Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
National Inclusion
Zimbabwe’s premier talent search competition, Dreamstar Zimbabwe, has entered a historic milestone after unveiling the top 10 finalists for its landmark 10th anniversary edition, with organisers positioning the initiative as a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, inclusion and national development.
The grand finale of Dreamstar Zimbabwe Season 10 will be held on August 15 at the iconic 7 Arts Theatre following fiercely contested quarter-final and semi-final rounds conducted on May 23.
This year’s competition attracted more than 500 contestants drawn from all the country’s 10 provinces, reinforcing the growth of the platform into a nationwide arts movement since its establishment in 2015.
Co-organised by the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre and Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation, the competition has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s most influential youth arts development initiatives.
In a major demonstration of inclusivity and social integration, this year’s finalists include a participant from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service rehabilitation programme, a move widely seen as aligning with Government’s rehabilitation and reintegration agenda under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Speaking in an interview, Managing Director of the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre and Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation, Mr Walter Chanaka, said Dreamstar Zimbabwe had evolved beyond entertainment into a platform for social transformation and youth development.
“This is an inclusive platform helping many talented youths who lack funding. It fights anti-drug abuse by giving our young people purpose and a positive outlet for their energy,” said Mr Chanaka.
“We are doing our part for the development of the youth and the arts of Zimbabwe.”
The competition’s growing developmental role comes as Government continues to prioritise human capital development, innovation and youth empowerment under NDS2 and Vision 2030, with the creative and cultural industries increasingly being recognised as strategic economic
sectors capable of creating employment and unlocking entrepreneurship opportunities for young people.
Beyond the stage, Dreamstar Zimbabwe is expanding its empowerment thrust through partnerships with financial institutions that will see contestants receiving training in financial literacy and digital marketing.
Outstanding contestants will also benefit from full scholarships to study artistry in China, strengthening cultural exchange and skills transfer between Zimbabwe and China.
Mr Chanaka said organisers were preparing a unique production concept for the anniversary finale, promising audiences an unforgettable showcase.
“I believe in my young team to come up with new, creative ways of presenting this milestone celebration. This will be different from all the finales we have done before,” he said.
Observers say Dreamstar Zimbabwe’s continued expansion reflects the growing importance of public-private partnerships in advancing youth development, social cohesion and community empowerment through the arts.
With its strong emphasis on inclusion, rehabilitation, talent identification and skills development, the competition is increasingly being viewed as a practical model for harnessing youth potential in support of Zimbabwe’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda.
Peter Tanyanyiwa