Dreamstar crowns Season 9 winners

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The 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale erupted in a crescendo of talent and national pride.
The DreamStar Zimbabwe Season 9 grand finale delivered a powerful statement on youth empowerment, artistic excellence, and social transformation.
The glittering event, held on December 5, was graced by high-profile dignitaries, led by His Excellency Zhou Ding, the Ambassador of China to Zimbabwe. In a rousing speech, Ambassador Zhou placed the youth at the centre of national development.
“The youth are the future of this country,” he declared, “and platforms like DreamStar are playing a pivotal role in nurturing that future, providing a stage for talent to flourish and for dreams to take flight.”
Echoing the theme of youth as a national asset, the Director of the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture B. Samwanda highlighted the competition’s broader social impact.
He articulated a compelling vision of DreamStar as a proactive tool in the nation’s fight against social ills, stating that by engaging young people in constructive, passion-driven pursuits, the initiative is “helping to curb the issue of drug and substance abuse,” offering a positive alternative and a beacon of hope.
The ethos of DreamStar as more than just a contest was firmly underlined by Mr. Walter Chanaka, Managing Director of the Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC).
“DreamStar is not a competition,” he asserted. “It is a national platform. It shows our youth that their passions have purpose and their voices deserve an audience.”
This sentiment resonated throughout the evening, framing each performance as a contribution to the nation’s cultural tapestry.
The ninth season of this cultural phenomenon was powered by Ganzim Incorporation, with significant support from sponsors including M&G Stationery, China Railway Ninth Group, the Chamber of Chinese Enterprises in Zimbabwe, and the Chinese Embassy.
After a night of electrifying performances spanning dance, song, and poetry, the panel of judges delivered their verdict. The top honour and a grand prize of US$10,000 were claimed by Pandas, a dynamic dance group whose precision and energy captivated the audience. Their popularity was further cemented as they also swept the “People’s Choice Award.”
The second prize was secured by the soulful and powerful vocalist Marigold $9000 whose performance left an indelible mark. Prince Avillon clinched the third prize $8500 with a compelling act that showcased exceptional skill and creativity.
Reflecting on the journey, Mr. Steve Zhao Ke, founder of JCMC, traced DreamStar’s evolution from its inception in 2015 to its current ninth season. With a vision fixed firmly on the future, he announced an ambitious commitment, expressing his desire to shepherd the DreamStar platform for the next decade, promising a continued investment in Zimbabwe’s creative youth.
As the curtain fell on Season 9, the message was clear: DreamStar Zimbabwe has solidified its role as a crucial national institution—forging talent, fighting social decay, and firmly believing that the nation’s future is brightest when its youth are seen, heard, and celebrated.