BULAWAYO-BASED a cappella group, Family Voices, says it is disappointed by lack of recognition in Zimbabwe after earning top honours at a prestigious international music competition.
The ensemble, which has been in existence since 1999, was nominated in 11 categories for the 2026 Contemporary A Capella Recording Awards and walked away with two major awards — Best Global Song and Best Traditional Album or EP.
The group also finished runner-up in six categories, including Best Global Album, Best Hip Hop Song for Munhu Wese, Best Religious Album or EP, Best Religious Song for Munhu Wese, Best Traditional Song for Madodana and Best African Album or EP.
Despite the scale of the achievement, the group says it has received little attention at home.
“We were nominated 11 times, won two awards and were runners-up in six categories. We were surprised that after such an achievement representing Zimbabwe, we received no recognition,” said Brighton Ncube, the group’s chairperson.
Family Voices performs entirely without instruments, using only their voices to recreate the sound of a full band. Their music appeals to all age groups, blending traditional, gospel and contemporary influences.
Founded in 1999 by Pastor Victor Adams, the late Eric Moyo, Oliver Chinyenye, Elliot Nhengu, Augustin Moyo and Lawrence, the group has evolved through several generations of vocalists. Former members, Eric Moyo and Mkhululi Bhebhe later joined South African gospel ensemble, Joyous Celebration.
The current line-up comprises Brighton Ncube, Melusi Sibanda, Michael Sibanda, Tinashe Chitsaka, Oscar Mukaro, Sean Banda, Tertius Gumbo, Nkanyiso Gumbo and Ngonidzashe Musiniwa.
“These awards mean everything to us because they are like the Grammys of vocal music. They recognise a capella music from across the world, and the judging panel includes Grammy Award-winning producers and sound engineers,” Ncube said.
“This achievement has had a very big impact on us. It has brought us more bookings and greater recognition.”
However, Ncube said artistes based in Bulawayo appeared to overlooked compared to their counterparts in Harare.
“If we were based in Harare, we would have received much more recognition. People would have spoken extensively about our achievement. But because we are in Bulawayo, it is different,” he said.
“Many artistes feel they have to move to Harare to be recognised. We are not sufficiently encouraged to do things that inspire others. After achieving something so important, you receive little to no recognition.”
Responding to the concerns, Cleopatra Dube, provincial arts manager at the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe said her organisation supported artists in the province through training, programming and industry facilitation.
“The National Arts Council facilitates artists’ participation in State events held in the province by advising on local talent,” Dube said.
“We register artists and support their business endeavours through training in financial literacy, adjudication, marketing, arts administration and wellness.”
She said the council hosted workshops at the request of artists to help them to build sustainable careers.
“These trainings empower artists to conduct their arts businesses in a manner that is sustainable in any economy, whether in Bulawayo or elsewhere,” Dube said.
She noted that the council runs awards and competitions that recognise artistic excellence and preserve cultural heritage.
Beyond training and awards, Dube said the council partnered arts organisations to create youth-focused programming, cleared shows, facilitated tax rebates for sound and film equipment, and provided supporting documentation for artists.
On the issue of artists relocating to Harare or abroad, Dube said mobility should be viewed as a natural part of artistic growth.
“The movement of artists to other provinces, countries and the diaspora is a sign of growth, development and expansion. It is inevitable for artists to travel and showcase their work outside their home province,” she said.
