Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
THE much-anticipated Legends Night, which came to Bulawayo for the first time since its inception, saw hundreds of music lovers braving the cold as they spent a night of quality music at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Hall 2 on Saturday.
The event saw a crew of talented musicians led by In Total Band performing cover songs of Zimbabwean music legends as they honoured them with beautiful renditions of yesteryear songs.
Multi-award-winning dance ensemble Iyasa were also in the mix as they complemented the band with their stellar moves on some of the songs.
Local band Fusion was trusted with a mandate to open the stage and warm up the venue as revellers made their way.
Like always, the band proved why they are favourites in Bulawayo and its surroundings as they staged a top-notch performance — setting a pace for the main band of the night.
The event was not just about music.
It was about networking, toasting to legends and fostering brotherhood among fellow musicians and other artistes from different genres.
Some of the notable figures who were in attendance were theatre gurus Jasen Mphepo, Simon Mambazo Phiri, Nkululeko Dube, Othnell Mangoma Moyo, Clive Mono Mukundu and a host of local talented band members.
In Total Band managed to do two segments on their performance.
They entered the stage for their first set at exactly 7pm.
This stanza saw them belting yesteryear cover songs like, “Tozeza Baba”, Chitekete, Rudo Runokosha, Mugove, Gomo Ramasare, Ziwere, Ndakuvara, to mention a few.
After their hour-long first set, renowned Bulawayo saxophonist Vuyile Nesbert Qongo took to the stage, as he brought a chilled Jazz touch to the event.
The major highlight of his set was when he did a cover song of the late hip-hop sensation Cal_Vin’s Banjalo Abantu, as it brought emotions to so many people in attendance.
At around 9pm, the In Total Band and crew came back to the stage — this time to honour Bulawayo music legends.
This set mainly incorporated cover songs like Lovemore Majaivana’ KoNtuthu Ziyathunqa and Baba loMama.
The band had an opportunity to do Ilanga songs like “Shosholoza,” which was originally done by the late Don Gumbo.
At the show, the cover was led by Dereck Mpofu.
They also performed True Love.
Legendary poet Albert Nyathi also took to the stage on this segment to perform his smash hit, Senzeni Na!
The major highlight of the last segment was when the crew invited the legendary Cool Crooners to join them on stage as they performed their song Bhulugwe Lami.
It was at this segment where legends were called on stage to be honoured as they were given grocery hampers as a token of appreciation for their contribution to the growth of Zimbabwean music.
Legends who were honoured at the night included Jeys Marabini, Wells Fargo’s Eba Chitambo, Ebony Sheikh’s couple George Phahlane and Phathie Ncube, who is twin sister to Ilanga’s Busi, Chase Skuza, Hudson Simbarashe, Cool Crooners and Sandra Ndebele.
Upon receiving his token of appreciation, Jeys Marabini said it was a privilege to be honoured while still alive.
“These are very rare occasions. We usually get noticed when we are dead, but to be remembered while alive is a good gesture. These young men and women are doing a great thing of reviving our music and that allows our identity to be preserved as Zimbabweans,” said Marabini.
On the sidelines of the show, In Total Band director and renowned saxophonist “Jose Sax” (real name Joseph Chinouriri), said they were super amazed by the number of people who attended the event.
“This is the first time for this event to be held out of Harare and we decided to test the waters and come to Bulawayo. Hundreds of people came and we were overwhelmed by their support as they braved the cold to be with us.
“We loved the atmosphere as we also saw true Zimbabwean music legends coming forward to support us on this initiative,” said Jose Sax.
Because of the love they received in the City of Kings, the crew is already planning a national tour, with their next show set to be held at the Odyssey in Kadoma on June 21.
Meanwhile, local transport company PMC Travel and Tours has pledged to work with Legends Night organisers.
They hailed the band and provided transport to and from Bulawayo as their support.
“Besides being very keen music lovers, we were the official sponsors for transportation for the event. The music industry is one of the most vibrant industries in the arts sector. The integration of digital platforms has helped foster a wider reach and better audience,” said PMC Travel and Tours spokesperson Karen Batishita.
“A lot of sponsoring is required in order to boost the industry so that our artistes can compete on the international stage.”
