Bulawayo Hosts Spectacular iJoyAftaJoy Choral Music Competition
Bulawayo came alive over the past weekend as the Econet iJoyAftaJoy Matabeleland Choral Music Competition drew a packed audience, showcasing some of the region’s finest choirs competing for spots in the national finals in Harare. The event combined spirited competition with top-tier entertainment, as choirs delivered moving gospel harmonies and polished stage performances to impress judges and secure progression to the next stage. The competition offered not only recognition but also the chance to win cash prizes and top honours at the Harare finals on February 28.
The showcase featured standout performances from celebrated cultural ensemble Iyasa and gospel group Sound of Joy Chorale, whose energetic acts kept the crowd engaged and on their feet throughout the day. In the church choirs category, TACC Church Choir, BICC Mahatshula, Jubilee Academy Choir, Embers of Praise, Udonsi Lwabapostoli, Zion Choristers, BICC Mpopoma Church Choir, Echoes of Joy (Mpopoma MCZ) and Habakkuk Apostolic Faith Mission (HAFM) all competed. TACC Church Choir, BICC Mahatshula, Jubilee Academy Choir, Embers of Praise, Zion Choristers and BICC Mpopoma Church Choir emerged victorious and earned their places in the Harare finals.
The community choirs’ category offered equally fierce competition, with Ubuntu Voices Ensemble, ZPCS Beitbridge, Sweet Melodies Chorale, ZPCS Lupane, Bulawayo Choristers, ZPCS Voice of Praise Choral Group, ZPCS Zihlangane Arts Group, Abanqobi Bezitha, ZPCS Bulawayo Prison Choral Group and ZPCS Mlondolozi taking the stage. Seven choirs advanced, including Ubuntu Voices Ensemble, ZPCS Beitbridge, Sweet Melodies Chorale, ZPCS Lupane, Bulawayo Choristers, ZPCS Voice of Praise Choral Group and Abanqobi Bezitha. Bulawayo Choristers’ choir manager, Sithatshisiwe Vuma, praised the team’s preparation, noting that strong preparation and focus helped them excel.
BICC Mpopoma Church Choir conductor Mduduzi Mavivi highlighted that the competition revealed areas for improvement, which the choir is already addressing ahead of the Harare finals. He emphasized that their journey is guided by faith and a commitment to growing their ministry through music, aiming to expand their reach while inspiring audiences. Vuma added that the platform pushes choirs to improve discipline, vocal strength and stage presence, ensuring each performance is more polished than the last.
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe confirmed that all top-performing groups from Bulawayo will travel to Harare to compete for national recognition and cash prizes. Launched last year, the iJoyAftaJoy competition has become a key platform for both emerging and established choirs, promoting musical excellence while fostering community unity through gospel and choral music. The event continues to highlight Zimbabwe’s rich musical talent and provide opportunities for choirs to grow, compete, and inspire audiences nationwide.
