The Sunday News
Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
THE much hyped Dreamstar competition came to a blistering conclusion as the Footprint band, walked away winners of the $3 000 price at Harare International Conference Centre last week.
With one of Zimbabwe’s most prestigious artistes namely Sandra Ndebele, Leonard Mapfumo, Cindy Munyavi and Star FM Presenter Nicky Ndoro on the judging panel, ten contestants had a humongous task to impress the four judges.
As expected, the contestants put on a gruelling contest which gave the judges a hard time in identifying the winner, and Dreamstar spokesperson Tinashe Kitchen lauded the experienced judges for their tremendous work.
“Honestly, the finale was lit, the judges showed the reason they are renowned artistes in Zimbabwe. They trained and nurtured all the contestants to be ready for the finale. They kept on encouraging them to work extra hard, and that was extensively proven by the spectacular performances they gave,” he said.
Kitchen said all finale contestants deserved to win the competition.
The Footprints did not only scoop the $3 000 price, but they also won an adventurous trip to China, academic scholarships to study in China and a recording contract with JCMC Studios in Harare, which is beyond doubt, a milestone for the sensational band.
Kitchen said the Footprints had been given a break before their dream trip to China.
“We have given the Footprint band a chance to celebrate their victory with their families and friends. They will be back at the camp soon to make final touches of their much anticipated trip to China where there will raise the Zimbabwean flag,” he said.
A few people were afraid that Dreamstar finale would flop since organisers had snubbed one of the most popular artistes in the country, Trevor Dongo and Killer T, from performing at the finale.
However, all those fears were put to bed by a glamorous concert at HICC which saw over 5 000 people throng the venue, and Kitchen said he was taken aback by the support of fans.
The runners up for the competition were the Tsoro Arts band from Masvingo and the potential dancehall superstar, Taliban from Chinhoyi. The duo that represented the City of Kings, the Super Geeks Dance Group and singer Prosper, failed to enter the podium despite giving their all to win judges’ heart.
