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Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE energy and verve of Freeman and the outstanding choreography of Mambo Dhuterere was enough to light up Mutare in a historic entertainment, edutainment and sport galore dubbed the ‘Mai Hondo Soccer Annual Tournament’ held last weekend.
The event, held last week on Saturday and Sunday, brought together the young people in Mutare and united them through sports and entertainment.
In Dangamvura, Mambo Dhuterere jumped onto the stage around 5pm amidst a thunderous applause.
Backed by a live band, Mambo Dhuterere did not disappoint as he played some of his popular tracks.
Among the crowd favourites were hit collaborations, Ndoringaimi featuring Mbeu, and Hamen Hlebanna featuring Botswana-based artiste, Zolasko.
Hundreds of entertainment-starved youths sung and danced along to the two songs before Mambo Dhuterere jumped off the stage, leaving them clamouring for more.
On Sunday, Zim-dancehall sensation, Freeman, added more thrill to an already electric event with a sublime performance.
The elegantly dressed HKD live band were a marvel to watch but it was Freeman’s intimacy with the crowd that made the show epic.
He got the crowd involved.
He belted out songs such as Waimutambisa which features Nox, Handina Godo and Zimbabwean Queen which features Chris Martin.
ln an interview, Freeman said: “It was a great outing. We would like to thank our fans in Mutare for a great date. We really enjoyed and it was an exciting moment to see the crowd enjoying themselves to the fullest.”
One of the event’ organisers, Blessing ‘Jah B’ Mutsaka said they were overwhelmed by the support they received.
“We are happy with how the tournament managed to blend music with football as well as youth services such as HIV testing and counselling. As Mai Hondo soccer associates, we would like to thank our partners, Population Solutions for Health (PSH), for coming on board with the music component and for providing youth services.
“The Mutare community managed to host Mambo Dhuterere and Freeman in a peaceful atmosphere, with youths and children making up most of the audience.
“This is a good development as the tournament wanted to reach to youths with messages on anti-gender based violence, anti-early marriages and other services.
“Kudos to the Dangamvura and Sakubva communities for coming to enjoy and learn. We hope to continue with this support and it was an eye-opener for us on how we can combine sporting events with music,” said Mutsaka.
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