HARARE, Jul 17 (NewsDay Live) — Dreamstar Zimbabwe, the talent platform credited with launching the careers of more than 5,000 young artistes over the past decade, officially launched its 10th season, with organizers scheduling the grand finale for August 15, 2026, at the 7 Arts Theatre.
Addressing journalists in the capital this afternoon, the organizers outlined an expanded partnership with China and renewed calls for corporate sponsorship to sustain the programme.
Walter Chanaka, managing director of Dreamstar and Jacaranda Culture Media Corporation, said the platform—founded in 2015 by Zhao Ke of the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre—had grown into a key pillar of Zimbabwe's arts sector.
He cited alumni such as Nyasha David, Fusion Five Mangwiro, Mwenje Mathole, Probeats and Suhn as evidence of the programme's impact to the local community.
Chanaka said the China-Zimbabwe Exchange Centre is planning to send 30 performers to China this year, describing the exchange programme as cultural diplomacy in action.
He added that some past participants had received scholarships to study in China.
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Chanaka added that Dreamstar's ambitions now extend beyond entertainment,and appealed for more corporate sponsorship to further develop the project.
Technical director Tashinga Madzamba said this year's finale will represent the most technically ambitious production in the show's history, incorporating lighting design, LED content, stage effects and camera work intended to give each of the 10 finalists an individually-crafted performance environment.
He said their goal is to expose contestants to international standards.
"We are building worlds, not just stages," Madzamba said.
Mongameli Dlamini, deputy general manager of Jacaranda Culture Media Corporation and the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, who is also serving as creative director for the Season 10 finals, said choreography for the 10 finalists would blend genres such as Afro Fusion, hip hop, ballads, pop and RnB with Zimbabwean cultural elements. Dlamini, who performed on the Dreamstar stage in 2016 as a member of the Supergeeks Dance Crew from Bulawayo, described his current role as full circle.
"Dreamstar doesn't just create winners, it creates careers, connections and lasting legacies," Dlamini said.
Organizers confirmed that for the first time in the competition's history, alumni performers, including Mwenje Mathole, Fusion Five Mangwiro, Suhn, Probeats and Mimi, will share the stage with this year's finalists during the grand finale, a segment billed as a mentorship showcase.