adminRutendo Kanogoiwa Showbiz Reporter
BULAWAYO gospel group, Impumelelo Shining Stars, is set to leave Zimbabwe today for performances at the Ihlombe Choral Festival taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The nine-member musical group which mostly specialises in Imbube music, fused with different local dances will be part of a three-day festival, starting tomorrow. The festival attracts choral groups from America, Sri Lanka and Africa.
Impumelelo Shining Stars leader Oscar Siziba said they were excited to be attending the festival for the first time.
“We’ll use the festival as an opportunity to network with other artistes, considering that we’re the only group coming from Zimbabwe. We hope to have doors opened,” Siziba said.
He said each group had been given a 10-minute slot which will allow Impumelelo Shining Stars to only perform two songs, Home sweet home and Egalile.
During the festival, the group will also attend workshops, participate in outreach programmes and have musical exchanges with renowned choral conductors.
The well-travelled group which has toured Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, DRC, Swaziland and Namibia and are no strangers to fans in South Africa, will also have an opportunity to stage a show at the Hillbrow theatre on Saturday evening.
Held annually, the Ihlombe Choral Festival is one of the largest international choral gatherings in South Africa, which features a diverse representation of choirs from all over the world. The choirs exhibit African rhythms, dances and unique music.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter