Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
WITH just four days left until Christmas, many Zimbabweans have their plans firmly set, while others are still making up their minds.
Christmas is perhaps the most widely celebrated holiday, with families and businesses making preparations for it year after year.
People go to great lengths to mark the occasion, decorating their homes and business premises with trees, lights and garlands.
For local musicians, some have had a successful year, while others had a hectic one.
However, they all look forward to spending some time with loved ones.
The Sunday Mail spoke to several artistes about their schedules for the festive season.
The legendary Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton is expected to be packed on Thursday night for a live appearance by Jah Prayzah.
This will be the second consecutive year he has celebrated Christmas at the venue.
Alick “Baba Sharo” Macheso and his Orchestra Mberikwazvo will bring Christmas fever to Harare tomorrow.
After that, he will hit the road to perform in Murewa on Wednesday, followed by a Boxing Day show in Mt Darwin.
His team has promised fans a memorable festival with fun-filled performances.
“All the logistics are in place. It is going to be a fun-filled day. As always, Macheso is going to give his all. The band is ready,” said a representative.
Macheso’s recent whirlwind tours have taken him to Chitungwiza, Chiredzi and Mutoko.
Suluman Chimbetu is fully booked for the festive period and says preparations are well underway.
On Christmas Eve, he will perform in Bindura, before travelling to Makaha, Mutoko, for a show on Christmas Day.
“For me, the festive season means more work. I will be all around Zimbabwe. Preparations are going well,” he said.
Enzo Ishall will first travel to his rural home to spend time with family, before returning to perform in Harare alongside Killer T in the evening.
“I will spend the day with my family at my rural home, then travel back for my gig,” he said.
Barura Express frontman Tendai Dembo will hold a Christmas special in Mhondoro.
“For us, holidays are the busiest — we entertain those who are relaxing. So, we will be working over Christmas.
“My message is to always be safe and vigilant, especially to those driving and travelling. Plan your journeys and be cautious. Transport operators should respect road rules and the passengers and goods they carry. To both the young and the mature, please, stay away from dangerous, unprescribed drugs — say no to drugs. I would like to wish Zimbabwe happy holidays. May our dear Lord bless and keep you safe,” he said.
Gospel musician Charles Charamba is gearing up for a joyous Christmas season.
With timeless carols like “Zvakatangira Muchidyiro” and “Manger”, Charamba keeps the true spirit of the holiday alive.
“Christmas demands a lot of attention from us each year as we try to balance time between our immediate family, our music family and the church,” he said.
Charamba and his family will observe traditional Christmas rituals, including thanksgiving prayers to honour God for the gift of Jesus Christ.
“We will have some fun but will also hold a marooro ceremony for a loved one,” he added.
Another gospel singer, Michael Mahendere, will be swapping concert stages for quality time with loved ones.
His final big event of the year will be “The Overcomers Outcry”, scheduled for tomorrow.
“We are always working on new music, articulating the heart of God in different seasons. All I can say for now is Mwari wakanaka,” he shared.
“For me, Christmas is about family. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ came so that the children of God could be brought home to the Father. Spending Christmas with my family, enjoying their joy, is enough to recharge my batteries.”
Songbird Feli Nandi said she is taking a break to prepare for the “One Big Party” — a show set to be one of her biggest this year.
“This Christmas Day we are at home resting with family. We preserve such holidays for family time. We will return to the stage on New Year’s Eve, December 31, for the One Big Party with Jah Prayzah and Winky D.”
