adminSaturday Leisure Reporter
BULAWAYO entertainment houses have taken advantage of the carnival atmosphere around the city by organising pre and after match gigs for tomorrow’s mouth watering tie between the country’s football giants Highlanders and Dynamos. Clubs have moved in to prey on celebrating fans that are already in a jovial mood heading into the game tomorrow.
Celebrations are expected to begin today when Cape to Cairo hosts a pre-match show which will see Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa) going head to head with Say band.
Cape to Cairo manageress Catherine Phiri said the idea behind such a show was to allow both sections of fans to come enjoy music and dance while waiting for the local “El Clasico.”
“As always fans love to coach their own teams and we are calling on Highlanders and Dynamos fans to come to their own entertainment hub and debate on the match. We want to encourage a friendly atmosphere before the match and there will be tight security to ensure we all enjoy the night,” she said.
Phiri said DJs would also provide entertainment for the turntables, providing good music on the day and keeping fans entertained until the early hours of Sunday.
“We want to give fans a perfect build up to the match. There will be plenty of entertainment from DJs Pearl, Ayobaness and Mich Diamond,” she said.
Club Forty/40 will also host a pre-match “No to Hooliganism in Sport Initiative,” braai party which will offer prizes to the best dressed Bosso and DeMbare fan in club regalia.
Forty/40 Club manager, Ashley “Becks07” Ndebele said they had planned for fans to get photographs and autographs in a friendly environment.
“Both clubs’ theme songs, Ibhora Seliphelile (Highlanders) and Di di di Dembare, Zorai Butter (Dynamos) will be played all night to set the mood,” he said.
Another pre-match gig is scheduled for AmaZulu Gold and Black club where an all black party will be held tonight.
Taking part in the show will be Pronix and Hamonic Rhythms band, Rhythm Unplugged Tribal electro band, DJ Mpho, Slomo, Miss Pam and Beast DJ.
In an interview, the organiser of the show, Rendal Herbert, said they will have something for all the ladies who will be at the show.
“We want to create a party like scene before the game and we will also be giving local artistes a chance to showcase their talent. We are using this as an opportunity to show the country that Bulawayo has got talent and a vibrant entertainment sector. We are expecting fans from across the country and we want to give them a perfect Saturday,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Mpho “DJ Mpho” Bhebhe who said it is good for fans to support Bulawayo music.
“All those who will attend this function will get a chance to see some of the most talented DJs in Bulawayo. As we have been saying we only want to be supported and this is our chance to appeal to fans by showing them our projects,” he said.
On Sunday fans will get a double treat when clubs open their doors for the after match party.
Clubs Hustlers, Cape to Cairo and Forty/40 will all host bring in DJs to spice up the mood for both the winning and losing fans.
Hustlers’ entertainment manager Simon Gama said if the game ends in a draw then it will be easy work for the DJs.
“DJs on Sunday will have a tough job because it will be a party day for some and a lame day for others but a draw will make it easy for them. Let the best team win but we are here to celebrate with all who will come to our entertainment centre after the match,” he said.
Catherine Phiri said the same when she declared that Cape to Cairo would be on standby to provide entertainment for both winners and losers as long as they come.
“We will be having DJs and might add a dance group just to spice up the celebrations. We know whoever wins this game will have a good chance of winning the league and I am praying for my team Highlanders to win but we will still hold the gig no matter the outcome,” she said.
At Forty/40, the after match party will feature DJs Emity Smooth, Ericardo and Nospa who will take turns to entertain fans.
With the stage set and the intensity building every second, it is up to the teams to provide the perfect medicine to their fans who will be waiting to party at the final whistle.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu