Music Crossroads faces financial hurdles ahead of 2025 Imagine Music Competition -Newsday Zimbabwe

Katomeni-Mbofana said those who wished to see the academy’s cause gravitate forward could contribute by donating to fund raising campaigns, offering sponsorships or providing resources to ensure the continued success of Zimbabwe’s emerging musical talents.

JAZZ singer Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, the director of Music Crossroads in Zimbabwe, says her institution is facing financial difficulties to run the 2025 Imagine Music Xperience (IMX) Competitions smoothly.

She said incorporating competitions like IMX into the school curriculum offered students invaluable experiences, adding that such platforms did not only sharpen their musical skills, but also built confidence, fostered cultural exchanges and opened doors to global opportunities.

“For Music Crossroads Academy Zimbabwe students, these competitions serve as a testament to their talents and resilience on the world stage.

“We were the winners in the year 2024. Our Music Crossroads Academy Zimbabwe Ukama Band lifted the Zimbabwean flag high and we are more than prepared to cause another global buzz through mesmerising performances from our students,” Katomeni-Mbofana said.

“Our students are doing well both in class and in musical performances. We are, however, facing some financial and resource allocation challenges.

“These challenges include limited funding for international travel, equipment and training.

“To address these issues, the academy is exploring partnerships with local and international organisations, seeking sponsorships, and launching fund-raising campaigns to secure the necessary resources.”

Katomeni-Mbofana said those who wished to see the academy’s cause gravitate forward could contribute by donating to fund raising campaigns, offering sponsorships or providing resources to ensure the continued success of Zimbabwe’s emerging musical talents.

“Music Crossroads Academy Zimbabwe, a beacon of musical talent and education, is confronting financial challenges that threaten its participation in the 2025 Imagine Music Xperience (IMX),” she said.

‘The institution, renowned for nurturing young musicians, has been instrumental in shaping Zimbabwe’s music scene and has a history of success in the IMX competition

“As Music Crossroads Academy prepares for the 2025 Imagine Music Xperience, the support of the community, alumni and international partners will be crucial.

“By overcoming financial barriers, the academy can continue to provide a platform for Zimbabwe’s young musicians to shine on the global stage.”

A time line of IMX Winners has it that in the past five years, the winners, starting with the recent ones, were Ukama Band, Zimbabwe (2024), Soundcellar, France (2023), Wheobe, France (2022), Mellecrack, Belgium (2021)and Krapyl, Norway (2020), respectively.

IMX is an international music competition that brings together young musicians from around the globe to showcase their talents.

The event aims to promote cultural exchanges and provide emerging artistes with a platform to reach international audiences.

Last year, Zimbabwe’s Ukama Band clinched the top prize, highlighting the country’s rich musical heritage.

Since its establishment in 2013, Music Crossroads Academy has been a cornerstone of music education in Zimbabwe.

The academy offers a one-year Certificate in Professional Music, equipping students with the skills needed for a career in the music industry.

Over the years, it has produced notable artistes and bands, the likes of Mokoomba, Swere, WeNyombwe and Vazukuru VeAfrica, which have gained international acclaim.

The academy’s involvement in the IMX competition has been marked by both triumph and challenges.

In 2015, the band JESA, formed at the academy, won the national Imagine Festival in Zimbabwe and participated in the international final in Croatia.

However, financial constraints have often hindered its full participation as observed in the case of Ukama Band, which faced visa and funding issues before its eventual success in 2024.

Related Topics

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}