‘Expect fireworks at Bulawayo Shutdown’

Brandon Moyo

WITH the complete line-up of the much-anticipated sixth edition of the Bulawayo Shutdown show out, organisers have promised a night to remember next Saturday.

The gun is now locked and loaded.

The Bulawayo Shutdown gig is taking place at The Boundary at Queens Sports Club with dancehall star, Winky D expected to headline the event.

Event organiser Tonderai Rice said they have assembled a mixture of local and South African artistes who will keep revellers on their feet throughout the night.

From the South of the Limpopo River will be one of the pioneers of Amapiano, DJ Stokie of the hits Ipiano eSoweto and Dlala Stokie and Lady Du who is behind the hits Woza and Catalia.

Locals featured are Sandra Ndebele, Jah Signal, Levels, Fantan, Bazooka, Pumacol, Bazooker, Noreen Moria, Babongile Sikhonjwa and Fab G. Behind the decks will be DJ Mzoe, DJ Liz, DJ Nospa and DJ Eugy.

“It’s going to be fireworks and fireworks throughout the Bulawayo Shutdown gig.

“The show will end at 4am so it’s really going to be an exciting night,” Rice said.

But, when the full line-up of performers was released last week, one thing caught the eyes of many and left them wondering, where is Jah Prayzah?

For the past editions, the event has been headlined by the country’s music giants, Winky D and Jah Prayzah, and in this year’s line-up, Jah Prayzah is not present.

Rice said the contemporary musician will not be part of the party this time as he is preparing to launch two albums in the city next month. He however, assured fans that Jah Prayzah will be part of next year’s event.

The shutdown gig has been staged annually as a way to provide entertainment for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) attendees as well as the city’s residents.

The ZITF will take place from April 25 to 29 and as has been the case in the past six editions, fireworks are expected on the closing day.

Meanwhile, Rice, who organised the inaugural Harris Continental Music (HCM) Festival at the ZITF in December last year said that show will be returning this year for the second edition due to public demand. Just like the Bulawayo Shutdown, the HCM Festival featured top South African acts and locals. — @brandon_malvin