HARARE - Over the years the Starbrite Talent Search Show (Starbrite) production line has unleashed artistes such as Tendai ‘Sasa’ Chidarikire, Afro-jazz songstress Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana and marabi star Kireni Zulu.
These artistes have not only managed to build illustrious careers but they have also gained some recognition beyond the borders of Zimbabwe.
The achievements of these Starbrite products, though, has not intimidated Trust Makurumure, the latest winner of Zimbabwe’s first ever talent search show.
The diminutive upcoming artiste is determined to surpass the standards set by his predecessors.
“Looking at previous title winners who have made it on the music scene, I feel inspired to let the best come out of me,” said Makurumure.
“It is not like I am competing with anyone but it won’t do me harm if I emulate other artistes who had the same experience as mine.”
The 25-year-old Harare-born artiste has already set in motion steps that he hopes will make him a recognisable music brand in the near future.
Barely two months after clinching the Starbrite Talent Search Show, already the Mabvuku resident has started working on his album.
“I intend to record something while people still recognise me. I have realised that it actually makes business sense to release singles whilst I still command a huge fan base. These singles will eventually constitute my album.”
The rookie musician, who is very proficient on the acoustic guitar, believes that Zimbabwe’s leading talent search show has helped him improve his musical craft.
“I entered the competition not only for the prizes but fame and musical experience. I intend to put that to good use,” said Makurumure.
“Starbrite taught me a lot of things. I have improved my song writing skills, vocal strength, time management and even the way I play instruments.”
Makurumure was not totally new to music when entered the Starbrite competition. He had under his belt then a six-track album called Simply Released that never made on to the commercial market due to financial constraints.
“I have always been a gospel/ inspirational artiste with the aim of creating music that caters for various audiences.
“I released an album in 2012 which never hit the limelight because of resource constraints.
“When I entered Starbrite last year, it was actually the second time because I had tried my luck in the first season-2012 but got booted out of the competition.”
Though he was not lured into Starbrite due the rewards on offer, the Mabvuku-based music greenhorn was pleasantly surprised when several attractive prizes came his way after winning the talent search competition.
As the overall Starbrite winner Makurumure won a residential stand in Spitzkop in Harare, several hampers along with recording deals with Gramma and Metro studios.
The acoustic guitarist was overwhelmed with the support he received from his fans and family throughout the year-long competition.
“The competition was tough but I could not have made it to the top if it wasn’t for my fans.
“The finals were such a challenge because we were only five men left of which 60 percent of the votes came from the judges and only 40 percent from our fans. It wasn’t easy but I managed to pull through thanks to everyone who voted for me.”