Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
WHAT was expected to be just another weekend show at Pagomba Café in Beitbridge turned into a memorable night of sungura music as fans packed the venue to watch two of Zimbabwe’s biggest artistes share the stage.
Last Saturday night, Alick Macheso and Peter Moyo delivered a performance that reminded many music lovers why sungura remains one of the country’s most loved genres.
The atmosphere at the usually quiet entertainment spot changed long before the show even began. From early evening, taxis, kombis and private cars could be seen arriving at the venue carrying fans from across Beitbridge and nearby areas. Some had travelled from surrounding villages while others crossed from Musina in South Africa just to witness the show.
For many fans, it was more than just a music event. It was a reunion of generations brought together by a shared love for sungura music.
Macheso, affectionately known by fans as “Baba Shero” or “Cheso Power”, headlined the event alongside Peter Moyo, the son of late sungura icon Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo. The two musicians command huge support in Beitbridge, a town where sungura music has always enjoyed a special place among music lovers.
The show also marked the first time this year that the two artistes had performed together at Pagomba Café with their full bands — Orchestra Mberikwazvo and Utakataka Express.
By 8pm, the venue was already filling up. Fans streamed in from suburbs such as Mabidi, Tshitaudze, Dulivhadzimu, Limpopo View, Vhembe View and Khwalu. Others travelled from nearby villages including Tshamnangana, Lutumba, Nuli, Malala and Tshapfutshe.
Local taxi operators enjoyed brisk business throughout the evening as they ferried people from all corners of the border town to the venue.
By the time the show was about to start, Pagomba Café was packed to capacity, with some latecomers struggling to get inside.
Unlike many local shows which often start late, the event began exactly at 10pm. That alone impressed many fans who are used to waiting hours before artistes appear on stage.
Police officers maintained a strong presence at the venue throughout the night, patrolling both inside and outside the premises. Their visibility, combined with good organisation from the promoters, helped the event end peacefully without any incidents.
In a town where night shows can sometimes get chaotic, the smooth running of the concert stood out.
The first act of the night was Peter Moyo and the Utakataka Express band. Dressed smartly and clearly full of energy, the group wasted no time in getting the crowd involved.
Peter mixed some of his late father’s classic songs with his own music, a move that immediately won over the audience. Every time he hit the high notes associated with Dhewa’s music, the crowd erupted into song and ululation.
For older fans, it brought back memories of Tongai Moyo’s golden years, while younger supporters danced along to the newer material.
“Peter has grown. He is no longer just Dhewa’s son. He is a master in his own right,” said one sungura fan.
Over the years, Peter Moyo has worked hard to step out of his father’s shadow and build his own identity in sungura music. Saturday’s performance showed just how far he has come.
His confidence on stage, interaction with fans and control of the band reflected a musician who has matured into a complete performer. The Utakataka Express guitarists also impressed with polished rhythms that kept fans on their feet from start to finish.
Still, everyone knew there was another major moment coming.
At around midnight, the atmosphere inside Pagomba Café reached another level when Alick Macheso finally walked onto the stage alongside Orchestra Mberikwazvo.
The crowd roared loudly as the veteran musician took up his bass guitar. For many loyal fans, seeing Macheso perform live remains one of Zimbabwean music’s great experiences.
From the first song, he reminded everyone why he remains one of the country’s most respected performers.
His signature bass lines, energetic stage presence and smooth delivery quickly turned the venue into one massive dancefloor.
Fans sang along to both old favourites and newer songs as Macheso and his band delivered hit after hit.
The Orchestra Mberikwazvo dancers also played their part, entertaining the crowd with energetic and well-rehearsed choreography. Their synchronised routines added colour and excitement to a night that already had the audience fully engaged.
As the winter cold deepened outside, the atmosphere inside Pagomba Café only became warmer.
Beitbridge nights during this time of the year can be harsh, with cold winds sweeping through the border town after midnight. But the crowd appeared completely unfazed by the weather.
Wrapped in heavy jackets and blankets, fans continued dancing and singing as if it were a summer night.
Then came the moment that many would later describe as the highlight of the concert.
Macheso invited Peter Moyo back onto the stage for a joint performance that immediately sent the crowd into frenzy.
The two musicians traded verses and performed songs from both Orchestra Mberikwazvo and Utakataka Express, creating a rare collaboration between two generations of sungura music.
Fans sang every word back to them, with some climbing onto chairs just to catch a better view.
The chemistry between the two musicians was clear. The guitarists exchanged sharp riffs effortlessly while the bass guitars carried the deep sungura rhythms that fans know and love.
For a moment, the performance felt less like a concert and more like a celebration of Zimbabwean music history.
In recent years, newer genres such as Amapiano and Zimdancehall have dominated younger audiences, but Saturday night showed that sungura still holds a powerful place in Zimbabwean music culture.
Young and old fans danced side by side, proving the genre’s ability to bring generations together.
As the show stretched into the early hours of Sunday morning, the energy inside the venue never dropped.
By the time the final notes were played, the winter cold had intensified outside, yet fans left the venue smiling, singing and already talking about the next show.
Pagomba Café entertainment manager Keith Webster Ndiweni said the successful concert was only the beginning of bigger plans for the venue.
“This was a great show, all went well as planned and we appreciate the huge turn out from the Beitbridge community. This was our first show at Pagomba Café and we have lined up more shows with big artists such as Jah Prayzah, Winky D and Makhadzi among others. They should keep supporting us and we promise nothing but the best in terms of providing entertainment,” said Ndiweni.
For Beitbridge music lovers, last Saturday’s concert was more than just a night out. It was proof that sungura music is still alive, still powerful and still capable of filling venues with joy, nostalgia and unity.
Synonyms for “www.chronicle.co.zw”
