Zimbabwe College of Music Set to Host Inaugural Battle of Bands Competition
The stage is set for an exciting showcase of talent this Saturday as the inaugural Battle of Bands competition kicks off at the Zimbabwe College of Music (ZCM) in Harare. The competition, aimed at discovering untapped musical talent from across the country, will take place on ZCM’s outdoor stage under the theme Untapping Untapped Talent.
In collaboration with several partners, ZCM has opened the competition to bands of all genres that consist of three to eight members aged 18 to 40 years, with no prior recorded music. The event promises to be a significant platform for emerging musicians and groups who have yet to be recognized or have the chance to record their work.
A total of 24 bands from various cities and towns, including Bulawayo, Gweru, Beitbridge, and Macheke, will take part. The genres represented will include Afro-fusion, sungura, traditional music, Jiti, Afro-jazz, contemporary jazz, Afro-soul, and electro. Afro-fusion sounds are expected to dominate, with 12 bands in the competition dedicated to this genre.
ZCM’s Executive Director, Rachel Jera-Chigwanda, expressed her excitement for the event, emphasizing the importance of the sponsors who have come forward to support the competition. “Preparations have been going smoothly, and we are happy that we have some sponsors who have answered our call to help unearth untapped talent,” she said. Jera-Chigwanda also highlighted ZCM’s commitment to providing platforms for local talent to grow. “As Zimbabwe College of Music, we are open for partnerships showing our dedication to nurturing musical talent and providing opportunities for artists to thrive on the big stage.”
The event will be judged by a panel of respected figures in Zimbabwe’s music industry, who will evaluate the bands based on originality, musicality, stage presence, and audience engagement. The winners will receive cash prizes, professional recording time, and Fasclean products, along with other complementary prizes.
In addition to the musical performances, the competition will feature exhibitions from the event’s sponsors, creating an engaging experience for attendees.
Jera-Chigwanda encourages music fans, corporates, and all Zimbabweans to come out and celebrate the rich, untapped talent in the country. “I urge music fans to join us in celebrating this talent,” she said. “Apart from the music extravaganza, there will be exhibitions from the competition’s sponsors.”
This competition marks a significant step in the effort to promote local talent and give emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their skills to a broader audience. The Battle of Bands is set to become a major annual event, with the potential to shape the future of Zimbabwe’s music scene.
