Bulawayo – The 12th Starbrite “It’s Your Time to Shine” competition, held at Wealth Word International in Bulawayo on 6 December 2024, culminated in a remarkable victory for Tinashe Kamunakwenje, a 26-year-old inmate at Harare Central Prison serving a 12-year sentence for rape.
Kamunakwenje’s win marks a significant moment, making him only the second prisoner to claim the Starbrite title, following poet Kudzai Nyoka’s win in 2015. His journey to the top was a testament to his talent and perseverance, showcasing the transformative power of music and the opportunities for self-expression even within prison walls.
The competition, which began with auditions in 2023, was fiercely contested. Three groups of inmates from Harare Central Prison – the Devine Touch group, the Star group, and Kamunakwenje himself – qualified, along with ex-inmates Morris Peterson, Tonderai Mandu, and Nyika Zimuto.
Nine finalists from across Zimbabwe competed in the final, having navigated a rigorous boot camp. Natasha Mubvumbi and Peterson ultimately secured the first and second runner-up positions, receiving cash prizes, gifts, and grocery hampers.
The two-round competition presented a formidable challenge. The first round demanded contestants perform a Leonard Dembo song, retaining 70% of the original while adding 30% of their own creative interpretation.
The second round, the true climax of the event, pushed finalists to showcase their versatility. They were required to perform a 1980s song, an original love song, a pre-recorded song with instrumental backing and vocals, and finally, a fusion of two songs of their choice.
Kamunakwenje’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Performing last, his act was described as “the best wine served last,” captivating the audience and eliciting calls for an encore. While the judges found identifying the winner straightforward, deciding between the first and second runners-up proved more challenging. Ultimately, Natasha was chosen as the first runner-up, with Morris Peterson placing third.
Reflecting on his win, Kamunakwenje expressed his astonishment. “I am happy to be crowned the winner of StarBrite Season 12 after I thought I wouldn’t make it past the semi-finals,” he told H-Metro.
He attributed his success to the support of Commissioner General Dr. M.C.N Chihobvu, who granted permission for the inmates’ participation. His acceptance speech was filled with a strong sense of reform and ambition, outlining his aspirations within the music industry. He also acknowledged the support of his fellow inmates and his wife.
“I would also like to thank my fellow inmates for helping me to get on my feet since I stepped in prison and my wife who has supported me from the beginning. I urge people to never give up on their dreams despite any situation they face,” he said.
The judging panel, comprising Albert Nyathi, Sandra Ndebele, Merileen Ngwenya, Mono Mukundu, and Derrick Mpofu, focused solely on performance, irrespective of the contestants’ backgrounds.
Judge Derrick Mpofu, while praising the contestants’ potential, stated, “unfortunately at the moment we don’t judge on potential, but on performance.”
The event was attended by several notable artists, including Tendai Dembo (son of the late Leonard Dembo) and Jah Master.
Barney Mpariwa, the Starbrite director, described this year’s competition as exceptional.
“These guys might be in prison and have few outlets to express themselves. This is an encouraging story, not just for those in prison, but also those who are outside. For those in prison, this means you also have the chance to focus on anything you set your mind on and achieve it,” he said.
Over 6,000 entries were received from across the country. Mpariwa expressed his eagerness for Season 13.
