Impumelelo shining stars to represent Zim in International choral festival

Impumelelo shining stars to represent Zim in International choral festival

LOCAL based choral group Impumelelo Shining Stars has been invited to represent Zimbabwe in an International choral festival called Ihlombe festival hosted by a United States of America based organization known as Choral Classic Movements from 17 to 19 July in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Impumelelo Shining Stars lead by Oscar Siziba was founded 14 years ago in Gwanda. It has recorded seven albums and has achieved a lot as far as choral, Imbube music is concerned. Its music is quite popular in the Matabeleland South region of the country.

The group also worked with Joseph Shabalala the leader of the legendary Imbube group Ladysmith Black Mambazo who composed and featured in their latest 14 track album Amaqhinga Aphelile.

Ihlombe is an annual festival held in South Africa where by choral groups Africa wide apply to take part in it then a few are chosen to represent their countries. The Choral Classic Movement spots the best groups then it connects them with international promoters from all over the world.

On the same tour Impumelelo shining stars will also performing with Zimbabwean artist who are based in the Diaspora and a local poet Lerato Ndlovu well known as uNqindi oMnyama at the Hilbrow theatre on the 18^th of July.

In an interview with Zim-Arts and Entertainment updates the Impumelelo Shining Stars manager Christian Sibanda based in South Africa said the group was honored by the invitation to the Ihlombe Festival which is a possible opportunity for them to achieve international recognition and it is a chance that they cannot afford to ravage.

“Being part of the festival is an overwhelming experience. The fact that Impumelelo Shining Stars is going to be part of the festival gives them more exposure which is what they need at this point in time” he said.

This is the first time the group will be representing the country since it has only been part of locally based national and international festivals and exhibitions such as HIFA. Their performance at Ihlombe festival will be the greatest ever bringing them an opportunity to shine brighter.