Meet Your Season 4 Adjudication Panel: A Blend of Expertise & Innovation
As Festival of Song Season 4 approaches, we’re excited to introduce the distinguished individuals who will guide our adjudication panels. Each brings unique strengths—from advanced scholarship to frontline choral leadership—ensuring your performances are evaluated with depth, integrity, and a vision for growth.
Simbarashe Magureyi (Marondera, Zimbabwe)
A dynamic choral director, composer, and music educator, Simba is best known for his work with the Watershed College Choir, which he leads with infectious energy and creative flair. He holds a Master of Science in Music Technology, a qualification that strengthens his ability to blend traditional choral artistry with innovative, technology-driven approaches to music-making. Whether shaping dynamic rehearsal culture or directing gospel arrangements, his approach blends technical rigor with emotional resonance. Expect Simba to evaluate your ensemble’s expressive unity and interpretive depth, with an eye toward performance impact.
Paul Dumisani Bajilla (Gweru, Zimbabwe)
A seasoned musicologist and composer with a strong academic and professional background, Paul holds a Bachelor of Music & Musicology (Honours), a Master of Philosophy in Music Composition, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Tertiary Education (PDTE). He is also pursuing a PhD in Compositional Music Therapy, further deepening his expertise in the therapeutic dimensions of music. In addition, he is working towards completing his FTCL in Composition with Trinity College London, which is expected to be finalized in June 2026.
Paul currently teaches Music Business, Musicology, and Technology at Midlands State University. His research focuses on African indigenous composition and choral performance, blending scholarship with practical creativity.
As an adjudicator, Paul brings a scholarly yet artistic perspective, emphasizing theoretical depth, textual interpretation, and innovative arrangement—particularly valuable for choirs presenting original gospel works in the festival.
Sibusiso Mkhize (Port Elizabeth, South Africa)
A respected figure in South Africa’s choral scene, Mr. Mkhize brings over 16 years of adjudication experience, spanning pan-African festivals and prestigious Eisteddfods. With a background in performance, musical direction, and education, he’s adept at evaluating both technical precision and cultural nuance. His seasoned ear and fairness make him an ideal chief adjudicator, ensuring transparency and artistic integrity throughout the competition.
What This Means for You
Your performance will be received by a panel that values:
| Simba Magureyi: | Emotional expression, conductorial nuance |
| Paul Bajilla: | Compositional insight, arrangement originality |
| Sibusiso Mkhize: | Artistic fairness, cultural understanding, adjudication refinement |
Participants can expect:
- Thoughtful feedback rooted in performance, composition, and educational contexts
- Reward for creativity, especially in gospel originals and interpretive setpieces
- A fair and well-rounded evaluation honoring both tradition and innovation
We are honoured to welcome this trio to our adjudication panel: Simba’s expressive artistry, Paul’s academic depth, and Sibusiso’s adjudicative experience create a powerful blend. Choirs preparing to step onto the Bulawayo Large City Hall stage can take confidence in knowing they’ll be judged by experts who see beyond notes—they listen for cultural voice, expressive intent, and musical originality.
May the Festival of Song Season 4 inspire your voices, stretch your artistry, and resonate with the spirit of unity.
