By Latwell Nyangu
TWENTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD Divine Chitubura of Magunje defied humble background when he shrugged off stiff competition and won US$3000 at the inaugural Zim Has Talent Show held in the capital last weekend.
Although it was a first of its kind, event organisers left no stone unturned and promised a better show next year.
Speaking to H-Metro shortly after his triumph, Divine could not hide his elation after he emerged the biggest winner.
“This is a great time in my life. I didn’t give up on my faith when I heard about this programme and today I managed to reach the finals and subsequently emerged winner,” said the ecstatic Divine.
“I used to sing in church during Sunday school and to me it was out of passion. Things changed in 2013 when I joined Starbrite competitions where I became first black cowboy in Zimbabwe giving a unique genre but I didn’t win before we formed a musical group called Afro Rhythm,” he added.
Dzivaresekwa dance group – The Incredibles – came second and pocketed US$1500 while 18-year-old dancer Devante Sangaza of Mazowe made it into the top three and won US$800.
The People’s Choice award was given to Mabvuku based acapella crew Soul Finders who took home smart phones.
Other participants got consolation prizes of US$100 each.
Another participant, Sean James, 11, who at the semi-final stage had pledged to buy his grandmoth-er who suffered a stroke a wheel chair if he wins the competition, was surprised when the sponsors ZLG handed him the wheel chair.
A panel of judges including Leonard Mapfumo, DJ Niki, Cindy,Shan Jin and Eddie Ndhlovhu pre-sided over the contest.
Leonard and Cindy opened the show with spectacular performances.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Lin Lin, Cabinet ministers Dr Ignatius Chombo, Saviour Kasukuwere, Mathias Tongofa also graced the event.
