Harare — AT LEAST eight contestants are through to the finals of the CBZ A-Academy after a tight and rigorous competition held in Harare at the weekend.

First to make it into the finals was Zeena Beins who performed Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Run To You". She won the judges' vote for a polished act. According to the judges, Zeena was "confident in her delivery, communicated with the audience and had the right mood for the song".

Zeena could only say she was feeling "pure joy" for the achievement when asked to comment.

Nyengeterai Zembe who gave a powerful performance of "Ain't Nobody" by Chaka Khan was commended for her confidence and rich voice.

"This is a good show and I have been waiting for something like this for a long time. I feel great because I wanted this so much," she said.

Not to be outwitted by ladies, Tapiwa Mugadza stuck to his favourite gospel genre and belted-out the tune "Salvation Is Here", a Hillsong. His delivery was simply exceptional.

Soft-spoken Ruvimbo Hope Masike did her own composition, "Nhenda Runako" and wowed the crowd with her witty romantic lyrics.

Ruvimbo who says she was inspired by India Arie to write love songs put up a captivating performance with her laid back but striking approach to music.

The other qualifiers were Eugene Muringani, Nyasha Tineyi, Meeghan Galloway and Jonah Sithole.

Show producer Mike Madhodha described the participants who have taken part in the talent search as committed and a pleasure to work with. He added that those who had failed to make it beyond this stage should not lose hope, as this could only be the starting point of their musical career.

"While the CBZ A-Academy is essentially the story of winners, one must not forget those who have fallen by the wayside. They must be commended for their bravery and competitiveness.

"They gave a stellar performance and if they take to heart the comments and advice of the judges they can only come back bigger and better," said Madhodha.

Some 30 contestants from Bulawayo and 15 from Mutare will descend on the capital on October 14 to compete for a place in the CBZ A-Academy's second round. Only 12 contestants will be selected as finalists bringing the number of contestants to 20.