Online Reporter
Chipo Mukorama
A RAPIST at Harare Central Prison, who won StarBrite Season 12 last Friday, feels his incarceration has helped him to rediscover himself and change his focus in life.
Tinashe Kamunakwenje (26) is serving a 12-year-jail term for rape.
He shrugged off competition from eight other contestants at a final held in Bulawayo.
Kamunakwenje becomes the second inmate to win the talent search after Kudzai Nyoka, a poet, who clinched the title in 2015.
Natasha Mubvumbi and Morris Peterson were the first and second runner-up.
They both received cash, gifts and grocery hampers.
Three people, who are serving their sentences, took part in the contest.
Two ex-convicts also took part.
Kamunakwenje told H-Metro that prison life transformed him into a passionate musician.
“I am happy to be crowned the winner of StarBrite Season 12 after I thought I wouldn’t make it past the semi-finals.
“Pursuing music while in prison has given me solace and the experience has given me peace of mind and shaped my future.
“Prison life is tough and I learnt a valuable skill that I will treasure for the rest of my life,” said Kamunakwenje.
Despite the struggles he faced, including difficulties in securing sponsorship for his music, he remains determined to share his story with the world.
“I had initially started my musical career before l got into jail and l failed to find sponsorship.
“I am grateful to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) for supporting my music and allowing me to participate in the StarBrite competitions,” he said.
Kamunakwenje also acknowledged the support he has received from fellow inmates and his wife.
“I would also like to thank my fellow inmates for helping me to get on my feet since l stepped in prison and my wife who has supported me from the beginning.
“I urge people to never give up on their dreams despite any situation they face,” he said.
StarBrite director, Barney Mpariwa, said this year’s contest was an exceptional one.
“These guys might be in prison and have few outlets to express themselves
“This is an encouraging story, not just for those in prison, but also those who are outside.
“For those in prison, this means you also have the chance to focus on anything you set your mind on and achieve it,” said Mpariwa.
Over 6 000 entries from across the country registered for this year’s competition.
Albert Nyathi, Mono Mukundu, Dereck Mpofu, Sandra Ndebele and ZBC news presenter Merilyn Ngwenya were on the panel of judges.
Mpariwa said he was looking forward to Season 13.
