By Elena Mupandawana
The annual St. Cecilia Music Competition, a highly anticipated event celebrating the unity of Catholic dioceses across Zimbabwe, was held on 30 November 2024, at the Heritage Village in Harare. The day began with a Eucharistic celebration, setting a spiritual tone for the event.
The Competition showcased a dazzling clash of choirs, conductors, and coaches as they performed the set piece Kana Tichipira Muviri waKristo.
The hymn, taken from Katekisimo, 88-89, and Minamato/Mupiro page 162, was composed by Mrs. Privilege Madzamba of the Gokwe Diocese.
The event celebrated unity across Catholic dioceses in Zimbabwe through music.
St. Augustine famously said, “Singing is praying twice,” and this sentiment echoed throughout the competition as attendees reported feeling spiritually uplifted. The choirs, adorned in colourful uniforms, impressed with their discipline and artistry.
While Inner City Harare and Kwekwe Deanery emerged as early favourites, it was the dark horse, North West of City Deanery of the Archdiocese of Harare, that clinched the top prize.
Their victory sparked jubilation, with laypeople, priests, and sisters joining in the celebration.
All 34 choirs participated except for Chitungwiza Deanery, which was notably absent.
“I have never seen such a tough and highly attended music competition in years.Getting to the top is not easy.
“On behalf of my choir, I can say it was through thorough practice, dedication, and time management that we scooped the first prize. I also want to express my gratitude to the choir conductor and the coach for their tireless efforts,” said Mr. Jeremaya Mugere from the North West Deanery.
Mrs. Otilia Mauya, chairperson of the Inner-City Harare Choir, expressed pride in her team’s achievement.
“Everyone is happy and excited. Our technical team has gained confidence. I am sure we can take the first position in the next competition,” she said, though she noted that discipline within the choir needed improvement.
The competition also honoured individual talents, with Julia Dirwai, popularly known as Julie from Kwekwe, and Liberty Madzima from Chirumhanzu crowned as the best female and male conductors, respectively.
“I am happy that I managed to control the choir.
“As a conductor, I was eloquent, and the choir followed my signs well, which earned me the title of best female conductor.
“Last year, we were champions, and being third this year is still a strong record among the champions of champions,” said Julie.
For some choirs, the competition was a learning curve.
“Chinhoyi West Deanery, which placed last in the competition, faced significant challenges in coordination due to financial concerns and time management,” said Mr. Shepherd Karengesa.
Speaking about his own choir, Chinhoyi Urban, he added, “We dropped from 14th to 28th position. The competition was incredibly tough this year due to the presence of highly competitive choirs.”
The event amplified the theme “Singing in the Eucharistic Celebration,” aligned with the Extraordinary Mission Month’s focus, “Go and invite everyone to the banquet.”
Fr. Mgcini Moyo, Deputy Secretary General and Spiritual Director of the Zimbabwe Catholic Sacred Music Association (ZICASAM), represented Bishop Raphael Mabuza Ncube at the event.
Fr. Moyo praised the competition’s role in nurturing talent and emphasized music’s transformative power.
“Music is a fine art by which minds are moved, hearts are changed, and lifestyles are shaped,” he remarked.
National ZICASAM Chairman Mr. Tafara Mangoma acknowledged the competition’s success but highlighted logistical challenges, including ticketing and parking arrangements, which required last-minute adjustments.
To honour composers, ZICASAM Archdiocese of Harare Chairman Mr. Stanley Mlambo presented $1,000 as seed money to support their welfare and inspire future generations of musicians.
Results and Awards
Overall Results:
34 Chinhoyi west
33 Rusape
32 North West Bulawayo
31 Easter deanery Harare
30 Gutu
29 Zaka
28 Chinhoyi
27 Soweto
26 Mutasa
25 Mwenezi
24 Gokwe central
23 Chivi
22 Marondera
20 Low veld
20 Harare North
19 Hwange
18 Western Harare
17 Mhondoro
16 Zvishavane
15 South Africa
14 Chinhoyi central
13 Southern Masvingo Deanery
12 Masvingo South
11 Gweru Central
10 Bulawayo Eastern
9 Mutare Urban
8 Harare Outer City
7 Bikita Deanery
6 Gweru Chirimuhanzu
5 Harare South East
4 Masvingo Green Machine
3 Kwekwe
2 Inner City Harare
1 North West Archdiocese of Harare
Special Awards:
- Best Female Conductor: Julie (Kwekwe)
- Best Male Conductor: Liberty (Chirumhanzu)
- Best Ngoma neHosho: Kwekwe
- Most Improved Choir: Gokwe Centenary
- Most Committed Choir: South Africa
- Best Rural Choir: Chirumhanzu
The St. Cecilia Music Competition continues to be a cornerstone event, uniting Catholic choirs across Zimbabwe through music, faith, and camaraderie.
Some scenes from the day:
