Bulawayo Songstress Lemoniq Wins National Das Deck Zeigt Open Mic Competition
Bulawayo’s rising star Gugulethu Monica “Lemoniq” Moyo has been crowned the national winner of the Das Deck Zeigt Open Mic competition, held in Harare last Saturday. Her victory, earned through a performance rooted in IsiNdebele, has been celebrated as a triumph of cultural authenticity and artistic confidence. Lemoniq’s win highlights the growing recognition of local languages and heritage in Zimbabwe’s contemporary music scene.
The Das Deck Zeigt Open Mic is a flagship initiative of the Zimbabwe German Society/Goethe Zentrum Harare, designed to give emerging artists a platform to experiment, express, and connect. This year’s edition scouted talent across Bulawayo, Harare, and Mutare, producing nine finalists — three from each city — who advanced to the national showdown. Lemoniq began her journey at the Bulawayo auditions, where she emerged top among her peers with her compelling performance.
“The talent search was an exciting journey. Being announced first place in Bulawayo was such an overwhelming moment, and the support I received pushed me forward,” she said. Arriving in Harare, however, came with its own challenges. She admitted she feared her IsiNdebele-heavy set might not resonate with a broader audience. “There was excitement, but also worry. I wondered if the audience would relate. At some point, I considered changing my set to something more universal. But the desire to stay true to myself and my roots won,” Lemoniq explained.
Her decision to embrace her heritage proved defining. Before the final performances, all finalists participated in masterclasses facilitated by celebrated Zimbabwean musicians Fungai Nengare, Rute Mbangwa, and Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana. The sessions covered vocal control, collaboration, stage discipline, and delivery, equipping the artists with practical tools to refine their craft. “The masterclasses were incredible. I learnt so much, and we shared experiences as artistes. It was humbling and inspiring,” Lemoniq said.
On finals night, Lemoniq delivered a powerful and authentic performance that earned her the national title. “The final show was a whirlwind of emotions. I took a deep breath, said a prayer, and stepped forward,” she recalled. Her victory not only affirmed her talent but also underscored the value of staying true to one’s roots. “This victory means the world to me. I represented Bulawayo with pride and honour,” she added.
The win comes with a significant prize, including a paid headliner slot at an upcoming Showcase Concert, offering a platform to elevate her profile further. Looking ahead, Lemoniq is eager to continue building on the momentum. “I’m thrilled to take my music to the next level. I’m grateful to the Zimbabwe German Society/Goethe Zentrum Harare for providing this platform and to my mentors for their guidance. This has been a defining moment in my career,” she said.
Her triumph resonated deeply back home in Bulawayo, where her family and community celebrated her achievement. With her growing recognition, Lemoniq represents a new generation of Zimbabwean artists combining cultural pride with modern artistry, inspiring others to embrace their heritage while pursuing their musical ambitions.
