13-year-old to compete in Hollywood

Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
DREAMS come true for young-talented Muku!!

The 13-year-old musician, Mukudzeiishe “Muku” Madzivire is set to raise the Zimbabwean flag as he bravely prepares to partake in the World Championship of Performing Arts in Hollywood, United States of America from 1 to 15 July.

Muku will be part of Team Zimbabwe 2018 under the Zimbabwe Championships of Performing Arts (Zicopa) banner who will aim for gold at the world championships.

A Form Two pupil at Christian Brothers College in Bulawayo who is also a pianist, poet, model and vocalist, Muku could not hide his excitement for being selected to represent the country.

“Being selected to participate in this prestigious competition, referred to as the “Olympics of Performing Arts” is a fantastic opportunity to interact with people of different backgrounds. It is also an amazing opportunity to get noticed by scouts from many different academies and conservatories who will be present at the competition. I have always loved music ever since I can remember and getting an opportunity to represent my country is such an honour for me,” he said.

In a bid to make the dream a success, Muku has decided to be entrepreneurial and become actively involved in fundraising for his trip, and is daring corporates to match, double or treble whatever he fundraises himself.

“I hope that through my music I can inspire a nation. I came up with a concert by myself last week appealing for corporates to come on board to assist me in my endeavours,” he said.

Muku has always been passionate about music, a passion he discovered while attending junior school at Masiyephambili where he won the Musician of the Year Award for three consecutive years.

In 2015, he was awarded a scholarship by the Zimbabwe Academy of Music supported by the British Council lasting three school terms to undertake a study of two instruments of choice (of which he chose piano and trumpet) as well as a choice between vocals and music theory (of which he chose vocals, and later, taught himself music theory).

In 2016, he played the trumpet with the Zimbabwe Academy of Music Brass Band at the official opening of the Sandvik Centre/ Zimbabwe Academy of Music Prize Giving Ceremony. He was also awarded the Junior Pianist of the Year Award at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music Awards. @NcubeBhekumuzi