The Sunday News
Kiyapili Sibanda, Sunday Life Reporter
ORDINARILY when the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company is brought up in conversation, many people are quick to think about its traditional business model: exhibitions.
It is a leader in its industry and the hub of corporate engagements — where industry trends, ideas and innovative products are unveiled, but now the company is mooting an addition to its portfolio and are on the verge of joining the entertainment industry in the city.
From hosting business exhibitions like Mine Entra throughout the year, ZITF are adding a fresh feel to its activities by adding more arts and entertainment events.
Last month ZITF hosted the successful Golden Oldies Dinner Dance which featured a vintage performance by super star Oliver Mtukudzi.
ZITF marketing and public relations manager Stella Nkomo hailed the event which was a first of its kind.
“We’re excited about our latest market offering, the Golden Oldies Dinner Dance. The first-of-its-kind event is not your typical entertainment gala dinner in that our aim is to kill many birds with a one stone.
“The Golden Oldies Dinner Dance presents a prime opportunity for Bulawayo corporates to appreciate their high value customers, trusted suppliers and distributors as well as loyal employees by wining and dining with them during an elegant evening filled with engaging conversations, laughter and showcases performed by celebrated artistes from yesteryear,” said Nkomo.
The Golden Oldies Dinner Dance was meant to provide entertainment for the mature, professional and accomplished crowd.
ZITF Company has not rested on their laurels after the success of the black tie event, but instead they upped their game and launched another fascinating project on the entertainment front. In a colourful ceremony in conjunction with ZimPraise, they launched what is to be known as the ZITF Choral Music Competition.
The event is scheduled to run from January to April 2018 and the grand finale will be on April 28, the last day of the ZITF 2018 show. It will run under the theme “The Colours of Music” as the competition seeks to unpack the different genres which are encompassed in choral music.
ZITF board chairman, Ruth Ncube said the choral music competition was meant to foster development and identify music talent in communities.
“The competition calls upon participants to observe the traditional, gospel, romantic and contemporary choral styles.
“Music has traditionally been embraced as the uniting factor, a medium to send messages and a form of upholding values of a people. The Zimbabwean music industry has since played to that tune as it is evidenced by various pieces of music we boast of as a nation,” said Ncube.
Excitement about the vision spearheaded by ZITF, ZimPraise chief executive officer Joseph Madziyire said they were going all out to make the event successful.
“As ZimPraise, we’re putting 100 percent effort in this vision and it’s important to involve everyone in Zimbabwe. This is good for the Bulawayo community,” said Madziyire.
This effort by the ZITF should help address the constant complaints by the Bulawayo community about being marginalised in the arts sector. This initiative provides an opportunity for all church and community choirs to compete in such an event.
Nkomo added that the prize money was $2 000 and encouraged church and community choirs to be part of this exciting event.
“The winners will walk away with a big surprise and $2 000 cash prize, second place will get a surprise and $1 000 cash prize while the third placed group will get a cash prize of $700,” she said.
“Choirs will be required to pay $100 affiliation fee upon submission of the application form. Music choirs of a maximum of 50 members and a minimum of 16 members each are invited to participate in the competition and registering choirs will be required to submit a three- minute video demo of their music talent.”
This is a bold move by the ZITF Company and will surely be an exciting addition to the showbiz scene in Bulawayo. -@Kiyaz_Cool
