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Zimbabwe: Let the Children Play Wins Battle of Bands
Let the Children Play Zimbabwe Wins Battle of Bands By Mary Doma
Let The Children Play, an ensemble of youths from various backgrounds, left revellers dazzled with a scintillating performance that won them the MUSICA 2014 Battle of the Bands contest at the Italian Club in Harare last weekend.
It would not be wrong to say that they stole the show as they showed their mettle when they performed their own composition of a song entitled "Shout the African Way" in their distinct black outfits.
The contest attracted 12 school bands that were initially given 10 minutes to perform before a jury in the first round followed by a second round where the best five bands that included Prince Edward, Street Jive, Sayi Jazz Band and African Rhythm battled it out for top honours.
Let the Children Play were crowned winners and the runners-up were Prince Edward and Sayi Jazz Band.
"I am very happy we won and our hard work and creativity has paid off," said Gamuchirayi Makore, a vocalist for the winning band.
"We actually rehearsed this song during the 10-minute break while the jury was preparing the results, it's amazing what passion can do," said Pearl Badza another vocalist.
Let The Children Play won a ticket to perform as the opening act on the main stage at the Embassy of Italy during the festival alongside established international and local artistes.
"I am a celebrity already, I feel like we are in Italy already," said Freedom Chinosengwa another band member
The Battle of School Bands comprised of many acts doing various genres from fusion, ethno, folk, jazz ,afro-pop and rock.
Let the Children Play is a 25-member local arts and culture group for talented young Zimbabwean children. The band was formed on April 18 2012 under the leadership of Elisha Herema (music director), Theresa Muteta (music director), Blessed Rukweza (choreographer and dance teacher) and Florence Muteta (voice trainer).
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Giving back
As let the children play we teach that giving is not only in the form of money. Time, moral support and giving whole heartedly makes a difference beyond what we can imagine. In that regard we have officially made April our time to reach out and give, not because we have but because we know how it feels to go without anything. Well wishers and volunteers are welcoming to come join us for this worthy cause.
LET THE CHILDREN PLAY
Elisha Herema and Theresa Muteta have launched a platform for arts education called Let the Children Play. Herema believes that arts education goes a long way in developing personal life and career skills and opens up opportunities for the young children.
“Let the Children Play is there to educate the young about career opportunities in the arts industry. We strive to present music as a respectable profession. Arts and culture is the best tool in support of tourism and entertainment,” he said.
Let The Children Play recently held their maiden show, an Afro Beat Concert. “Our aim is to develop and encourage creativity in music and dance performance through music education and outreach programmes in schools in and around Harare. We hope to take this to national and international levels as we progress,” said Herema.“Music is a universal language and we believe children will benefit from becoming aware of the vast cultures in the world. The more they are exposed to these things the more they are eager to learn.”
Herema and Muteta, who studied ethnomusicology at the Zimbabwe College of Music, are music directors and performing artist with Hope Masike, Umoja Cultural Flying Carpet and Mother Africa respectively.
They both have toured and performed on international stages in countries including Norway, Botswana, Mozambique, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, U.S.A , South Africa, Netherlands amongst many others.
Our Holiday Program starts this December at our new location!
Previous events
Camp fee $80 or 300 RTGS covering meals, transport from Harare and accommodation.
It's camp time!!! Registration is open!!!! contact us for forms on letthechildrenplay@ymail.com
6 day overnight band camp for young musicians! Registration in progress. If interested feel free to contact us….
Come and join us for a night of music, dance and snacks!! A night not to miss as we will release our 2 newest original songs all composed during Music That Matters camp 2015!!! $5 entrance + gochi cup or $4 entrance + Burger
Live music played by the LTCP participants join us 5pm - 7pm
Age limit: All ages