Viewers slam 'sub-standard' ZBCtv program

VARIOUS ZBCtv viewers have castigated the Starbrite talent search show producers for producing a sub-standard show.

The show, an equivalent to South African and American Idols, seeks to identify, nurture as well as groom up-and-coming artistes. The show, now in its final stages, airs on ZBCtv every Sunday.

According to some viewers of the Barney Mpariwa-produced premier talent show, the programme falls far below the expected standards of television talent shows and cannot match regional expectations.

Most viewers gave South Africa's Idols as an example of a decent show that Starbrite should emulate.

Among the critics of the show was comedian Carl Joshua Ncube who noted on social media sites that Starbrite was below standard because of its adjudicators. He said Idols was ahead because it had judges that could say "no" to certain acts.

Other commentators echoed Ncube's sentiments.

"Star (brite) organisers should at least engage reputable judges. That is the trend around the world.

"They should inspire the finalists because as far as we are concerned, the only judges we know are Kudzai Sevenzo and Alexio. However, their comments have no depth," read a comment from one Peter.

However, another viewer identified as Tindo said the problem of the show's standards was not with producers of the show.

"The problem is failure to manage the talent after Starbrite. Otherwise, well done Barney for the perseverance in that work of identifying young talent," Tindo noted.

Director and producer of the show, Mpariwa defended his show saying his critics were being unfair.

"It is extremely unfair to compare us with shows like the American or South African Idols. Those shows get hefty packages from sponsors, which is quite different with Starbrite.

"One cannot look at Starbrite in isolation of what is happening in the country," he said.

He said the show was playing its role of scouting for talent countrywide and exposing them in spite of the financial constraints.

While a season requires a budget of $200,000, Mpariwa said they were getting less of money and mostly products from a few companies.

"The Idols are indicative of the economic situation and how much the corporate world in the respective countries appreciates and values art.

"The 2013 season of American Idols for example was given $200 million by various companies," he said

Mpariwa said it would have been justified if the criticism was centred on the talent as anything else was beyond their control.

He highlighted some of the attempts they had made to improve the show's quality that includes shooting with high definition cameras. He said it was still proving useless as ZBC had not yet digitalised.

"Starbrite is making a difference in many people's lives and we are proud of that. The talent for this year is exciting and it brings solace to our financial woos.

"To us that's more important than people who are not proud of their own," said a disappointed Mpariwa.

According to Mpariwa, the executive producer of the show has had to sell two of his cars and a trailer at some point in order to foot the show's bills.

Despite the challenges the show continues to grow and the quality of talent is improving each year passing.