Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu, Showbiz Reporter
GOING to a certain place for the first time can be surreal. Just the thought of arriving to people you are not accustomed to may be overwhelming.
Amidst the nervousness and anxiety, I was ready to enjoy a Saturday night in Gwanda where a series of events are taking place every weekend.
Two weeks ago, I headed South-East of Bulawayo where DJs Prince Eskhosini and the Conga Brothers were billed to perform.
The DJs continued with their fine musical form, with their recent tour to Gwanda strengthening their grip on nightlife.
This was their second stint in the town within weeks.
Their “vibe” has made them Gwanda favourites and they are spearheading change in the quiet town.
The entertainment industry of the town was boosted by the arrival of a band that has been holding it down in many places of entertainment in Bulawayo.
Phoenix Pub and Grill popularly known as Shisanyama played host to a receptive crowd showing no signs of party rust as nocturnal beings danced the night out.
The place inspired by fire and born out of ashes was brought down as combustible elements met. DJ Virus was the first to jump into the pool, with DJ T Money following suit warming the crowd up for the main acts, DJ Prince Eskhosini and the Conga Brothers.
The festive season is for partying and unwinding and that is exactly what AmaJahunda, as the people from Gwanda are affectionately known, did. There was a sea of party animals in the house.
As the Bulawayo club DJs set foot on the stage for their performance, the crowd went berserk.
Their performance was high-octane and their stage presence was unrivalled as they also sampled new songs inclusive of Umoya Wami and a remix of other popular songs.
Variety is the spice of life and that is one thing that the DJs did not forget as different musical genres were served on the decks. The DJs also played their original music to an appreciative crowd.
AmaJahunda did not know what hit them as the Bulawayo contingent brought the place down.
Cocktails, tots and the popular shisha pipe were served at the fast-rising establishment.
The Conga Brothers are known to have a full complement of talent with a guitarist, vocalist and choreographer in their locker.
The group consists of veteran club DJ Prince Eskhosini and DJ Stinah who is a vocalist, producer and songwriter.
On the vocals is Fozah who is also known as the Black Rose who is a singer and choreographer as well as Theo Mellow Soul who is a guitarist.
The mood was set alight with Theo’s slick guitar-playing skills while Forza belted some vocal gold with Stinah.
The establishment’s director, Mgcini Mike Nkolomi cherished having the Bulawayo band and lauded praises on their pyrotechnic show characterised by unbridled energy and showmanship.
“There’s something special about the band.
Their delivery is always on point and it’s no rocket science as to why we’ve had them twice in the same month.
Their vibe, professionalism and energy is contagious and I think our up-and-coming artistes will and have learnt a thing or two from these guys,” commented Nkolomi.
In sync, Shisanyama marketing and public relations manager Bekithemba “DJ T Money” Masuku also praised what the band brings to the town.
“To me, it’s all in the vibe that they have in their locker.
We always have first class entertainment when they are around and this is in sync with our vision to be the place to be when one is in Gwanda.
We will definitely invite them soon, even before the end of year if all goes accordingly,” said Masuku.
DJ Prince Eskhosini and the Conga Brothers’ show was sandwiched by Master Zhoe’s and the usual Sunday Family Fun Day culminating the trifecta of shows.
This past weekend, a host of Bulawayo creatives headed to the town for Miss Phoenix. — @eMKlass_49
Online Reporter