adminTrust Khosa-Content Coordinator
AN appreciative crowd, a packed auditorium and balanced line-up.
This aptly sums up the formula, which created the electric atmosphere, which gripped Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex on Tuesday night where a well-subscribed musical extravaganza took place.
•STRONG MESSAGE
Held under the theme “Enhancing Zimbabwe’s Resilience through Economic Development and Engagement and Re-engagement”, it was indeed a night well spent with household names living to expectations on stage.
Well-known anti-sanctions campaigner, Chief Shumba Hwenje – real name Admire Sibanda – was at his usual best as he ushered out all his artistic verve.
Backed by an experienced team of session instrumentalists, chief among them Lyton Ngolomi, it was evident they had thoroughly rehearsed and invested in this show.
So inspiring was their act that the crowd danced to each and every song they performed.
The dreadlocked singer sent the crowd into delirium when he belted out the songs Kumasero and ED Pfee.
Suluman Chimbetu was another toast of the night.
As a son of a departed hero, whose music still sends a strong message about patriotism, unity and black economic empowerment, he easily won the hearts of many.
Sulu, as the singer is affectionately known, made his life easier on stage by playing sing-along tracks like Sean Timba, Ndarangarira Gamba, among others.
Not to be outdone was Mathias Mhere, who proved that he has really matured as a gospel artist.
Performance wise, he is a cut above the rest in Zim gospel as the singer gives it his all each time he is afforded the opportunity to perform.
The same goes for Sandra Ndebele who, like the proverbial wine, continues to mature with each passing year.
She is, indeed, committed to what she does on the stage.
• DECENCY
Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria assumed the role of a father figure with dignity.
Although he was delayed on stage, he never showed disappointment, like other artists, who were grumbling, after a change of programme.
He waited patiently in his parked commuter omnibus and delivered his best.
• OTHERS
Mark Ngwazi, Leonard Zhakata and Romeo Gasa had a good day in the office.
Not to be outdone was energetic chanter DJ Fantan, who was the crowd’s favourite, among Zim dancehall chanters.
He simply nailed it on the day his services were badly needed.
Jah Master also did well while Star FM presenter Skywalker stole the show with his antics when he was invited on stage. True to their programme, all the artists on the line-up got a chance to perform.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter