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The Incredibles snatched second position

Brenda Phiri and Sophia Chese—
The touching life story of 21-year-old Divine Chitubira of Magunje paid off when he became the ultimate winner at Zimbabwe Has Talent show at 7 Arts Theatre over the weekend.
During an emotional performance of Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” the deep-voiced musician related his sadness, weeping as the MC’s spoke of his mother’s passing in a horrific commuter omnibus accident last year.

Chitubira, who is also known as “D’Cowboi” now spends his days helping his father to take care for his siblings while putting his dreams of pursuing his education on hold. His act at the talent show was, however, nothing short of excellence as he received astounding applause during and after his performance. For his brilliance, Chitubira walked away $3 000 richer.

The Incredibles, a seven-member dance crew based in Dzivarasekwa, came second, winning US$1 500 and a trophy.
Devante Sanganza, an 18-year-old dancer from Harare, came third and received $500.

The colourful event was graced by VIP guests, among them the Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Lin Lin, Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo, environment minister Saviour Kasukuwere, officials from the tourism ministry and former Big Brother Africa housemate Pokello Nare.

Urban grooves musicians Cindy Munyavi and Trevor Dongo gave a sterling performance, which added colour to the event. Mabvuku-based acapella group the Soul Finders managed to find the people’s souls as they got people’s choice award and took home smart phones each. About 20 contestants including magicians, cyclists, singers and dancers battled it out for the championship and 13 contestants went to the second round, which saw five contestants.

A heart-moving moment was when one of the contestants Sean James, who at the semi-finals had said he wanted to get his grandmother who had suffered a stroke a wheelchair if he won the competition, was surprised by sponsors ZLG who gave him the wheelchair.

The judges DJ Niki, Cindy, Leonard Mapfumo, Shan jin and Eddie Ndhlovhu were not always agreeing with the public and that controversy made the show even more exciting. Star FM DJ Napstar was the MC for the night together with his co-host Quing Quing.

The competition’s public relations officer, Rumbidzai Matinanga, said they were happy that they have managed to scout for talent in the country.
She said the show will go a long way in empowering young talented artistes who did not have a platform to showcase their skills.

“The show seeks not only to unify locals and the Chinese but help identify talented people that could be making a living out of their gifts but have not had the opportunity to showcase them,” she said.

The winner will also get an opportunity to participate at one of Chinese festivals where he/she will also learn some of their skills, courtesy of the Chinese Embassy.
Organisers were looking for creativity, originality, the knack of entertaining or wowing audiences and the ability of combining Zimbabwe and Chinese cultures in one act.