Dreamstar Zimbabwe Returns in Spectacular Fashion, Reviving a National Stage for Emerging Talent

Dreamstar Zimbabwe returns after five years with a grand finale on 5 December at 7 Arts Theatre (image source)

After a prolonged hiatus, one of Zimbabwe’s most influential creative platforms is set for a powerful resurgence as Dreamstar Zimbabwe hosts its highly anticipated grand-finale comeback on 5 December at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare. The announcement has reignited enthusiasm across the arts sector, stirring excitement among performers, fans, mentors and industry stakeholders who have long awaited the revival of this national talent showcase.

This year’s edition brings together seventeen finalists drawn from Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru and Victoria Falls. The performers, representing music, dance, beatboxing, spoken word and other creative forms, advanced through competitive rounds of auditions, preliminaries, quarterfinals, semi-finals and final qualifiers. After months of mentorship and intensive rehearsals under experienced creatives, they will take the stage for the first revived Dreamstar final since the programme went silent. The event will feature special performances by renowned Zimbabwean artists Nyasha David, Nisha TS, Killer T, Atenda Chinx and Delroy Shewe. Tickets are priced at US$10 for standard entry and US$20 for VIP, available from MedOrange Pharmacy and the Tikiti online platform.

Organiser Walter Chanaka of the Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) said the return of Dreamstar is not only an event but the revival of a national creative movement. He described the comeback as a celebration of artistic resilience and youthful brilliance. Dreamstar, hosted by JCMC in partnership with the China–Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, has become one of Zimbabwe’s leading talent-development initiatives, producing successful contemporary artists such as Nyasha David, ProBeatz, Mwenje Mathole and Fusion 5 Mangwiro. The programme was suspended five years ago in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which halted major events and disrupted the performing arts landscape. The 2025 revival marks a symbolic milestone in rebuilding capacity and renewing long-term vision.

Finalists will compete for a US$3,000 prize pool: US$1,500 for the winner, US$1,000 for second place and US$500 for third. Winners will also receive all-expenses-paid cultural tours to China and recording contracts with JCMC. Anticipation continues to build as performers and alumni share their excitement. Rising artist Delroy Shewe urged fans to attend, while Nyasha David, an alumnus, said he was honoured to return to the Dreamstar stage and promised exceptional performances.