JACARANDA Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) director, Steve Zhao on Wednesday said their investment into the Dream Star talent search programme was worthwhile, as it was meant to expose local talent.
BY KENNEDY NYAVAYA
He was speaking to NewsDay on the sidelines of a dinner meant to toast to the 46 contestants in camp for the last three weeks and are set to battle it out for $3 000 at the grand finale scheduled for tomorrow at the Harare International Conference Centre.
Zhao, who is also Chinese Federation of Zimbabwe (CFZ) deputy chairman, said they were happy with how the programme had shaped up against the backdrop of grim economic circumstances.
“The economy is really hard and we are doing this entirely for charity because it is not commercial, so we receive money from members of the Chinese Federation of Zimbabwe (CFZ) as donations,” he said.
“I, however, really feel this isworthy the investment for the Zimbabwe arts talent in young people and after this final, we will also go on and create another platform for them to perform in the country and worldwide.”
Zhao said plans were underway to help more upcoming artistes by bringing in foreign experts to coach them.
“There are a lot of kids now pursuing their dreams as a result of this show and I do not think we will shut the dreams of many others, we will continue to help them so next year we will be coming,” he said.
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Meanwhile, the Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Huang Ping, said he was impressed by the work done through such a platform for cultural exchange.
“This blend of culture helps people to come together because Zimbabwe and China are very good friends and we have a traditional relationship which dates from long back,” he said.
“We need to strengthen this relationship by understanding each other so we can also work better together to mutually strengthen our mutual interests and this friendship we have.”
All is now set for the final show where artistes including Killer T, Dobba Don, Cindy Munyavi and Takura will perform.
The brainchild of CFZ and JCMC, the programme has seen many youngsters beginning their careers in the arts sector since its inception in 2014. This year’s winners are set to pocket cash prizes and exchange trips to the Far East.
