It’s time to lockdown Harare

Arts Reporters
All roads lead to Harare International Conference Centre where Mafikizolo and Roberto share the stage with local acts tonight. The gig is titled “Harare Lockdown Concert” and the foreigners are expected to present top-drawer acts while the local team of Olver Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah and Alexio is expected to also provide quality entertainment. The musicians are expected to bring the festive mood to their local fans considering that today would be ‘shutdown’ Friday for most workers.

Mafikizolo has performed in the country before and left lasting impressions with their stagework and timeless hits like “Emlanjeni” popularly known as “I will meet you at the river”. Their combination with Oliver Mtukudzi is likely to bring fireworks to HICC and leave lasting impressions. Mtukudzi is currently riding high with his new album “Mukombe Wemvura”.

Zambia’s Roberto is causing a stir with his Amarula” hit and has said he is happy to tour Zimbabwe. Show organiser Simba Madziwa of Simmad Entertainment said they have prepared a spectacular festive season ignition event for music lovers.

“It will be the last day at work for most workers and they will be in festive season mood. Mafikizolo is a talented duo and we want people to begin their festive season in style. Roberto has promised fireworks at the show. We promise a good show because we have many spices on the programme. Tuku, Jah and Alexio will ensure that the visitors are well complemented,” said Madziwa.

Mafikizolo is a renowned regional group. Their name may mean ‘new kids on the block, who just arrived yesterday’ in Zulu, but Mafikizolo is no newcomer. This vibrant, stylish group that created a delicious dance brew by mixing old and new South.

African sounds, have released seven hit filled AfroPop albums, sold over a million copies, picked up countless awards, and is undoubtedly one of the most successful groups in South Africa.

According to the group’s biography, apart from the eight SAMA and many other awards they have received, career highlights include going multi-platinum, performing at Nelson Mandela’s 46664 AIDS charity shows in Norway and Cape Town, travelling to London, Japan and around Africa; meeting Nelson Mandela and performing for Thabo Mbeki.

The Mafikizolo journey began after Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza met at talent shows in their township Kagiso in Western Johannesburg where they would imitate R&B acts like Aaliyah and Boyz II Men before they decided to create their own band.

Tickets to the Harare Lockdown show are going for $15 and $25 and are available at HICC, Reflections Stores, Sam Levy’s Village, Avondale Shopping Centre, Joina City, Westgate and ZB Towers.