ourselves that once we finish our work, we have a home in                                                                                    heaven.” 

The group has been singing since early 2000. It has performed before statesmen and celebrities across the country, and sang alongside musical greats. It has been showered with a string of awards in its history.