THE resonant halls of Marymount Teachers College in Mutare vibrated with melody, discipline and unbridled passion as Dangamvura High School Old Students Association (DOSA) and AFM Bethel Assembly emerged victorious at the Manicaland provincial finals of the prestigious Econet I-Joy Choral Competitions over the weekend.
In a contest defined by vocal dexterity and interpretive brilliance, DOSA clinched top honours in the Community Choirs category, while AFM Bethel Assembly lifted the gong in the Church Choirs segment.
Eight choirs battled it out in the church category, with six formidable ensembles competing in the community division, making for an afternoon of exhilarating musical exchanges and refined artistry.
From the first note to the final crescendo, DOSA’s performance bore the hallmarks of seasoned excellence.
Their harmonies were lush and controlled, their choreography measured yet expressively defined by a seamless marriage of tradition and innovation.
Defending their choral legacy against equally compelling presentations, including a stirring showcase by St John’s United Methodist Church Choir, DOSA demonstrated why it remains a towering presence in Zimbabwe’s community choral landscape.
In the Church Choirs category, AFM Bethel Assembly delivered a masterclass in tonal balance and spiritual depth.
Their repertoire selection was both technically demanding and emotionally evocative, earning them sustained applause and the admiration of adjudicators.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Choir drew commendation for a polished and powerful performance that nearly carried the day.
The provincial winners advance to the national finals, where they will compete against champions from across the country on a date to be announced.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Manicaland provincial manager Carol Makoni expressed delight for the exceptional standards displayed throughout the competition.
The event was further enriched by a captivating guest performance from celebrated gospel musician Dorcas Moyo, whose brief but gripping set added sparkle to an already electric atmosphere.
“Choral music is the backbone of practical musicianship,” Makoni said.
“As the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, we are elated to be associated with platforms where the corporate sector, such as Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, partners the arts to unite communities and strengthen the creative economy.”
AFM Bethel Assembly director and conductor Takunda Nezomba attributed their victory to discipline and unwavering commitment.
“This win came amid stiff competition. Two weeks of rigorous rehearsals and focused preparation have truly paid off,” he said, visibly moved by the triumph.
Bonny Kanyenze, secretary of the Zimbabwe Association of Choral and Musical Arts, described the provincial contest as fiercely competitive, noting that choral heavyweights like DOSA had to dig deep to defend their reputation.
He applauded the breadth and quality of participation, saying it signalled a healthy and growing choral movement in the province.
A spokesperson from DOSA told NewsDay Life & Style that DOSA Chorale was immensely delighted and grateful for the opportunity to participate in the recent edition of the I-Joy After Joy Choir Competitions sponsored by Econet Wireless.
“It was both an honour and a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and inspiring choral showcase.
“We are especially pleased to have participated in this year’s edition and even proud to have been the victorious choir in the Communal Choir category where we were on position one out of eight in both own choice and set-piece.
“We will be the choir representing Manicaland at the finals in Harare against victors from other regions.
“This achievement reflects the dedication, unity and passion that define DOSA Chorale.”
Beyond trophies and accolades, competitions such as the Econet I-Joy Choral Competitions play a transformative role in Zimbabwe’s cultural ecosystem.
They provide structured platforms for artistic expression, nurture emerging talent and instil professional standards within the community and church ensembles.
Importantly, they also offer corporate brands meaningful engagement with grassroots creativity, ensuring that commercial visibility goes hand-in-hand with cultural investment.
In amplifying voices from across provinces, the competition not only crowns champions but also fortifies the enduring power of choral music as a unifying national art form.
