adminAuxilia Katongomara Showbiz Reporter
THE absence of Sulumani Chimbetu and Soul Jah Love at the much hyped dancehall gig last Friday was insignificant as those that performed more than made up for it.
Although no explanation was given for the two artistes’ failure to turn up, Shinsoman of the Mawayawaya fame, Allan Chimbetu and Winky D were on fire and kept fans on their feet till the break of dawn.
The well attended gig held at Amphitheatre was organised by Tafadzwa Maridadi of Maridadi promotions.
Local DJs entertained the revellers by playing Zim dancehall tunes that had the crowd singing along.
The first act was that of Bulawayo based Nashie of the Chibhorane hit before DJs continued with work on the turntables.
Shinsoman appeared on stage at 11PM amid cheers from fans and put up a two-hour performance.
The energetic rising star was singing along backtrack music and performed some of his hit tracks such as Mawayawaya, Ndakupenga and Pamakati among others.
After Shinsoman, a surprise act, Allan Chimbetu took to the stage, replacing Sulumani who is understood to have gone to Zambia.
The elder Chimbetu whom some fans described as a misfit in the dancehall line up did not disappoint either as he played yesteryear hits by the late Simon Chimbetu.
Chimbetu kicked off his performance with the track Dzandipedza mafuta and sent fans, the majority of them, youths into a frenzy.
The former Marxist Brothers vocalist brought back memories of the late Chimbetu with the choreography as well as music with songs such as Ndarangarira Gamba; Kumarirangwe, Newspaper, One Way and Tenda Gore Rapera.
Chimbetu thrilled fans when he constantly shouted “Hallelujah Ytjukutja” during his performances.
In an interview after the show, Chimbetu said he was impressed by the fans’ reception.
“I last performed in Bulawayo last year at Hustlers, but was really amazed by the reception given to us by the fans regardless of the fact that they are youths.
Quizzed on why he decided to play, his brother’s tracks, Allan said: “They are Simon’s and they are mine as well”.
At exactly 2.25am, dancehall heavy weight, Winky Dee made a grand entrance with his signature tune Maninjaaaa and the expectant crowd was on its feet.
The Ninja President clad in his trademark black and white ninja regalia, backed by his Vigilance band and Layan had a flawless show.
His older hits such as Messi We Reggae, Prezha Yachinja, Swagga Muchando, Paita Party, Tapinda Musummer and Sando Dzangu among others made the show a night to remember.
His performance reached a climax when he played the track Taitirana Love pa First Sight which features first lady of Vigilance, Lipsey.
Fans were left in stitches when Winky tried to get a replacement for Lipsey from the crowd and remarked that the chosen ladies had all failed to fit into Lipsey’s shoes.
It was his third pick, which left everyone in awe as she was oozing with confidence and performed alongside Winky only to err towards the end of the song.
From his latest collection, Winky D played Sungura Like, and a forthcoming hit Chiramu.
Winky closed the show with the tack Mafirakureva at around 4am and the exhausted fans waited patiently for Soul Jah Love but the organisers swiftly switched off the lights signalling the end of the show.
Online Reporter