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Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
ZIMPAPERS’ commercial radio station, Diamond FM’s sixth anniversary celebrations that were held last week on Saturday at Manicaland Agricultural Showgrounds brought historic festivities to Mutare.
Considering the hype that preceded the fete, the carnival lived up to its billing after artistes, both local and Harare-based ones, put up scintillating performances that were spiced up by top notch presenters who ensured that every second was memorable.
The custodians of the event – the listeners and stakeholders —had the time of their lives as they were taken into merry-making mood as early as 10.30am when echoes of good sounds reverberated across the sprawling suburb of Chikanga.
As people trickled in mid-morning, entertainers such as DJ Touch, Mega Compression, Maz B, G Diamond, Diamond King and Edge Sparta took turns to entertain revellers.
It was an emotional day in their musical lives as most of them got the opportunity to perform before such a bumper crowd for the first time.
They did not disappoint.
The artistes refused to be intimidated by the carnival atmosphere at the event.
The Njanja Express leader, Mark Ngwazi, upped the tempo mid-afternoon with some well-arranged guitars on songs like ‘Chamugwegwedu Chamatindike’ and ‘Taurai Madzoka’.
He also sampled songs from his forthcoming album.
Dorcas Moyo was at her best and put up electrifying choreography and many got into worship when she strummed the song ‘Haakotsire’.
Hosiah Chipanga proved that he is not yet a spent force when he mesmerised fans with some unique dances and mint voice.
The Handipere Power hit-maker, Nutty O, then performed after sunset and put up a top drawer performance.
The Jiti king, Baba Harare, stole the show with some energy-sapping displays.
His dancers’ waist-wriggling antics also stole the hearts of many.
SWAT Sound wrapped up the event at around 10pm with old and new skool dancehall music that appealed more to night lifers.
Diamond FM station manager, Jabulani “JB” Mangezi said the station will continue to play a critical role in stimulating local arts and economic sectors through organising historic gigs that will bring value to Manicaland Province, the artistes and its listeners.
“We say thank you to our listeners, advertisers and other stakeholders for contributing to the resounding success of Diamond FM’s sixth anniversary celebrations. The artistes, from Baba Hosiah Chipanga, Dorcas Moyo, Mark Ngwazi to the headline acts, Nutty O and Baba Harare, ensured that thousands of revellers who attended the show were kept on their toes, dancing.
“The event is one of several ones we have lined up for this year, so revellers can expect a return of the Winter Warmer Gospel Show in July and the Osborne Summer Fest in October.
“As a station, we will continue to do our part to help stimulate the province’s arts and economic sectors,” said JB.
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