Johnsias Mutonhori
RISING Zimdancehall sensation Hulungende, popularly known as the man of the moment, is set to bring Gweru to life this Saturday when he headlines the much-anticipated Sneaker Festival at Gweru Sports Club.
The young chanter will share the stage with a diverse line-up of performers, including Nyasha David, Maloti, Kadiki, Sane Wave, Madedido, African Wine and Trap Dee, in an event expected to celebrate Zimbabwean music, fashion and contemporary pop culture.
Show organiser Munashe Best Saunyama said preparations were at an advanced stage, with the organisers putting together a musical package designed to appeal to different audiences.
“The show is dubbed Sneaker Festival in celebration of pop culture. We have made sure that every major genre in the country is represented so that everyone is catered for.
“We have Zimdancehall, hip-hop and different DJs representing various genres. We want people to come out and enjoy themselves,” he said.
For Hulungende, the Gweru show presents another opportunity to consolidate his growing reputation as one of the exciting young voices in Zimdancehall.
The chanter, whose popularity has been boosted by the club anthem Fadza Madzimai, is riding high on the success of his latest album, Tsvimbo Mutauro, which was recently launched in Chitungwiza.
Saturday’s performance will give Midlands fans an opportunity to experience the album’s material live as he takes his latest offering beyond his usual audiences.
His growing following on social media and increasing presence on the live performance circuit have further strengthened his standing in a genre that continues to attract a new generation of performers.
His rise has also sparked conversations among fans about his place in the new Zimdancehall order, with comparisons frequently being drawn between him and fellow young chanter Junior Spragga.
Although neither artiste has publicly declared a rivalry, the comparisons have fuelled debate among followers, with supporters weighing in on who deserves recognition as the leading voice of the new generation.
With an eclectic supporting line-up and Hulungende enjoying a strong run in his career, the Sneaker Festival is expected to provide Gweru revellers with a lively Saturday entertainment experience.
