Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena/Mthabisi Tshuma in Gwanda
GWANDA came alive in the early hours of Sunday as South African Amapiano sensation Lee Mckrazy stamped his authority with a fiery 45-minute set that confirmed his status as one of Mzansi’s most sought-after acts.
The Amabhoza hit-maker headlined a packed night that also featured impressive performances from Urban Grooves star Quonfuzed and Zimdancehall heavyweights Hulengende and Malloti, officially ushering in the festive season for the mining town.
True to Gwanda’s unique nightlife culture, revellers secured their tickets early before warming up at various joints around town. By 10pm, the venue appeared quiet, but that calm proved deceptive — Gwanda’s parties start after midnight.
Quonfuzed kicked off proceedings just after midnight, instantly shifting the tempo. His energetic set pulled crowds into the venue as he dished out favourites such as Uchachema, Kamunamato Kekubhawa, Nguva and Georgina, while also paying tribute to the late Zimdancehall icon Souljah Love with Gum Kum and Magetsi.
The momentum peaked when Hulengende took to the stage alongside Malloti. The duo sent fans into a frenzy with Ibvai, Chigunduru ChaJehovah and Ponda Moyo. Their smash hit Fadza Madzimai proved unstoppable, with fans demanding four encores.
At 3AM, all eyes turned to the headline act. With pressure mounting after Scotts Maphuma’s explosive performance at the same venue last month, Lee Mckrazy delivered without flinching. Calm, confident and commanding, he had the crowd moving to Amabhoza (Jealousy), Kokotela, Ngibolekeni and Mdantso Nyana, before closing with a popular rendition of Mafikizolo’s We Bhuti.
Even after Lee Mckrazy signed off at 3:45am, the party showed no signs of slowing. DJ Keitho kept the decks spinning until sunrise, as revellers danced until 6am.
Notably, the night ended without a single incident, underlining a festive season marked by peace, enjoyment and unity.
