daniel chigunwe
Trust Khosa
VARIETY is guaranteed for revellers as we enter the second week of June.
Harare alone is ruling the roost when it comes to high-profile events.
Below are some of the major events to usher you into the bright weekend:
SHOWBIZ STALWARTS INVADE RACE COURSE
Borrowdale Race Course comes under the spotlight tomorrow when it hosts this year’s OK Grand Challenge Race Concert.
DJ Fantan and Jah Prayzah will headline the event.
Backed by his loyal Chillspot Records clique of DJ Levels, Ribhe, Ras Caleb and Boss Pumakol, DJ Fantan promises fireworks.
Jah Prayzah’s camp feels honoured to be part of the horse race jamboree after-party.
Popular hype-man MC Abisha Palmer, Dhadza D and Feli Nandi are also part of the bill. For Feli, this encounter is a bit special as the diva has hit a purple patch.
“The OK Grand Challenge is a platform I value a lot.
“It’s an opportunity for us to share the stage with our big musicians and amazing crowd,” she said.
BABA SHARO’S TRIPLE B/DAY SERIES
Sungura ace Alick Macheso turns 56 on Monday but the special day won’t pass unnoticed.
A trio of shows has been lined up as a precursor to the big day.
Tonight, he holds a joint show alongside Somandla “Mafia” Ndebele at Guruve Tavern in Mashonaland Central.
The birthday boy then makes a stopover at Blue Ridge Restaurant for another double with Paradzai Mesi tomorrow.
On Sunday, he holds his final countdown to his birthday with a family show at Jongwe Corner in Harare alongside Peter Moyo.
It’s a busy weekend for Baba Sharo who can’t wait to celebrate his birthday.
SULUMANIA FEVER GRIPS RUWA
Suluman Chimbetu, who turned 42 last month, is in high spirits.
He kicks off the weekend at The Leisure Centre in Ruwa, opposite Ruwa Golf Club tonight.
On Sunday, Sulu teams up with musical ensemble Maisha at the Steak House in Ardbennie for a joint show.
MADZIBABA LECTURES IN DZ
Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria still has the mojo despite old age.
The “Senior Lecturer” returns to Dzivaresekwa Extension by public demand tomorrow where he is billed to perform at Padziva Caravan.
He will be backed by a resident band he is mentoring.
BABA CHAMU SIMPLY UNSTOPPABLE
Ageless Leonard Zhakata treats the stage like the CEO’s office where serious business is done.
Tonight, the phenomenal lyricist will be in action at The Yard, formerly Bar Rouge.
Baba Chamu, as Zhakata is fondly known, has never disappointed at this venue nestled in the heart of LongCheng Plaza, Belvedere.
Mbeu performs at the same venue on June 14.
POTATO, KINNAH LEAN ON MANNEX
Consistent reggae star, Emmanuel “Mannex’ Motsi, is simply on fire.
The “Tsamba” hit-maker will share the stage with yesteryear chanter Potato and Kinnah at Mashwede Village tonight.
Kinnah and Potato have been afforded a rare platform to recharge their waning vocal batteries at this show.
It starts at 9 pm.
RAS CALEB’S MEREKI AFFAIR
Chillspot Records member, Ras Caleb, can hold shows without members of his clique — DJ Fantan, Ribhe and Levels.
Tonight, he will hold a free show at Chicago Nite Club at Mereki Shopping Centre, Warren Park D, Harare.
Tomorrow, he will showcase his talent at the Race Day Concert at Borrowdale Race Course.
VANSO SERENADES GAVA DINERS
Jazz crooner and teacher, Evans “Vanso” Mapfumo, is a true jazz exponent for the future.
He takes his act to Gava Restaurant in Belgravia for an afternoon show tomorrow.
Vanso will be backed by the youthful Kiat Afrika Band.
JUNTAL GIVES H-TOWN A RHUMBA DOSE
The self-proclaimed king of Zimbabwe rhumba will hold two shows in Harare this weekend.
Tonight, he takes care of patrons at Fortress 88 Ambassador Hotel.
He wraps up his schedule with a potentially explosive gig at Cresta Jameson tomorrow.
MUTAMBI GOES RURAL
Simon Mutambi who is weaving his way to the top has the rural folk at heart.
The Cobra Kings boss will be in action at Rosa Nite Club in Chiweshe tonight.
After this gig, he travels to Chegutu for another show at Mobile Link Bar, a hub for artisanal miners and farmers.
He will be promoting his 12th album titled “Tiri Pamutsetse”, which is doing well on the radio charts.
VEE MHOFU SETTLES @ CAPTAIN DETE
The prolific mbira player has found a new home at Captain Dete Bar near the National Railways of Zimbabwe main station in Harare.
He performs at the venue today backed by his outfit, Dziva Rembira.
The show is a must-attend for spiritualists as Vee Mhofu supplies free snuff (bute) during his mbira sessions.’
ISLAND OF JOY LEAVES MARK
After screening last week’s UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, the fun continues at Island of Joy along Simon Mazorodze Road in Waterfalls.
Resident wheel-spinner, DJ Bvongo and Friends will take care of patrons through the weekend. Kids’ games are also on offer as part of family events.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter