On Monday 21 June, 7-9.30pm, Pamberi Trust and the Book Café hosts the final event of the competititve youth arts programme, Bocapa (Book Café Academy of Performing Arts) Xposure at the close of Season One 2010.  The season began mid-February with over 120 groups auditioned and from the semi-finals on 14 June five groups now go forward to Monday night’s show.

The top five groups promise to give fire-works, and include (in no particular order) ‘Afro- Mix’, Eve Kawadza, ‘Sunset’, ‘As We Is’ and the gospel group ‘TSOTE’ (‘Totally Sold Out To Emmanuel’).  Several good acts that followed the top 5, were ‘Donald’, ‘Lien’, ‘Mahombekombe’, ‘Evolution’ and ‘The Raphaelites’.  

Professional established artists Willis Watafi, Adam Chisvo, Dudu Manhenga, Filbert Marowa and many others helped with the selection process, and winners went through workshop training for four weeks, which included voice training, orchestration, business management and HIV/AIDS. 

“Our vision is to give upcoming artists the freedom to create,” said Hector Rufaro Mugani, the Youth Development Projects Officer and producer of BOCAPA Xposure.

The Final has been themed “The Think Green Concert”.  There has been an alarming change in climate globally and Pamberi Trust has engaged to involve artists in the fight of environmental degradation. “The theme joins the world over in this new environmental awareness.   Mugani added “artists have a responsibility as the mirrors of society to spread awareness of the importance for people to act responsibly towards this cause.”

 

Victor Kunonga, one of Zimbabwe’s popular and top selling artists will be the guest artist at the Grand Finale, where he will present the 5 groups with copies of his recently launched third scorcher of an album “Handinete”.  Years ago Victor took part in Bocapa, and since his rise to prominence, has been a strong pillar in the artistic community through BOCAPA and Artists Discussions at The Book Café, taking time out to guide up-and-coming artists.

In the past BOCAPA Xposure has worked with many artists who have emerged strongly to the national stage, and are now operating professionally, such as ‘Gwarimba’, ‘Afritude’, Vimbai Zimuto and Hope Masike.  The Book Cafe has become a home for young talent over the past 12 years, providing platforms for upcoming artists to freely express themselves.  Highly acclaimed professional artists such as Chiwoniso Maraire and  Dudu Manhenga have also performed on the Bocapa platform at the start of their careers.

Participating artists in the Bocapa youth programme have enjoyed extensive exposure, and inclusion in other national arts events, including the annual Chimanimani Arts Festival, and other events around the country. 

All are welcome to come and witness the stars of tomorrow on Monday 21 June, at The Book Café.