Andrew
Veronica Gwaze and Dennis Chimanzi
LOCAL artistes are enjoying brisk business, with shows lined up for Christmas, as the nation celebrates its first festive season after a series of Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns.
The global pandemic came in early March 2020.
Gatherings, live shows and travel, among other activities, were temporarily banned as part of the regulations that sought to curb the spread of the virus.
With the regulations eased earlier this year to allow for more activities, artistes have a lot of shows lined up for the festive season.
Leading the pack is Sungura maestro Alick “Baba Shero” Macheso (pictured), who launched his album “Tinosvitswa naShe” in June in a sold-out show at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza.
Since the start of December, Baba Shero had live shows lined up in Bindura, Watsomba, Chiredzi, Chivi, Chipinge, Mutoko, Murambinda, Chitungwiza and Harare.
Today, he is part of the line-up set to perform in Hwedza, before he rocks Chitungwiza’s Tanza Bar later in the evening.
Mark Ngwazi also has a busy schedule this festive season.
The Njanja Express frontman launched his album “Nharo nezvine Nharo” at Bar Rouge, Long Chen Plaza, in June, a few weeks after Macheso’s.
This month, Ngwazi had shows in Filabusi, Zvishavane, Shurugwi, Rusape and Harare.
Today, he is in the line-up of top performers at the much-hyped Hwedza Show.
“The year 2022 has been better. Covid-19 protocols were relaxed in time for us to work on and launch our album physically, allowing us to reunite with our fans after a long time,” he said.
“Our schedule is fully packed and with our latest album reception, we are considering launching another one next year.
“Today, we are performing in Hwedza and there will not be any family time for us as artistes.”
The December schedule has also been tight for Sungura grandpa Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria and the Khiama Boys.
Apart from having a series of live shows, he also performed at the Harare Metropolitan World Mental Health Day and the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims commemorations in the capital.
He is also part of the Hwedza line-up today.
“I am very happy that this year we are celebrating Christmas with our fans after a long time, so there will not really be much time for family. The past two years have been tough; we lost some of our band members to greener pastures. Some fans abandoned us, too, so, this is a time to rebuild.
“I am happy that we are back to normal, also healing from the Covid-19 financial wounds,” said Madzibaba.
Afro-fusion singer Andy Muridzo and the Jeetaz Band have also been busy this month.
After postponing his Ireland tour, which was scheduled for mid-December, the “Dherira” hitmaker used this time to perform locally. He has vowed to provide a flawless act in Hwedza, where he will play some of his songs from his latest album “Zunza”, which was launched at Long Cheng Plaza in August.
“We had to postpone our debut Ireland show to a later date but generally, we have not had time to rest this month. Fans are our second family and this year, we spend it with them,” he said.
“A lot has happened in the two years and to have fans who stood by you all the way is a blessing and it is time to thank them.”
Zimdancehall is also enjoying the busy festive schedule.
Freeman, born Slyvester Chizanga, will also be in Hwedza, before he hits the road to light up the stage at The Odyssey, Kadoma, later in the evening. The HKD boss is still enjoying a purple patch after launching a well-received album titled “David and Goliath” earlier in October.
The launch, held at Alexandra Sports Club, was graced by Chris Martin.
“From the album launch, it is hard to believe that I have so many fans, and since today we are celebrating the first Christmas after the lockdown, fans should brace for a time of their lives,” said Freeman.
“We have been touring the country with our new album and our busy schedule means no family time today. However, I will make it up to them after the festive season.”
Ras Caleb still has fresh memories of the hard times that hit most artistes during the lockdown and how they had to device alternative plans for survival.
“We largely survive on live shows, so lockdown meant resorting to side hustles; this left Zimdancehall suffering and, as a result, some people thought the genre had died.
“Now is the time to rekindle it with our fans and today we are performing in Hwedza. We will be away from our families but fans also need us on this first Christmas after the lockdown.”
This month, the “Tokwe Mukosi” hitmaker had live shows in Harare, Kariba and Kadoma.
Traditional music sensation Diana Samkange also has no time for family, as she will be celebrating Christmas on stage at Harare’s Crown Plaza Hotel.
Samkange will perform during lunchtime and dinner.
“We have been looking forward to this opportunity for the past two year.
““Covid-19 made life tough for us and our fans, and this year, we rekindle the yesteryear joy. It is sad that we are not getting enough numbers at our live shows yet; people had adjusted to a new normal and we have to work hard to win them back.”
Jiti artiste Baba Harare is happy that his recent album launch coincided with the festive season. His Hwedza playlist is made up of his new and old tracks.
Online Reporter