The organization Jeunesse Musicale International has been running for 60 years with the mission to enable young people to develop through music across all boundaries.

It is the world’s largest youth and music network and regarded by UNESCO as the world’s biggest youth culture organization. Currently 41 national members, 10 associate members and over 30 contact organizations are part of the global Jeunesses Musicales community.

Each year concerts, camps, workshops, festivals, competitions… over 36,000 musical events of all possible music styles are held in more than 2000 towns worldwide for over 4.7 million young people.

Malawi and Zimbabwe were this year’s big winners, bagging the top three prizes. Konga Vibes, an 8 piece from Malawi, took the top slot, winning the coveted prize of a European tour. Their well rehearsed “Ethno-inspired Afro pop” sound and impressive stage routine kept the audience thrilled and had the judges ticking all the right boxes. Following in the footsteps of last year’s winners Afrikali, they will tour Europe in the summer of 2007.

Liyana from Zimbabwe were a firm audience favourite with their percussive (including 4 marimba players) and acoustic slant on Afro fusion. A product of an arts program run by The King George the 6th School in Bulawyo, Zimbabwe, each member of Liyana (the name means “it’s raining” in Ndebele and equals good luck) have impaired physical abilities. This young new band, with eight members ranging from 15 to 21 years old won the second prize tour of Sweden in September of this year. A name to look out for…

The third prize went to another Zimbabwe outfit, Bongo Love. Their arrangements created a sweet pop sound through use of marimbas and African drums. The choreography and strength of their vocal arrangements impressed both the judges and audience.

More details on this year’s events and information on the tours of the winners will be available on www.jmi.net soon.