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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Review Writer
It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year but indeed it is. Time to dust off the glad rags for the Christmas season, or better still go shopping for something new, drinking and merry-making or even church.
With five days left to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, although some don’t believe in the celebrations, majority are already in the mood.
This reporter took to the streets of celebville to understand, check and know what they are up to and how they are geared for the festive season. We also took the opportunity to ask them if they could reflect on 2015. Below are some of the excerpts from various personalities in the film, dance, promoters, music, fashion and socialite sectors among others:
Joseph Muwombi, China based Afro-Asia Entertainment and Show promoter
Christmas here in China is not recognised, its just like any other day as you know Christianity is not much also observed. They have what they call Winter Festival that runs from mid January to February and the whole of Chinese people will be in their village celebrating hence we have adopted that. For the festive season, I am planning to go out of China with my family. Reflecting on 2015, although it was a bit shaky in terms of promoter’s industry, I am happy we managed to host a couple of shows for Zimbabwean and other African artistes. We are ready for 2016 and for a start we are bringing American artist.
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Thomas Chizhanje, ‘CST’, social media
ambassador
I am spending my Christmas in Vumba with my family and close friends. The major highlight of the year was my appointment by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Honourable Walter Mzembi to be the brand ambassador on social media. I also became brand ambassador for many big organisations. There are moments I would want to rewind but since I want more, I think I would move forward to experience more and greater thinks. I see the best in 2016 and my message to many is, Stay positive! .
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Joe Njagu, renowed filmaker, producer and director
2015 was quite a year! We did lots of work, learning and foundation laying for 2016. Big developments in our line of work as in opportunity wise, the introduction of Zambezi Magic on DSTV, Kwese TV from Masiyiwa means the honours in us to create content and an industry. So 2016 looks to be the busiest year in Zimbabwean entertainment history. Given a chance I would not rewind 2015. I believe in moving forward. So far my production house is growing. We are actually in UK with my family at the same time scouting for a location to shoot our next project. I am happy to be working with my fellow partners from Thinking Films, Dr Agniezka Piotrowska and Dr Stweart Corners. Merry Christmas to you all.
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Cindy Munyavi, musician
I am going to spend Christmas with my family, as it was been a busy year so we haven’t had quality time. I had a very busy and successful year in 2015 with both my music and fashion careers. I won several awards and was nominated for a few more. My success in music saw me travelling around the world. If I could re-live 2015, I would do it in another lifetime because 2016 promises to be a better year as I won’t pre-empt anything. Wish you a Merry Christmas Zimbabwe.
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Plot Mhako, Jibilika Dance Trust founder and projects director
I am travelling to my rural home in Mount Darwin to be with my mother and siblings for Christmas. 2015 was one of the most rewarding and transformative years in my work. I achieved more at home, travelled abroad more and met US President Obama.
This holiday we are hosting a lot of free community events to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS and keep the youth entertained. I will be travelling to California on the New Year’s eve to kickstart 2016 with new projects. Next year my major plan is to help build our waning arts industry. To play a pivotal role and not just complain.
If I could rewind 2015 I would want to witness the birth of my second son Finn Tadiwa again. It was a life changing blessing.
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Cynthia Bizure Sithole, Jan-Jam Chief executive officer, fashionista
Christmas time is family time and time for giving. I will be home with my husband and children. I will be travelling soon as you know I am a globe-trotter. Reflecting to 2015, I would say was the best so far because we have grown form another stage to the next. I have learnt if you put God first, love and respect the pathway will be brighter. We have managed to open two branches this year including a female range. My gift this year is I managed to give away 120 pairs of shoes to fans and friends. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
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Spencer ‘Boss Spencer’ Madziya, socialite and The Volt co-founder
2015 has been an awesome year on the entertainment business front having the biggest Sunday in Harare at Motor Action Sports Club. The opening of the Volt and partnering the Zim-hiphop awards were big successes too. I am glad too that we have hosted I-Octane welcome party which added a feather on my cap. I have learnt quiet a lot and 2016 I am ready to conquer again. Christmas time is family time and I have something planned.
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Ngugi Vere, Be Bold and Shona Accra founder and creative director
Unfortunately this Christmas I will be working as I have already some gigs lined up.
I can say the year 2015 was very productive for me as we have produced a huge successful Soweto Fashion Week and an international campaign show for Eco-Friendly called Eco-Mobility fashion show which saw US actor Danny Glover attending including Johannesburg Mayor.
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Blessed ‘8L’ Zikhali, , hiphop rapper
I am spending this Christmas at home with family as we will have a family cookout.
2015 was a pleasant year for me music wise, we managed to bag hits in one season. 2016 we are continuing with our music as dropping an album.
My message is pray more and love better, our fortunes are from High above nowhere else ad it starts with love.
Online Reporter