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Sophia Chese Arts Correspondent
The inaugural talent search show, Zim Got Talent, which was launched early this year is already bearing fruits with one of the contestents getting a performance deal at Cresta Lodge.

Evidence Manhanda (24), who made it to the finals of this year’s edition but failed to win because of stiff competition, has signed a contract with Cresta Lodge and is now perfoming every Sunday night at the venue.

In an interview, the elated Manhanda could not hide her joy and thanked the show organisers sayingit had opened new doors for her.

“It is because of ‘Zim Got Talent’ that I am where I am today. I did not walk away with the grand prize but I got a contract with Cresta Lodge were I am now performing every Sunday. This is really a dream come true since I have always wanted to be an established musician.

“I got an opportunity to perfom at a bigger stage at 7 Arts Theatre during the final, perfoming for people of different races and backgrounds and that was the turning point. I am grateful,” she said.

On the other hand, Farai Mugwagwa of Cresta Lodge said they are looking forward to working with Manhanda as she had proved to be a good musician who can interact well with audiences.

“The young lady has great potential. She knows how to interact with the audience and she is multi-talented since she can play the guitar as well as the mbira, something that our customers are loving.

“We are looking forward to a long working relationship with her since she has proved that given the platform she can be one of the best female artistes Zimbabwe has ever had,” he said.

Meanwhile, Manhanda – who is in her second year at the Zimbabwe College of Music studying for a degree in jazz – said she is now working on releasing her new singles.