adminneGitare and Eternity Productions chief executive McDonald “McDee” Chidavaenzi were among the participants that came through to motivate students on pursuing art as a career.
“Our involvement in the festival was to show support to youngsters and inspire them to pursue and not suppress their artistic talents. Gone are the days when music used to be associated with the ‘low lives’. As you can see, Extra Large came through in their cars just to give the kids a snippet of the fruits that have come through their music,” said Chidavaenzi.
Afro-jazz sensation Kawara was the first to take to the stage and performed his all-time classics to the delight of the young fans. Extra Large, on the other hand, brought down the house with a lively performance of their hilarious songs “Dhafu Kana Mutete” and “Muti weMusango”. Their collaboration with ExQ on “Reply Me One Day” and “Tanetsa paHarare” proved to be a favourite at the festival.
Chidavaenzi also contributed a recording contract as part of the ultimate prize at the festival.
“We have been involved in the festival and have worked with its directors for three years. On other occasions I have been officiating as a motivational speaker. Music is all about strategy and young people need to know that it is not what you do just for the fun of it,” he said.
The founder of the festival, Father Joe Arimoso, paid tribute the artistes as well as the Zimbabwe College of Music.
“Arts are as important as academic subjects but for a long time it has been overlooked in schools. It is exciting that real people from the arts have come in to inspire the students.
The Zimbabwe College of music was also part of the event. Together with the directorate, a scholarship fund to groom talented students with a keen interest in music.
The festival is an annual school started in 2011. This year, it was running under the theme “Kindle the power of arts. Eighteen schools from different provinces took part in this year’s edition.
Online Reporter