Calvin & Muzi soothing as before

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Entertainment Reporter
Zimbabwe’s much loved musical act of Calvin Gudu and Muzi Mangena more popularly known as Calvin & Muzi are still in the business of singing their hearts out and getting listeners down memory lane.
The duo proved their mettle at the recently held Zimbabwe Achiever’s Awards in London, United Kingdom. Best known for their love song “Tombofara”, they brought romance to the forefront of popular local tracks towards the end of the last century.

Another popular track was “N’cam n’cam” which had the sentimental even such that even non-Ndebele speakers sang along to it.

The mellow beats, romantic lyrics and superb voices saw the duo gain adoration across generations as almost everyone could identify with their subjects.

Now more than a decade and a half after their peak, the gentlemen certainly demonstrated that they still have the magic that propelled them to the top.

One would hope to hear fresh sounds from the pair.

There were many winners at the awards.

Popular choral group ZimPraise Choir walked best international gospel act.

The vibrant choir was represented by their UK ambassador Sharon Rose Manhiri and ZimPraise business partner Blessed Kapesa.

Other winners include, Thekwane Alumni, Lady Gee2, Mokoomba, Oliver Mtukudzi, international boxer Derick Chisora, Thomas Mapfumo and Senzeni Murua among others in different categories.

Jazz sensation Prudence Katomeni Mbofana wowed the crowd with her melodious voice as she belted out some of her songs.

Reggae star Mathias “Matty” Julius, Calvin Gudu and Muzi Mangena more popularly known as Calvin & Muzi reportedly put up scintilliating acts during the awards show..

ZimPraise chief executive Joseph Madziyire said: “The award is a symbol of strength and growth in our ministry. It shows that we are doing something hence we are reaching out to our fans beyond borders.

“Like we always say, it is all about Jesus. Right now we are in the process of planning our next show in the UK on May 17 and 24 this year.

About 25 members are going for the show,” he said.

Madziyire says he is hopeful of having a wonderful tour as they are realising that they have a huge fan base in the UK, and they want to give their fans a show to remember.

ZAA chairperson, Conrad Mwanza said the awards went according to plan. Mwanza said the awards shows will also be held in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The show is in its fourth edition running and Mwanza says they are going from strength to strength.

He says next year they are planning to have a much bigger show with more categories.

The annual awards celebrate the achievements of Zimbabweans in the UK and elsewhere across 19 categories, ranging from business, music and sport.

The award streamed live on some of the social media and their website page.

Below is a full list ZAA 2014 winners in different categories:

Community organisation of the year – Thekwane Alumni Community champion – Maureen Ndawana

Academic – Dr Dominic Pasura;

DJ of the year – Lady Gee2; International gospel artiste – ZimPraise

International artist – Mokoomba

Event of the year – History tour( Oliver Mtukudzi and Thomas Mapfumo)

Media organisation – Zim entertainment