Harmony, Talent, and Innovation.

Bulawayo was buzzing with excitement on Saturday, the 5th of October 2024 as the city hosted the 99th Anniversary Mam' Laiza Tayali Choral Competition at Guta RaMwari Headquarters in Tshabalala. This annual event is held in honour of the religion's heroine, the late Mam' Laiza Tayali, the Host Family Mother. Guta RaMwari members from around the world come together to celebrate this iconic figure of the religion, making the event a heartfelt gathering of faith, community, and music. Four choirs, each bringing their unique flair and talent, competed in what became a harmonious celebration of music and creativity. The competition brought together participants from different branches, including a live-streamed performance from South Africa, making it a truly international event.

The event featured four teams: the Bulawayo Choir, the Harare Choir which included members from Kwekwe, South Africa Choir, and the Victoria Falls Choir, which included members from Hwange. Each team delivered unforgettable performances, demonstrating their vocal prowess and musical artistry in two rounds. The competition had two categories. The first was a set piece, a song pre-selected by the organizers that all choirs had to perform. This year's set-piece, composed by Harare, was a testament to their musical expertise and showcased their ability to craft a piece that tested the technical skills and harmony of all the participating choirs.

The results for the set piece category were as follows:

1. Bulawayo Choir – their powerful and emotive rendition of the set-piece earned them the top spot.
2. Harare Choir – the group delivered a compelling performance, showcasing tight harmonies and dynamic control.
3. South Africa Choir – despite performing remotely, their energy and musicality were evident, securing them third place.
4. Victoria Falls Choir – the choir brought warmth and depth to their performance, rounding out the set-piece category.
   
   • The second category allowed the choirs to showcase their creativity with an own choice, where each choir was tasked with composing or selecting their own song to perform. This was the moment for the choirs to shine with their unique style, cultural expressions, and arrangements. It proved to be a powerful showcase of innovation and originality in music, with each choir bringing something new to the stage.
     

The results for the own choice category were

1. Bulawayo Choir – once again taking the lead, their own choice performance was a tour de force of vocal strength and emotional resonance.
2. South African Choir – their original piece captivated the audience, combining rich harmonies with a heartfelt delivery.
3. Harare Choir – the choir’s creative arrangement and performance earned them third place in this category.
4. Victoria Falls Choir – they delivered a spirited performance, completing the ranking for this round.
   

The Bulawayo Choral Choir delivered impressive performances in both categories, filled with energy and passion, setting a high standard for the competition. The Harare-Kwekwe team seamlessly blended members voices from different branches, captivating the audience with their harmony and dynamics. One of the highlights of the competition was the participation of South Africa, who performed live from South Africa through a live-stream connection. Despite not being physically present, their soulful performance resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the power of music to transcend physical boundaries. Their vocal strength and emotional delivery were unmatched, proving their resilience and adaptability in this innovative format.

The Victoria Falls Choir, who performed live at the venue, took part in the competition with an extraordinary display of vocal strength and performance artistry. Their song choices and intricate harmonies left a lasting impression, earning them an ovation from the audience. In a thrilling announcement, the organizers revealed that the next edition of the competition will feature a set-piece composed by the South African choir, adding even more anticipation and excitement for next year’s event. This rotating responsibility of composing the set-piece adds a unique cultural and musical exchange among the participating regions.

The event was not only a competition but also a celebration of the power of music to unite different cultures. Each choir’s performance was met with cheers from the audience, making it clear that the day’s event was not just about winning but about sharing the joy of music. The judges, all from a local music college, had a difficult task of deciding the winners, as every choir exhibited exceptional talent and creativity. The Mam' Laiza Tayali Choral Competition at Guta RaMwari Headquarters will be remembered as a true celebration of harmony, skill, and the innovation of choral music.

The event ended with mutual respect among the choirs, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next gathering, especially with South Africa’s promise to deliver the next set-piece. Most importantly, it was a beautiful tribute to Mama Laiza Tayali, whose legacy continues to inspire Guta RaMwari members worldwide.