The Zimbabwe College of Music celebrates its 17th graduation ceremony with a renewed commitment to fostering entrepreneurial and skilled music professionals.
The Zimbabwe College of Music (ZCM) has committed to becoming a pacesetter in offering inclusive programmes designed to meet the diverse needs of students.. ZCM executive director Rachel Jera-Chigwanda made the remarks on Friday during the institution’s 17th graduation ceremony held under the theme Engagement, Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation at Courtauld Hall in Harare.. Established in 1948 by musician and teacher Eileen Reynolds, ZCM is one of Zimbabwe’s leading formal music training institutions, offering music education
from national certificate level to bachelor’s degree programmes.. A total of 20 students graduated with Certificate in Music Performance, Advanced Certificate in Music, Advanced Certificate in Performance Studies and Diploma in Music programmes.. Among the graduands were Davis Nyamandu and Prince Avalon ZW, who are making strides in the music industry through their bands, Paivepo and Band Wamambo, respectively.. The bands largely consist of fellow students.. “As Zimbabwe College of Music, we have a very
important role to play in the development of the music industry in our country and beyond,” Jera-Chigwanda said.. She said the institution sought to broaden music appreciation and knowledge not only in Zimbabwe, but globally.. “Our graduates are not only musicians, but storytellers, innovators and cultural ambassadors.. Through their craft, they have the power to influence thought, inspire change and promote positive lifestyles within communities,” she said.. Keep Reading ZCM, leading beacon in arts sector
growth: Jera-Chigwanda Christmas carols concert ends Zim College of Music year ZCM commits to producing vibrant music professionals Jera-Chigwanda added that the institution contributed to the revival of traditional music and dance in Zimbabwe through various performances.. “The Zimbabwe College of Music Marimba Band has competed at the International Marimba and Steelpan Festival in South Africa for three consecutive years and scooped first position.. This year in July, we are going again,” she said.. She
applauded former students performing with In-Total Band at The Legends Night shows.. “Our sincere gratitude goes to Mr Joseph Chinouriri, also known as Jose Sax, who continues to offer our saxophone students a platform to perform during the Legends Night shows,” she said.. Speaking at the ceremony, guest of honour ZB Financial Holdings banking cluster chief executive officer, Elisha Chibvuri, said the creative sector played a critical role in national development.. “We are committed to
creating an enabling environment where artistes can thrive.. We will continue supporting initiatives that promote youth empowerment, innovation and skills development within the creative industries,” Chibvuri said.. “Music is not just entertainment — it is an industry and a powerful engine for job creation and national development.” He urged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship and adapt to the global creative marketplace.. “The world no longer just needs musicians; it needs ‘art-preneurs’ who can navigate the digital
shift and the global creative marketplace,” he said.. Chibvuri challenged graduates to use music as a tool for healing and transformation.. “Let your melodies become instruments of healing.. Create music that uplifts, inspires and transforms communities,” he said.. To date, ZCM has produced several notable graduates, including multi-instrumentalist Clive Mukundu, gospel musician Charles Charamba, singer Pah Chihera and mbira musician Hope Masike.. Related Topics
Zimbabwe College of Music, ZCM graduation, music education, creative industry, art-preneurs, Zimbabwean musicians