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Bornwise Mtonzi Arts Reporter
Gospel choir, Chitungwiza Harmony Singers took the second position at the Old Mutual National Choir Festival in Bloemfontein in South Africa held during over the weekend. The competition saw 11 groups from different countries such as Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, and Lesotho battling it out to be crowned the winner this year. These included CUT from Free State, Chitungwiza Harmony Singers, SAPS, St Florence, Matlosana Melodies, Belcato Singers, African Sweet Melodies, Prince Mshiyeni Choir Simon Estes Alumin Choir, African Serenade Project and Joyful Harmonies.
In the first round, the groups were given the opportunity to sing the song of their choice and in the second they sang African pieces then the Western ones in the third and final rounds.
Chitungwiza Harmony Singers reportedly gave an outstanding performance which left the whole auditorium dead silent as they followed every beat of the song “Pfumvu” that they were singing.
In an interview the group’s marketing and communications manager Peter Thole said the group did well and raised the country’s flag high. “When we were presenting our song “Pfumvu” the hall went dead silent wanting to hear every beat of this song, and we got a resounding applause when we sang the last note,” he said
He added that the competition was tough but they managed to stay afloat beating the other groups. “We are on cloud nine after winning, we are very much excited and we give all credit to our Lord Almighty for having attained that position in such a high and tough level of competition,” he added
The first prize went to Simon Estes from Western Cape who were given R50 000, second was taken by Prince Mshiyeni of KwaZulu Natal with R40 000 while Chitungwiza Harmony Singers walked away with a trophy and R30 000.
Online Reporter