Bulawayo celebrates World Music Day in style

Scores of people including local artistes and lovers of music gathered at the Alliance Française de Bulawayo on Friday to celebrate World Music Day.

The World Music Day, commemorated annually on June 21, emanated from France in 1982 and is a day of celebrating music, giving artistes and new voices a platform to be heard.

Music lovers had the rare opportunity to watch artistes who included Jeys Marabini, Charles Mahlaba and Crew, Image Music, Chipo Kay, Nomsa Amuli, Aufait, RedBee, and Israel performing live, free of charge. Just by looking at the audience, one could tell that they were having a good time as they were listening closely and dancing to the danceable songs.

Nomsa K had the audience glued to her set as they were amazed by her high notes when she sang a rendition of Sia’s song, Chandelier.

Mahlaba, a jazz musician with his crew from Sunduza Dance Theatre left the audience wanting more. Their energetic dance moves made the crowd stand up and join them in dance. The audience also had the honour of listening to and watching Mahlaba performing his new album titled “Feelings/Imizwa”. He performed songs, Ilifa Lami, Ngiyasola, Bambo Lwami and Ingane Yabantu from the project.

After his performance, Mahlaba said: “I’m happy that people related to this new sound and did sing along.”

Couples had a great night out as RedBee, a musician and Aufait who calls herself Bulawayo’s rap unicorn treated them to a performance of their love song titled Ngigcwele. The song, about appreciating your loved one, was an instant hit.

Saving the best for last was the great Jeys Marabini.

Just as he had promised prior to the celebrations that he was going to deliver a memorable set, the musician had the crowd eating from the palm of his hand. Some went up to the stage and danced to his songs.

Overall, World Music Day was celebrated well in Bulawayo and the event served as a platform to showcase the city’s talent as well as exposing it to audiences.

Following the success of this event, Gilmore Tee who was the event’s MC said another event has been lined up at the venue on July 29.

He also encouraged people to register for French, Ndebele and Shona lessons at the Alliance Française de Bulawayo offices. – @TashaMutsiba.