DreamStar Zimbabwe has officially launched its 10th season, with organisers promising a bigger production, enhanced mentorship and expanded opportunities for young artists as the talent search celebrates a decade of nurturing Zimbabwean talent.
The Season 10 Grand Finale is set for 25 August 2026 at the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare, where this year's finalists will perform alongside former DreamStar stars including Mwenje Mathole, Fusion Five Mangwiro, Suhn, Probeats and Mimi to commemorate the competition's 10-year milestone.
Speaking at the launch, DreamStar Zimbabwe Managing Director Walter Chanaka said the competition has evolved into one of Zimbabwe's leading talent development platforms since it was established in 2015 by the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre.
"For a decade now, DreamStar has not just been a talent show; it has grown to become a fundamental pillar of Zimbabwe's arts industry. It is a factory of dreams," said Chanaka.
According to organisers, more than 5,000 young artists have participated in the competition over the past decade, with musicians including Nyasha David, Fusion Five Mangwiro, Mwenje Mathole and Probeats among those who have built their careers through the platform.
Chanaka said DreamStar has also opened international opportunities through the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre. This year, 30 Zimbabwean performers are expected to travel to China for cultural exchange performances, while several former contestants have received scholarships to further their studies there.
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He said the programme supports the Government's youth empowerment agenda by equipping young people with the skills, confidence and exposure needed to build careers in the creative industry.
"Our aim is to grow DreamStar into a brand with the influence of international talent competitions while creating opportunities for more young Zimbabweans. We are inviting the corporate sector and development partners to invest in the country's creative economy by supporting this initiative," he said.
DreamStar Deputy General Manager and Creative Director Mongameli Dlamini said this year's edition will place greater emphasis on developing well-rounded performers through intensive rehearsals, choreography and stagecraft.
"We are not just creating movement; we are sculpting performers. Our goal is to ensure these finalists leave the competition as confident and professional artists ready for the industry," he said.
Technical Director Tashinga Wesley Madzamba said organisers were investing in stage production, lighting, visual effects and sound to deliver an international-standard show while exposing contestants to world-class production techniques.
"We are building worlds—not just stages. We want audiences to remember not only the performances but the complete production experience while giving contestants exposure to world-class production standards," he said.
As DreamStar enters its 10th season, organisers say the competition remains committed to discovering, nurturing and promoting Zimbabwean talent while strengthening cultural and artistic exchanges between Zimbabwe and China.
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