Sidumisile Mabena
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FAST-rising Victoria Falls Afro-soul musician Khumbuza Ncube, popularly known as Bhorabhora, celebrated his 35th birthday in style last weekend with a star-studded musical extravaganza that kept revelers entertained until dawn.
Held at Mbumezi Wabantu in Victoria Falls, the event attracted a capacity crowd of fans who turned out to celebrate the singer’s milestone while enjoying an impressive line-up of local talent.
The birthday bash offered a rich blend of rhumba, Afro-pop, dancehall and house music, creating an electric atmosphere that kept the dance floor alive throughout the night.
Bhorabhora enlisted popular rhumba musician Clement Magwaza as the headline act for the celebrations.
Supporting acts included Top Kings, OJ, Black Spider, Ayoba Vibration, Ras Fantan and King Ontsho, who all delivered energetic performances before Magwaza took to the stage shortly after midnight.
South Africa-based musician Mokololo had also been billed to perform but was unable to travel for the event.
The show began at 6pm on Saturday and rolled into the early hours of Sunday, injecting life into the usually quiet Victoria Falls nightlife.
Despite the chilly winter temperatures, music lovers braved the cold to enjoy a memorable night of entertainment.
Bhorabhora, whose growing catalogue includes popular songs such as Amathuna Othando, Ngithandana Lezanka and his recently released collaboration Kunzima, opened the main stage before handing over to fellow performers who warmed up the crowd.
When Magwaza eventually stepped on stage, he did not disappoint. The rhumba star delivered a crowd-pleasing set that stretched beyond 4am, prompting enthusiastic sing-alongs and dance routines from fans.
The birthday celebrant later returned to the stage for a second performance, bringing the celebrations to a fitting climax.
Speaking after the event, Bhorabhora expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from fans and fellow artistes.
“We are grateful for such a turnout. I want to commend fans for a peaceful night and the artistes, especially Magwaza, for coming all the way to support my birthday celebration,” he said.
Magwaza used the platform to encourage greater support for local musicians.
“Local artistes need support from the community so that they can continue producing quality music and representing Victoria Falls on bigger stages,” he said.
The successful event not only celebrated Bhorabhora’s birthday but also highlighted the growing vibrancy of Victoria Falls’ entertainment scene. Known for his soulful vocal delivery and storytelling ability, Bhorabhora’s music often explores themes of love, relationships and social issues, qualities that continue to earn him a growing following across the country.
