Star Brite back with a bang!

show the nation what they have to offer in song and other forms of art as judges adjudicate and deliberate on who among the 69 contestants left from the 7 000 that turned up for auditions in all the country’s 10 provinces will make it to the semi-finals.
The popular talent search show that made waves in the 1980s and early 1990s returned to the small screen last week on ZBCTV to liven up the prime time viewing slots on Saturday nights.
The show is not only for those who are talented in song and dance, even those who are not so gifted get their 15 minutes of fame on ZBCTV.
After almost two decades on the sidelines, the talent search makes a welcome return and many will remember how Star Brite gave birth to stars like Tendai Chidarikire of the “Muzezuru” fame, who danced his way into the limelight when he won the competition in 1992.
Hate or love it, Star Brite is a true Zimbabwean production with laugh-out-loud moments as the series takes you through the successes, misses, near-misses and moemish moments, all for your enjoyment.
Running under the catch line “Star Brite: It’s your time to shine”, the show is back with bang!
Barney Mpariwa, the producer and director of the show was equally enthusiastic about the project.
“It doesn’t get any better than this and it’s been challenging and exciting at the same time.
“We did not get enough sponsorship but we managed to make this dream come true for many aspiring young talented Zimbabwean artists out there.”
Mpariwa urged the corporate world to support the production and make someone a star.
“It is unfortunate that some people do not realise our vision and I would like to urge individuals and corporates to support us and this is an opportunity for them to be seen, noticed and counted,” the affable presenter said.
Among the panel of judges during last week’s session were singer and composer Pardon Mutsago, Alexio Kawara, rapper Mudiwa Mutandwa and diva Dudu Manhenga.
The Herald Entertainment last week was privy to behind the scenes moments of the production at the Zimbabwe College and what a season it promises to be!
At least three hopefuls — Beaulah (16), Shylet (23) and Maira (20) — proved that Zimbawe has got talent and got some encouraging comments from the panel of judges.
Beaulah performed “Neria”, a classic by Oliver Mtukudzi and Mutsago said she had chosen a wrong song while Dudu urged her to up her game.
Shylet came in and sang “Clicking Song” by the late legendary Miriam Makeba and Mudiwa told her to come out of her shell while Alexio demanded that she puts more energy into the song. But the judges seem to have been impressed by Maira, who took to the stage and performed a rendition of Busi Mhlongo.
Star Brite has already captured the attention of the Zimbabweans and the upcoming episodes promise fireworks.
The reality show is searching for dancers, musicians, comedians and magicians among other performing arts. Mpariwa also said that this year’s Star Brite is in honour of Oliver Mtukudzi for the work he has done in the music and art industry.