Twenty-nine young Zimbabwean artists drawn from the DreamStar talent development programme are set to travel to China for an eight-day cultural exchange programme that will see them perform in Shanghai, Xi’an and Yan’an.
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Read E-PaperThe delegation is expected to leave Zimbabwe today for the programme, which will culminate in their return to Harare on October 16, with five performances lined up across the three Chinese cities.
According to the organiser Steve Zhao, the programme will provide the young artists with an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwean music, dance and culture while interacting with Chinese cultural institutions, officials, universities and potential industry partners.
Shanghai will host three performances, while Xi’an and Yan’an will each host one show.
The tour is also expected to expose the artists to China’s rich historical and cultural heritage, particularly in Xi’an, an ancient Chinese capital associated with the Tang Dynasty.
Yan’an, which also holds significant historical importance in modern Chinese history, forms the final cultural destination on the programme.
“The initiative goes beyond performances, with discussions expected to explore opportunities for Zimbabwean artists to access international platforms, education and professional partnerships,” said Mr Zhao.
DreamStar, which began in 2014, has developed into a platform for identifying and promoting young Zimbabwean talent, with more than 20 young artists who have previously performed in China.
More than 15 young artists have also reportedly travelled to China for educational opportunities.
This year’s delegation brings together contestants from different DreamStar editions, including participants from 2024, 2025 and 2026. The decision to combine several cohorts followed the cancellation of the 2025 China trip.
Judith Mhlanga, a Top Five finalist from DreamStar 2025, said the opportunity had come as a surprise but represented an important step in her artistic journey.
“I believe that it’s a big opportunity for me to showcase my talent and to do more and unveil more talents that I have,” she said.
Mhlanga, a Harare-based contemporary singer who performs across different genres, said she was looking forward to representing Zimbabwe on the international stage.
For 2021 second runner-up Peter Amel, the trip represents another door opened through the talent programme.
Amel said DreamStar had enabled him to record and release music using his prize money, while also creating opportunities that had previously been beyond his reach.
The China trip will also mark his first international journey.
“I’m going to perform through music, to go out of the country through music. It’s a great experience that I’m looking forward to,” he said.
Dance is also represented through Shadreck Moyo, known by his stage name Stifla, a member of the Pandas, the 2025 DreamStar ultimate-winning dance group.
Moyo said the opportunity was a huge privilege and a source of motivation for young people who aspire to pursue careers in the arts.
Pandas specialises mainly in African-style dance, giving the group an opportunity to present a distinctly Zimbabwean and African performance tradition to Chinese audiences.
Addressing the media, Zhao reported that the wider objective was to strengthen the commercial value of Zimbabwe’s creative sector by connecting young artists with international audiences and potential partners.
They argued that Zimbabwe has no shortage of artistic talent but requires greater investment, promotion and access to international markets.
The China programme therefore represents a combination of cultural diplomacy, talent development and economic opportunity, with the organisers seeking to establish longer-term pathways for Zimbabwean artists beyond the competition stage.
