Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
AN inmate at Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services in Harare has shown that talent knows no boundaries or limits after emerging as the ultimate winner for the Dreamstar Zimbabwe Season 10 finale.
The musician Tinashe Kumunakwenje, who uses the moniker Warrior Ting, was the biggest winner of the night after also winning the People’s Choice Award, better known as the Chinese Ambassador Award.
Bulawayo came out guns blazing as singer Tadiwa Moses took position two before No Name Dance Crew took position three. The event featured an alumni segment for the first time, where past performers like Mwenje Mathole and Fusion Five Mangwiro shared the stage with this year’s finalists in a mentorship showcase.
Marking its 10th anniversary, the event was a resounding success, showcasing exceptional talent from across the nation and reinforcing Dreamstar’s position as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s arts and cultural development landscape. The finale brought together diverse performers, with a particularly inspiring highlight being the participation and victory of an inmate from the ZPCS rehabilitation programme. Managing Director of China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre and Executive producer of Dreamstar Zimbabwe, Walter Chanaka, said the 10th anniversary of Dreamstar Zimbabwe was a landmark occasion, celebrating a decade of discovering and nurturing talent. “Over the past 10 years, the programme has grown into one of the country’s most recognisable arts platforms, launching the careers of emerging performers while broadening access to opportunities for young people.
“Dreamstar Zimbabwe is not just a competition; it is a vehicle for national development and social transformation. The programme is designed to fight social ills like drug abuse by giving young people purpose and a positive outlet for their energy. To date, more than 5 000 people have benefited from this programme. Many participants have received full scholarships to study in China under the Chinese Government Scholarship, furthering their artistic education and cultural exchange,” said Chanaka.
Chanaka said it was pleasing to see the calibre of the winners and the support they received this year. “Warrior Ting’s double victory is a testament to the transformative power of the arts in rehabilitation and social reintegration. Looking ahead, Dreamstar Zimbabwe aims to continue its contributions to the arts culture, expand its developmental focus through partnerships and send more performers to China for cultural diplomacy and exchange.
“We wish to extend our profound gratitude to the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in the growth and success of this platform. We also express our sincere appreciation to the Chinese Ambassador for his continued support, which has significantly bolstered the cultural exchange between Zimbabwe and China. “Special thanks go to the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe for gracing the event and for their ongoing partnership in nurturing the arts industry,” said Chanaka.
