MASVINGO-Ndarama High School is set to make history on Friday when it launches its first-ever music album, an initiative that showcases the creative talents of learners while addressing pressing social issues affecting young people.
The album, comprising eight tracks produced by eight learners from forms three to six, tackles themes such as drug and substance abuse, peer pressure, child abuse with particular emphasis on the girl child, and national identity.
The launch is expected to be officiated by the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira.
The young musicians performing under their stage names are Tadiwanashe Mutsindikwa (Frost), Blessing T. Mupa (Mupa B), Lyman Chirigo (Kanye G), Nokutenda A. Mupa (Nashly), Zvikomborero Gusha (Zvigonz), Makanaka Mabwe (Pink Majesty) and Linda Chikara (Kimlee), with Praise Ngazviitwe also contributing to the project.
The album features the tracks Variko Vanoteerera, Ngomah, Manyanya, Peer Pressure, Zimbabwe, Misodzi Pamatama, Chengetedzai Vana, and PachiNdarama, each carrying messages aimed at inspiring positive behaviour among young people.
School Head, Odius Matongo said the project marked a significant milestone for the institution.
“I’m proud of my school as we have a new way of producing an album and hosting a national event which will be graced by the Minister,” said Matongo.
The group’s manager, teacher Emmah Hurumidza, said the learners blended traditional Zimbabwean instruments such as the mbira and marimba with electric guitars and keyboards to create music that preserves the country’s cultural heritage while appealing to modern audiences.
She said the initiative was designed to nurture talent and prepare learners for professional careers in the music industry.
“The launch initiative promotes the music industry and helps our students build an audience for their future shows. It also helps market their music and challenges the belief that academics are the only important aspect of education,” she said.
Hurumidza added that involving learners in music was also a strategy to keep them away from social ills.
“An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. By equipping our learners with music skills, we are keeping them occupied with productive activities instead of exposing themselves to drug and substance abuse,” she said.
The launch is expected to attract several key stakeholders, including the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, which will conduct awareness sessions.
Representatives from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture are also expected to attend.
Community members will pay an entrance fee of US$2, while schools will be charged US$30.
Former Ndarama High School learners, including popular musician Kaylor Lupac, will headline performances during the event.
Organisers say more than 90 percent of the entertainment line-up will consist of former students, a move expected to draw large crowds and help raise funds for the production of music videos.
“Be ready to enjoy because I will give you my all. Ndarama was my school and that’s where l did my first performance,” said Lupac.
Despite the achievements, Hurumidza said the group faced challenges as they were producing the album.
Some parents still believe music is a waste of time that interferes with academic performance.
Financial constraints which is also delaying the production of music videos, while the school’s hot-sitting programme leaves limited time for rehearsals.
Nevertheless, the school remains optimistic that the album launch will inspire more young people to use music as a platform for education, cultural expression and positive social change, while demonstrating that talent and academic excellence can successfully go hand in hand.
