IN a country with abundant talent like Zimbabwe, it is disheartening to see no success coming from the handful of talent search programmes that are running year in year out.
BY OUR STAFF
A few have tried but they either fail to do the right thing or face challenges to do with sponsorship.
Corporates that initially faced viability challenges have ultimately lost confidence in how such programmes are run.
But ZimTalent Hunt (ZiTH), a new initiative by United Kingdom-based Julius Muzuva, has come to make a difference according to the founder.
The programme was launched at a small but glamorous event hosted by the affable Tich Mataz at Sphinx Platinum Lounge at Cresta Oasis Hotel in Harare on Friday February 13.
The event exhibited some of the most talented youths that are part of the International Talent Directory for talent scouts.
Muzuva said: “The main objective is to discover Zimbabwean talent in various categories of the performing arts, creative arts, sports and business through competitions and road shows in and around the country and the Diaspora.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“The nation will be asked to vote online quarterly and the final quarter will see the holding of a live event in Zimbabwe every year where new talent will be discovered in each category.”
He said talent discovered would then be registered and archived in the talent directory where producers/film-makers/promoters would among other things scout for talent and advertise for positions or acts sought in their respective areas and projects.
“The talents themselves will also be able to apply for advertised positions for shortlisting and have direct contact with the advertiser through a messaging system on our website,” said Muzuva.
“Talent is then exposed to a pool of volunteering mentors for guidance and assistance in their development.
“Through the online messaging system, talents will have assistance from people who already have made their mark and are icons in their respective areas.”
Muzuva said so far they had launched the talent directory that now has 1 300 artiste profiles and managed to recruit 61 mentors from an initial 12.
“Last year we held online -based voice competitions starting in March and ending in December where participants sent their 60-second videos at every stage of the competition,” said Muzuva.
“We have discovered talents and decided to take the top six as winners who have produced their individual singles through Russo (real name Russel Chiradza).
“The singles collection was officially released on air through a United Kingdom-based radio station – Jamrock Radio – with interviews being done by a UK- based DJ, King Alfred.”
Last weekend they held mentoring sessions for the performers facilitated by mentors and also social media marketing for artistes’ course by Michael Mupotaringa.
“The future for the discovered talents of 2014 will see them working on their individual albums to be released in the final quarter of 2015.
“They are also working on their videos for their singles to be released around mid-year. Mentorship and talent development will continue for the winners for the next two-and-a half years,” said Muzuva.
“Our plans for the 2015 season include ZiTH Voice (Singing), ZiTHAct (Acting), ZiTHDance (Dancing), ZiTHFace (Beauty), ZiTHPoem (Poetry), ZiTHMixtape (DJing), ZiTHCreative Art and the ZiTHComedy with a live show for the finalists at the end of the year.”
