Daughter's of Africa debuts in Zimbabwe

By Novell Zwangendaba

HARARE -Africa’s newest music talent search, Daughters of Africa which is being run by the Music Crossroads will premiere in Zimbabwe on Saturday 15 August with auditions to identify the country’s best female voices at Music Crossroads Centre, in Harare. The audition is open only to young girls aged 15 to 25 years old.

Daughters of Africa, which is falling under the theme; Hope for a Continent, seeks to identify two of Zimbabwe’s best female voices in the defined age category. The qualifying artists will join qualifying artists from five other Southern African nations to form a group that will tour the Netherlands from February to May of 2010. Venues in Europe have already been booked.

“There will be an initial screening for interested girls from across the country to select a group of the top 15 girls. The selection criteria include quality of voice, presentation, performance and personality. A jury of accomplished Zimbabwean musicians will take part in the initial selection,” MCZ spokesperson Mathias Bangure said in a press statemnet issued today.

Daughters of Africa producer Peter Ultee and the artistic director will visit Zimbabwe and the other participating countries to select the final two representatives from each country towards the end of August. 

A ten-week rehearsal workshop will follow, led by renowned Dutch vocal artist and director Leoni Jansen, who has been in charge of numerous leading international programmes. The aim is to create unity in all this diversity, resulting in a two-hour show, which is dynamic, emotional, heart-stealing and sparkling, but above all optimistic.

“Music Crossroads is in partnership with VDB Theatre Productions, a European production company that will produce and manage the Daughters of Africa production and tour. The production will showcase ten highly talented young ladies that are full of hope and inspiration; and absolutely brimming with the joy of life and vitality,” said Bangure. 

The production will integrate diverse African culture into highly singular renditions of popular Western hits. The musical show will have its roots in Africa and will incorporate contemporary music culture. 

The ten young ladies are to be accompanied by a sparkling live orchestra and dressed in dazzling costumes produced by an internationally acclaimed African haute couture designer.  Backed by an inimitable African beat, the show will embark on a three-and-half-month tour of the Netherlands.  

Music Crossroads Zimbabwe is a unique youth empowerment initiative that helps develop musical, professional and personal skills in the youth. The organization has over the years played an important role in nurturing the talents of young upcoming artists. 

The organization has facilitated tours and exposure to European audiences for Ihau Lesizwe, Liyana, Bongo Love and Gwarimba. 2008 Inter-regional winners, Mokoomba are still to go on their international tour later this year.