By Tafadzwa Zimoyo
The Zimpraise Choir is conducting auditions for talented singers through WhatsApp voice notes. So far more than 250 have sent their voices after paying US$2 via Ecocash account.
The choral group posted on Facebook: “Are you a singer, or talented with any instrument? If you are between 16 and 35 here is a chance for you to belt your heart out, showcase your musical prowess, shake heavens and secure a place in Zimpraise Academy.
“To register for auditions, all you need to do is to send US$2 through Ecocash. After you have completed this registration process, you can send a one minute voice note (singing a common gospel song of your choice) via WhatsApp.
“Strictly no personal compositions, no group performances, avoid noisy backgrounds and remember to include your name, surname, city and age on the message before the voice.”
In an interview Zimpraise public relations officer, Tendai Zhou confirmed the process.
“We are doing auditions via WhatsApp and our board will get in touch with the finalists who will later come for stage two auditions on February 1 and 2. The US$2 will cater for some of the logistics on the final day of auditions,” he said.
Zhou said they were overwhelmed with responses.
“We have about 255 WhatsApp messages on auditions, of which we only want 100 people. For now we are checking on vocal ability and people can send their voice note of not less than one minute,” he said.
He said that the chosen ones will go for scholarship training under Zimpraise Academy.
In a statement issued by Zimpraise chief executive officer Joseph Madziyire, the Zimpraise will be recruiting potential singers for the academy.
“These 100 selected applicants won’t go into the choir directly but must attend workshops up until the lecturers recommend them for the choir.
However, some fans questioned the criteria.
“What if I ask someone to sing for me in-order to go to stage two?
“Yes it is a good strategy but I doubt that those who will be in stage two are the best. If they want to do the American Idol idea, they should encourage video recording,” said one fan.
Another fan said the process of the auditions is confusing.
“It is now confusing. Initially we thought they were auditioning people for the choir, but it seems it is a long process,” said Kudzai, a fan from Mbare. The Herald
