Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THERE are moments in music when harmony becomes more than sound as it transforms into memory, pride and shared identity.
That was the atmosphere that filled Marymount Teachers’ College last Saturday as Dangamvura Old Students Association (DOSA) proved that experience, discipline and passion remain a winning formula after coming out tops in the fiercely contested provincial edition of the iJoy After Joy Choral Music Competition — a brainchild of Econet Wireless.
DOSA emerged victorious, reminding many why they continue to command respect more than two decades after their formation.
The competition drew 14 choirs from across Manicaland, blending community ensembles, church groups and representatives from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).
Eight community choirs participated, five of them from correctional facilities, alongside six church choirs.
Among the prison choirs were ZPCS Chipinge, Mutare Remand, Mutare Farm Prison, Rusape Prison and Little Kraal Prison while community ensembles included Mutare Choral Society, Eastern Praise Choir and DOSA.
Church groups that took part were King David UMC, St James UMC, Zimunya Urban UMC, AFM Bethel Assembly, AFM New Life, Vumba Heights FCC, MCZ Chikanga, MCZ Dangamvura and St John’s UMC Chikanga.
From the first note to the final crescendo, the competition was a showcase of vocal excellence, discipline and choreography.
Each group performed the theme song: “iJoy After Joy”, before presenting a song of their own choice.
The repertoire ranged from contemporary gospel to traditional hymns, all delivered with heartfelt conviction.
Mutare Remand Choir secured second place, while Mutare Choral Society claimed third position.
ZPCS Manicaland, heavily represented in the contest, captivated audiences with their polished harmonies and energetic presentation, demonstrating the transformative power of music within rehabilitation programmes.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Manicaland provincial rehabilitation officer, Correctional Officer Grade Three Edwell Mariga, commended the organisers for creating a platform that allows inmates to interact with the broader community.
“This competition helps us a lot in the integration and reintegration processes of inmates because they specialise. The inmates had the chance to socialise with other choirs outside, feeling the air, feeling the heat.
“At least they will integrate and liaise with other choristers. It is very important as they engage with other members of society. The event was critical, and they were grateful because the competition gives them confidence and exposure,” said Mariga.
Beyond the trophies and rankings, the event was a celebration of unity and shared joy.
The audience responded enthusiastically to each performance, clapping in rhythm, ululating and rising to their feet in appreciation.
Some danced in the aisles as choirs delivered powerful refrains, while others recorded the memorable moments on their phones.
The atmosphere was electric yet wholesome, marked by mutual respect among competitors.
When DOSA finally took to the stage as the last group to perform, anticipation was already high. Dressed elegantly in coordinated blue and white attire, the ensemble exuded calm confidence.
Although the association currently comprises around 70 members, only 32 choristers represented the group in the competition.
Without taking anything away from other groups’ sterling performances, their act was a masterclass in arrangement and stagecraft.
Blending four songs into one seamless piece titled “Tose Nhasi Tofara”, DOSA delivered layered harmonies, precise dynamics and controlled choreography. The fusion was both creative and spiritually uplifting, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
More than 27 years since its formation, the group demonstrated that it remains a force to be reckoned with in the choral music arena. Their voices carried maturity and discipline, yet retained the vibrant energy that has sustained them for decades.
DOSA group manager, Luke Ngwenya, told Weekender Entertainment that they have quickly shifted focus to the national finals scheduled for February 28 at the Celebration Centre in Harare.
He noted that it will not be a stroll in the park, as they will be facing other provincial finalists.
“We blended four songs into one titled ‘Tose Nhasi Tofara’ and made it a unified piece. We had to make sure that people were pleased.
“The applause we received showed that we connected with the audience. It was a tough competition where every choral group deserved to win.
“We are sailing smoothly, but we know the national stage will demand even more from us,” he said.
He added: “We are working hard to make sure that we bring the crown home.
“As long as there is fair judgement, we believe we stand a strong chance. The focus now is preparation and perfecting our presentation.”
The upcoming grand finale promises to be a spectacle, bringing together church and community choirs from every corner of Zimbabwe onto one epic stage.
