By Dumisani Ndlovu
Dreamstar talent show that made a name for itself through its zeal in promoting performing arts talents until it took a sabbatical during COVID-19 era, is alive and well again and set to reclaim former glory.
Dreamstar which held its inaugural talent search in 2015 is a product of collaborative efforts between China and Zimbabwe.
Midlands Province Coordinator Millicent Chigariro told Kwedu News that the program is back with bang.
“Yes we have set the ball rolling; we are reaching out in full force, rolling out talent search programs to provinces. I am in the Midlands province to collect performing arts content in video format. Unlike most talent shows that only concentrate in music, Dreamstar embraces a multi-discipline of performing arts that is dance, drama, poetry, public speaking among others arts genres that you can see performed on stage.
The soft spoken Chigariro invited artist aged between 14 and 40 to submit their video clips of their acts. She emphasized artist wishing to submit their video clips should not make them more than two minutes 30 seconds long.
The Dreamstar coordinator, Chigariro added that the return of the talent scouting show after a three-year sabbatical due to the Covid-19 pandemic is a clear testimony that Dreamstar founder Steve Ke Zhao has dedication in supporting upcoming artistes.
“This talent search is designed to mitigate emerging creatives from vulnerability as well as influence the growth of the arts sector. This year’s show has a total monetary value of US$10 000.
The winner she said overall winner will walk away $5000 richer.
Before the break in 2020, DreamStar Zimbabwe, organised and sponsored by Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) in partnership with the China Africa Economic and Culture Exchange Research Centre, had become one of the biggest arts and culture talent shows on the local showbiz scene.
The talent show is one of the few arts promotion platforms remaining, covering the void which has been left by the donors who are now channeling funds to other areas outside the creative and cultural industry. Most artists in the Midlands province and beyond, are on records, bemoaning the lack of support from arts funders and stakeholders to enhance their work so that they become empowered and sustainable.
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