B-Metro
Langalakhe Mabena
MENTAL Voices Trust led by veteran models’ instructor and coach Sipho Mazibuko held auditions last week, to choose artistes who will perform at this year’s edition of Mr and Miss Rural Tourism Zimbabwe.
From a number of creatives who thronged the auditions which were held at Hloseni Arts on 13 January, Western Khazins, Thuli Sidibili, MJ Moonwalker, Genesis Dance Group, Triple G and Hloseni Cultural Arts, were chosen to perform at the nationwide tour of the pageant.
Sipho Mazibuko with Miss Teen World Eco Tourism Amanda Peresu
The judges at the audition were Miss Charity Sibanda from Bulawayo City Council Arts department, Lindani Sibanda who is Zanu PF’s Provincial chairlady for Bulawayo Province, Miss Teen World Eco Tourism Amanda Peresu, as well as Archie from Hairdressers for Economic Development.
With Bulawayo creatives taking the lead in providing entertainment at the pageant, similar castings will be done in the other nine provinces of Zimbabwe so that each province gets to be represented by its own home-grown talent.
Mazibuko said some artistes felt they were too big to be auditioned, with one of them being Novuyo Seagirl.
The former Miss Bulawayo also said pride will be the downfall of many artistes as even Mzoe 7 promised to pitch up for the auditions but did not.
Meanwhile, the search for Mr and Miss Rural Zimbabwe has begun, as calls have been made to invite applicants for this year’s edition.
The pageant which was last held in 2021, is strictly for young people between the ages of 18 to 25 who have a strong rural background and share a wide range of rural life experiences. For models that make the grade, provincial finals are set to be held across the country.
According to Mazibuko, aspiring models from Matabeleland North and South rural areas, excluding those from growth points, will be the first to audition and they have been urged to apply before the end of this month (January).
Application dates for models from other provinces are yet to be unveiled.
“To enter the pageant, those from Matabeleland North and South rural areas need to contact this number +263 773 548 098. It’s key to note that those from growth points are not allowed to enter,” Mazibuko said.
The veteran modelling instructor has called on the services of license holders from the 10 provinces who will assist her in coordinating the event and scouting for models.
These are Khaya Kanye (Bulawayo), Faith Moyo (Matabeleland South), Dudu Phakathi (Matabeleland North), Wilbert Rukato (Mashonaland West), Gaudencia Belanger (Manicaland), Mavis Koslek (Midlands), Connie Moyo (Harare). Reigning Miss Rural Zimbabwe Nyasha Phiri is the licence holder for Masvingo.
Mazibuko said the contestants’ dresses, hairstyles and the winners’ crowns will be made locally as they want the event to celebrate the country’s diverse cultures.
