adminNkululeko Nkala
When the past week began, the only publicly confirmed events were the Chibuku Neshamwari competition and Ntando Moyoa��s comedy show.
The Chibuku Competition is a clash of local bands which pits upcoming unrecorded bands against each other. The competition is a stepping stone for most groups ushering them into the big leagues. The last group to win it in
Bulawayo was Black Face band, back in 2006.
Ntando Moyoa��s debut one-man show dubbed Biziriot was the other show most entertainment enthusiasts looked forward to.
The comedian who is the founding member for Umahlekisa Comedy Club did not disappoint the 100 plus who braved the freezing temperatures to watch him. He kept all of us laughing with his intelligent jokes. Ita��s also good that Rainbow Hotel is slowly but surely becoming the comedy venue of choice.
NetOne was in town to launch their One Fusion product. Their target was the celebrities of the City.
The event was held at The Rainbow Hotel. It was a different launch for sure attended by mostly creatives and the media. Their package(s) which range from $5 to $200 are a must have.
They give access to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Voice calls, SMS and Data. It was really cool to feel like a celebrity for once, getting the goodie bag which had a selfie stick, a new Netone line and $10 airtime to enjoy the One Fusion experience.
Now here is what really pisses me off. How come not even one organisation or company trading in our city has the time to make us brand ambassadors? How do we grow as artistes? Whata��s even worse, is that at events like that, the DJa��s would not even play local music, busy shuffling between South African , Nigerian and anything from out of Bulawayo. Anyway thata��s a bone for another day.
It will be scandalous to talk about the weekend entertainment without mentioning the sudden return of Umdala Wethu Gala, as you might all know we are back to celebrating the life of uBaba uMafukufuku (wonder why we stopped in the first place), hopefully this time it will go annually and for a long time, because The Legend should never be forgotten. So yes the gala roared to life and despite the last minute programming of artistes and the very poor marketing, thousands thronged White City Stadium to celebrate an icon.
The lineup included the likes of Sandra Ndebele, Jeys Marabini, Black Umfolosi, Clement Magwaza, Impumelelo Shining Stars and Mzoe 7 to name a few. I was particularly impressed by Mzoe 7a��s set. He mixed his back track with live instruments. Even though there was lip-sync here and there, it gave his set a live feel. Keep it up young man.
Now back to Neshamwari, Kupenya Stars were the eventual winners for the day. The group which rose from nothing to overnight sensations last year, were amazing on the day. Their display was top drawer. I did not see the score cards, but I am certain the second best was nowhere near Kupenya. The group who are currently working on their debut album, last year performed at Intwasa Arts festival, Ibumba Festival and Beitbridge International Festival of Arts. I am writing about them because I believe they are hope for our music to win it after a decade. Good luck at the finals Kupenya Stars.
The Private Lounge has been the talk of town for a while. I finally made my appearance on Tuesday. I believe somehow or in some funny way the coming of the joint into the night scene has changed things. I would like to write about the top 5 night joints in Bulawayo.
Did the Private Lounge change all the rules and the game? Are they number one? Are other clubs still holding their own?
As a side note, tell me if the club is good for Bulawayo or not and why. Get in touch with me on 0715654255 (Whatsapp only)
Online Reporter