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Langalakhe Mabena
The Large city hall car park in Bulawayo will be a place to be on 27 July as Splash music fans will be treated to a show which will see some of the genre’s greats convening and performing in memory of the Splash godfather Dan Tshanda.
Tshanda – the founder of Dalom music died on 5 January, 2019 due to heart failure. He was a common and celebrated figure in most parts of Southern Africa including the Bulawayo area – a place he used to frequent during his lifetime for shows and personal pleasure.
As he had a strong connection with many in the city through his humbleness and music, United Kingdom-based promoter Gregory Ncube teamed up with veteran broadcaster Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, De Nosh of Mo Squad as well as Mduduzi Mdlongwa from 3D Event in crafting the event.
Artistes who will rotate on stage at the much-anticipated memorial bash will include some of the groups that were groomed and natured by Tshanda like Dalom Kids, Matshikos, By4, Peacock Montana as well as Tshibibilika music multi-award-winning group Insimbi ZeZhwane.
Ncube, who was close to Tshanda and promoted the legend’s music in the UK, said they decided to craft the upcoming event as a way to honour the legend and celebrate his life and contribution to African music.
“Dan Tshanda and I had a close relationship and we used to always promote him here in Zimbabwe and abroad in the UK. He was a brother to me and a godfather of Splash music to many. We then decided to make a tribute show organised by myself and my colleagues Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, De Nosh and Mdu Mdlongwa. We thought of doing a show in “our legend’s name” and after communicating with the boss lady Sylvia Tshanda who is Dan’s widow, we agreed to host a show here in Bulawayo.
It has been long since such an event was done locally, so there was a need to give Tshanda’s fans another memory of his great work in the entertainment industry,” said Ncube.
The organiser said they expect the whole of Dan Tshanda’s followers to attend the event as it will be historic since it has been long without getting together and celebrating the Splash hero and the artists that he groomed.
Insimbi ZeZhwane confirmed their participation at the event.
“Dan Tshanda was and is still a huge man in the music scene as his music is still relevant today despite his passing on.
“He is a true legend and some of us grew up listening to his music, which healed many.
“When the promoter invited us to be part of the epic show, we took interest in honouring a musician who inspired us because it’s a great opportunity for us as youngsters to showcase our talents in singing and dancing in memory of the legend,” said Meluleki “Brema” Moyo who is the co-founder of Insimbi ZeZhwane.
Online Reporter