Zimbabwe Opens Entries For Imagine Music Xperience (IMX) National Competition 2026

Young musicians across Zimbabwe have been invited to enter the 2026 edition of the Imagine Music Xperience (IMX), an international youth music competition that gives emerging artists the chance to perform on a global stage in Europe.

Organised locally by Music Crossroads Academy Zimbabwe, the competition is open to solo artists, duets, and groups aged between 13 and 21 years old. The all-styles competition welcomes performers from every genre, including hip-hop, Afro-fusion, jazz, traditional music, rock, gospel, electronic, classical, and pop.

Unlike conventional talent shows, IMX focuses on youth development, mentorship, and professional music training. Participants benefit from workshops, jam sessions, and industry feedback designed to help young artists build sustainable careers in music.

Applications for the 2026 Zimbabwe national competition close on 16 May 2026. Interested artists are required to submit a three-minute performance video through the official registration portal:

IMX Zimbabwe Registration Portal

Selected participants will attend a two-day bootcamp scheduled for 22–23 May 2026 ahead of the national finals on 30 May 2026. Organisers said the bootcamp will equip finalists with performance, collaboration, and stage presentation skills before the final showcase.

The Zimbabwe national winner will represent the country at the international IMX finals in Brussels, Belgium. According to organisers, travel costs for the winning act will be covered by the sending organisation, while accommodation and local expenses in Europe will be handled by the international hosts. Registration for the competition is free, although selected bootcamp participants will contribute US$20 towards meals, facilitation, and materials. Limited scholarships are expected to be available for participants unable to afford the fee.

Zimbabwe already has a strong track record in international competition. In December 2024, Zimbabwean afro-traditional outfit UKAMA Band won the IMX International Final in Belgium after outperforming 27 musicians from 10 countries. The group, formed at Churchill Boys High School, impressed audiences with performances blending Shona storytelling, traditional rhythms, and contemporary sounds.

Their victory earned them €1,500 in prize money and professional music coaching opportunities. The band members Kundai Mudepu, Nyasha Gurira, Nokutenda Kutirai, and Takudzwa Mudepu are currently studying music and sound engineering on scholarship at Music Crossroads Academy Zimbabwe. Organisers say the competition continues to position Zimbabwean youth talent on the international stage while promoting cultural exchange and creative development. For enquiries, aspiring participants can contact Music Crossroads Academy Zimbabwe via email at academyzim@music-crossroads.net.

Imagine Music Xperience Zimbabwe 2026