DOSA and AFM Bethel win Manicaland Econet I‑Joy choral finals

Southerton Business Times
Mar 1
2 min read

Dorcas Moyo guest performance — gospel artist entertaining the audience — **Dorcas Moyo**

MUTARE — The resonant halls of Marymount Teachers College came alive over the weekend as Dangamvura High School Old Students Association (DOSA) and AFM Bethel Assembly claimed top honours at the Manicaland provincial finals of the Econet I‑Joy Choral Competitions.

DOSA won the Community Choirs category while AFM Bethel Assembly took first place in the Church Choirs segment. The provincial contest featured eight church choirs and six community ensembles, delivering an afternoon of high‑calibre choral performance and spirited competition.

Performances that stood out

DOSA Chorale impressed adjudicators with lush harmonies, disciplined choreography, and a programme that blended tradition with contemporary interpretation. Their set‑piece and own‑choice performances secured top marks and the community title.
AFM Bethel Assembly delivered a technically demanding and emotionally resonant programme in the church category, earning praise for tonal balance and spiritual depth. Conductor Takunda Nezomba credited the win to discipline and two weeks of intensive rehearsals.
St John’s United Methodist Church Choir and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Choir received special commendation for polished, powerful presentations that pushed the winners to excel.

Organisers and guest highlights

Carol Makoni, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Manicaland provincial manager, praised the standard of performances and the partnership between the corporate sector and the arts. A guest set by celebrated gospel artist Dorcas Moyo added sparkle to the event and energized the audience.

Bonny Kanyenze, secretary of the Zimbabwe Association of Choral and Musical Arts, described the provincial contest as fiercely competitive and said the depth of participation signalled a healthy choral movement in Manicaland.

What comes next

The provincial winners will advance to the national finals in Harare, where they will compete against champions from other regions. Dates for the national stage will be announced by the organisers.

DOSA’s spokesperson said the choir was “immensely delighted and grateful” and proud to represent Manicaland at the national finals, noting the victory reflected the group’s dedication, unity, and passion.

Cultural impact

Competitions such as the Econet I‑Joy Choral Competitions play a significant role in Zimbabwe’s cultural ecosystem by:

Providing structured platforms for artistic expression and talent development.
Raising professional standards among community and church ensembles.
Strengthening corporate engagement with grassroots creativity and the creative economy.
Uniting communities through shared musical heritage and performance.