Choral groups set Christmas tone
THE Federation for Choral Music of Zimbabwe (FCMZ) last week hosted a colourful Christmas carols event at the Zimbabwe College of Music.
The show, which was held on December 16, saw a number of choirs take to the stage to deliver well-choreographed acts.
The groups that participated include Ruwa Chorale, Glorious Melodies, St Aidan’s, St Faith’s Dzivaresekwa, St Stephen’s UMC and Chitungwiza Harmony Singers.
The pulsating performances set the festive mood a gear up. At the same time, they addressed crucial social issues, among them gender-based violence, as well as drug and substance abuse. The music was hypnotic and the choirs were well-dressed, making the performances more appealing.
Choirs performed their renditions of choice in the afternoon and Christmas carols in the evening.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, FCMZ chairperson Pedzisayi Chiramba said they were happy with the success of the event. He thanked the sponsors for their support.
“As the year 2023 closes, and in the spirit of Christmas and uniting communities through choral music, we decided to host this carols event. I am pleased that we got a positive response from our sponsors, participants and members of the public. As you can see, the event is a huge success,” said Chiramba.
Zimpapers partnered the FCMZ on the carols event through various sponsorship packages.
Other sponsors included Steward Bank, Tendo Electronics, FML, Chloride, Cartrack, Moonlight, Empower Bank and Canlink.
All participants walked away with gifts and prizes for their commitment to the noble cause. However, Ruwa Chorale won the people’s choice choir vote and walked away with additional prize money and a shield. Voting was done online on the day.
“Most of our choirs have marginalised members of society; thus, we try to keep them busy through music. It is our hope that their groups grow and they realise meaningful financial benefit from the choir activities,” said Chiramba.
“Next year, we plan to host several events. We have set in motion plans to host Easter activities, as well as a champion of champions competition in which the best choirs in the country will square off for national honours.”
FCMZ is a national body that oversees choral music activities in the country. The groups covered include community choirs, church choirs and school choirs.
In fostering unity, the organisation is on a drive to join forces with other players in the choral music industry such as the Festival of Song, the Music Consultancy Society, the Music Ad Monitors and Adjudicators of Zimbabwe, the Siyephambili Choral Festival, the Zimbabwe Association of Choral and Music Arts, the Zimbabwe Artists Against Piracy and Plagiarism of Musical Works, and the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association.
The Sunday Mail’s Features and Arts editor Prince Mushawevato, who was guest of honour at the Christmas carols event, said it was Zimpapers’ pleasure to be a partner.
“Well, one way or the other, our interests are intertwined, hence the decision to partner organisers of this lovely event,” said Mushawevato.
He said he was happy choral music had stood the test of time.
“Choral groups have existed for some time in Zimbabwe but the popularity is increasing with each passing moment. This is largely attributed to the determination and dedication of visionary establishments like the FCMZ.
“A market for such music has and will always exist; thus, I encourage the groups to continue unleashing refined productions. I am sure most of you here agree with me that choral music has some therapeutic effect,” he said.
Mushawevato added that besides providing entertainment, choral music was a crucial tool in fighting several social ills.
“A brief interaction with some of the group members has proved that constant engagement in such initiatives has helped in combating and spreading the message against gender-based violence and drug abuse, mainly by unemployed youths. Remember, it is said an idle mind is a devil’s workshop. By keeping busy with rehearsals and touring, one would have been saved from crime and gossip, among many social ills. Also, let us not only consider this to be a pastime. Choral music can also be a good source of income for all age groups.
“A lot of opportunities exist for your groups to partner with the corporate world, as brand ambassadors, in their endeavour to market and grow brands, which is in line with the country’s sustainable development goals and Vision 2030.”*