Choral talent shines at iJoy Afta Joy

The Econet iJoy Afta Joy Choral Music Competition national finals lit up Harare this past weekend, bringing together choirs from across the country for a vibrant celebration of music.

The competition featured two categories, church choir and community choir. In each category, participants performed a prescribed set piece provided by Econet and an original composition of their own choice. The set piece carried the most weight in determining the winners.

The nationwide tour allowed choirs to showcase their talent and compete for substantial prize money. First prize winners walked away with US$10 000, second place received US$5 000 and third place, US$2 500.

The competition began on December 12, 2025, in Masvingo before moving through provincial rounds in Harare, Chitungwiza, Mashonaland East, Midlands, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South, Manicaland, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central. Defending champions Heavenly Praise Chorus and Sound of Joy, winners from the inaugural edition held in February 2025, automatically qualified for the national finals and did not participate in the provincial rounds.

Adjudicators assessed choirs on vocal excellence, harmony, technical precision and stage presentation. In the church choir segment, Bethesda Seke came out tops, followed by BICC Mpopoma, AFM Bethel and MCZ Mufakose. Other participants included MCZ Mkoba, BICC Mahatshula, Jubilee Academy and Heart of Healing Bindura, all of whom demonstrated strong stage presence and vocal clarity.

BICC Mpopoma conductor Mduduzi Mavivi attributed the choir’s strong showing to discipline and faith.

“This victory is a sign that we’re going forward, and consistency has boosted us. Prayer and practice have been central to the choir’s progress; without them, I can assure you, we would not be here. But above all, the Grace of God covers us; we believe in Grace.”

On how the choir plans to utilise the US$5 000 prize money, Mavivi said something big is brewing. He encouraged emerging choirs not to be discouraged by limited resources or experience. “Anytime is the starting time. You create great singers with practice, and every choir can be successful if they decide to step up, regardless of the numbers,” he said.

In the community choir segment, Heavenly Praises Chorus (HPC) came out tops, followed by Glorious Melodies and Majestic Chorale. Other participating choirs included Bulawayo Choristers, Sweet Melodies, Chinhoyi Community Choir, Psalmody Ensemble, Sound of Joy, Ubuntu Voices, Dosa and VOX. Heavenly Praises Chorus representative Wadzanai Phillip expressed delight at being crowned national champions.

“We came into the competition as defending Northern Region champions, so being crowned National Champions is deeply rewarding. It affirms that our passion and unity continue to shine,” she said. Phillip added that the choir’s diversity strengthened its performance.“We have members of different ages and denominations working together in harmony. This recognition is a proud moment for the Mufakose community, and we dedicated the victory to our loyal supporters.”

The competition once again highlighted Zimbabwe’s rich choral tradition, demonstrating how music continues to unite communities while nurturing emerging talent on a national stage.