derick.khumalo
Langelihle Nyathi
TALENT, discipline and youthful energy took centre stage as the Kyle College Band delivered a captivating performance at the Riverdale Academy Festival of Arts yesterday, impressing audiences with a polished display of musical excellence, choreography and stage presence.
The 21-member ensemble, one of Kyle College’s flagship creative groups, showcased a dynamic blend of contemporary music, instrumental showcases and energetic dance routines, underlining the school’s commitment to nurturing young artistic talent.
Music teacher and band director Mr Tafadzwanashe Muzhari said the band was established to provide gifted students with a platform to develop their musical abilities while instilling important life values.
“The creation of the Kyle College Band was inspired by the need to give talented young musicians a platform to develop their skills, express themselves creatively and represent the school through music. We wanted to create an environment where students could experience the power of live music while learning discipline, teamwork, commitment, confidence and leadership,” he said.
The ensemble features a bassist, lead guitarist, drummer, two keyboardists, two saxophonists, a trumpeter, four vocalists and 10 dancers, whose combined talents create vibrant and engaging performances.
For this year’s festival, the band presented a carefully selected repertoire of contemporary songs, popular arrangements and instrumental pieces designed to showcase the students’ technical ability, creativity and versatility.
“We wanted to present a balanced performance with strong melodies, exciting rhythms, quality musicianship and memorable moments,” said Mr Muzhari.
He said the band’s stage production drew inspiration from performances at the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), as well as acclaimed local artistes such as Winky D and Baba Harare.
“We admire how these artists combine powerful rhythms, meaningful music, energetic performances and strong audience engagement. Our aim is not to copy them but to learn from their excellence and develop our own identity,” he said.
Mr Muzhari said bringing together instrumentalists, vocalists and dancers into one cohesive unit had been one of the band’s biggest challenges, requiring dedication and countless hours of rehearsal.
“Every musician has an important role, so students have had to listen carefully to one another and remain focused throughout each piece,” he said.
Beyond entertaining audiences, he said participation in the band equips students with valuable life skills.
“Being in the band teaches students much more than how to sing or play an instrument. It develops discipline, teamwork, confidence, responsibility, patience, leadership, resilience and respect,” he said.
Mr Muzhari added that the festival provided students with an opportunity to perform before a wider audience, interact with fellow young musicians and celebrate Zimbabwean culture through the performing arts.
Looking ahead, he said the band’s ambition is to represent both Kyle College and Zimbabwe at regional and international music and arts festivals.
“Our dream is to perform on professional stages and share our talent with audiences across Southern Africa and beyond,” he said.
He encouraged other schools to establish similar music programmes, saying success depends more on commitment and teamwork than expensive equipment.
“You do not need every instrument before you begin. Find students who are committed, practise consistently, learn from mistakes and work together. A successful band is built on teamwork, discipline and creativity,” he said.
