adminTanaka Mahanya
TWELVE students from Royal Bright Junior School in Harare came third at the International Marimba competition held in South Africa.
They beat stiff competition from 3 000 other schools from France, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Botswana, among others.
They won a flexible keyboard and a trophy.
Royal Bright School principal, Alford Chibwe, said the competition was about cultural exchange programmes and a great opportunity for his students to interact with those from other countries.
“We were invited to participate in South Africa in the Education Africa Marimba and Steelpan competition. It was our first time to participate on the international platform, and this means a lot to our students and school,” he said.
He said they participated in four categories – the mix, proudly South African, classical and battle of the bands.
“We came first in the classical category, but overall, third. Our students were a bit confused since the marimbas they played there were a bit different from those they are used to playing here, but they performed well.
“It was a great experience and achievement, and we would like to applaud the team for that.
“Some people were interested in our performance and promised to invite us to perform in the United Kingdom.
“We are happy that we managed to raise the Zimbabwean flag high and show the rest of the world that we are proud of our culture.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter