On Friday, 20 March 2026, the stage came alive with rhythm, emotion, and cultural pride as secondary schools from across Zimbabwe gathered for the French Songs Contest – High School Edition. Held during Francophonie Week 2026, the event embraced its powerful theme, “Chante fort, chante francophone” — a call for young voices to sing boldly and celebrate the French language.
A Promising Beginning
The day began with excitement as students arrived early in the morning, welcomed with warm hospitality and a sense of anticipation. Laughter, rehearsals, and final preparations filled the air before the official opening.
At 8:30 AM, the contest was launched by a moving performance of “L’oiseau et l’enfant” by the students of the French International School of Harare middle and high school students. It was a fitting start—symbolic, emotional, and setting the tone for a day where music would transcend borders.
A Stage Full of Stories and Sound
As the competition unfolded, each school brought more than just a song—they brought a story.
The morning session opened with an energetic mixtape from Tutorial Home Senior School, blending “Papaoutai” by Stromae with “Tout donner”, immediately igniting the crowd. This was followed by Irene Christian College’s heartfelt rendition of “L’envie d’aimer”, which drew the audience into a moment of reflection and emotion.
Chisipite School lifted the energy once again with “Ici c’est Paris”, delivering a confident and lively performance, while The Heritage School softened the mood with a graceful interpretation of “Love Story” by Indila. Millennial Academy brought a modern flair with “Solo”, and Prince Edward School impressed with their take on “Sentiments grandissants”, showcasing both vocal strength and stage presence.
Throughout the morning, the stage transformed continuously—from the poetic depth of “Vois sur ton chemin” by St George’s College to the theatrical emotion of “Aimer” performed by Mother Touch High School. Chivaraidze Academy energized the audience with “Tout donner”, while Lady Enereta International High School united voices with “On écrit sur les murs”.
Each performance added a new layer to the experience—whether through choreography, harmonies, or storytelling—demonstrating that this was not just a contest, but a celebration of artistic expression.
Raising the Bar
The second half of the competition elevated the atmosphere even further.
St. Ignatius College set the tone with a fiery performance of “Allumer le feu”, immediately drawing cheers from the audience. Then came a standout moment—Peterhouse Girls delivered a breathtaking rendition of “Voilà” by Barbara Pravi. Their performance was both powerful and deeply emotional, capturing the attention of everyone in the room.
Waterfalls Adventist High School brought vibrance with “Mama Africa”, while Eaglesvale Senior School shared a message of positivity through “Tout le bonheur du monde”. Lomagundi College offered something unique with “J’entends le moulin”, blending cultural authenticity with strong vocal delivery.
Kutama College’s performance of “Avant toi” stood out not only for its musical quality but also for the exceptional presence of Karen, whose performance earned her individual recognition. Similarly, Panashe from Chivaraidze Academy captivated the audience with outstanding dance, adding a dynamic visual element to the contest.
As the performances continued, the crowd was treated to powerful interpretations of songs like “Je n’oublie pas”, “L’Hymne de la vie”, and the crowd-favorite “Ramenez la coupe à la maison”, which brought a wave of excitement and unity to the room.
Honouring Excellence
Among the many talented performers, two individuals shone exceptionally bright:
- Panashe (Chivaraidze Academy), whose dance performance brought energy and expression to life on stage
- Karen (Kutama College), whose vocal performance demonstrated confidence, control, and emotional depth
Their contributions reminded everyone that behind every group performance are individuals pushing boundaries and expressing themselves fully.
After a day filled with outstanding performances, the much-anticipated results were announced:
- 🥇 Peterhouse Girls – for a truly captivating and polished performance
- 🥈 Lomagundi College – for their originality and strong musical delivery
- 🥉 Chisipite School – for their energy and stage presence
- 4th Place: Cygnet Private College
- 5th Place: Errymaple International School
Each of these schools left a lasting impression, standing out in a competition defined by excellence.
More than just a contest, the event embodied the essence of Francophonie—bringing people together through language, culture, and shared experiences. It highlighted how music can be a powerful educational tool, helping students build confidence, creativity, and global awareness.
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