adminBongani Ndlovu and Simba Mutizwa Showbiz Reporters
THE Bayethe Bulawayo Concert that featured Sulumani Chimbetu, Sandra Ndebele, Albert Nyathi and Ndolwane Super Sounds on Friday night was poorly attended but the acts were superb and those at the show had a great time.The show was a joint celebration between Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo and the Bulawayo City Council, which were commemorating 10 year and 120 year anniversaries respectively.
Most people were seated on the top tier at the Large City Hall and a few were at the bottom.
Martin and Ndolwane Super Sounds and Sulumani Chimbetu were the best acts on the night and kept revellers on their feet.
Sulu came on stage after Amawala Band and immediately those in the crowd surged forward to be close to the action on stage.
He did not waste time and got down to business and people were soon dancing and singing to Dendera Music.
The Sean Timba hit maker played a mixed bag of his hits and his father’s such as One Way, Imba Yacho, Samatenga and Dzandipedza Mafuta.
He performed songs from his four albums such as Non Stop, Dzamutsana and the ever popular Sean Timba.
After Sulu it was dub poet Albert Nyathi’s chance to be on stage and he did his best to keep the appreciative crowd on their feet. Nyathi was constantly reminding his audience that he was celebrating the 20th anniversary of his hit song Senzeni Na.
Sandra Ndebele did not disappoint with her act that was packed with high energy on stage.
Martin and Ndolwane Super Sounds shut down the show with their impressive and refined acts.
The Bakhuzeni hit maker, clad in a brown leather waist coat, white collared striped shirt, white trousers and matching shoes came on stage amid wild cheers from revellers.
Martin, backed by a three member dance crew named Amajongosi, did not disappoint with his music and was consistent from start to finish.
Martin played tracks such as Uhluphile, Umphahambe, Donsa, Inqokonqoko and Bakhuzeni. Most in the crowd were singing along and having fun.
Reasons vary why the venue did not fill up chief among them was that revellers enjoyed themselves thoroughly before the show at the City Hall car park. People like Ramsy Kays and groups like Afro Fresh and Chicken Bus set the tone for the rest of the night.
The show was supposed to finish at 9PM but ended at 10PM.
Meanwhile, wrapping up Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo on Saturday night was the Comedy Night at the Hope Centre.
The Comedy Night was organised by Umahlekisa and supported by Savanna Dark, Culture Fund and Alliance Francaise.
Comedians, Doc Vikela from Harare, Babongile Sikhonjwa who was MC and one of the actors, Zwexy, HO and Ntando Van Moyo had hilarious and witty jokes that touched on everyday issues from politics, business, music to churches and football.
Doc Vikela was the most hilarious while Sikhonjwa’s jokes were crude and made people cringe and laugh at the same time.
Later on in the night at the Chibuku stage, a polished performance from sensational jazz artiste Jeys Marabini wound up the 10th edition of the Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo in style as fans were left clamouring for more at the City Hall car park.
The artiste, fresh from Europe, left the hundred plus fans star-struck as most of them were watching him live on stage for the first time.
Speaking to Chronicle Showbiz after the performance, the visibly elated Marabini said he was over the moon with the response he got from his fans during the performance.
“I am so thankful for the response that I got from my fans today. Marabini has come a long way and has grown from strength to strength through the support that I am receiving from my fans,” he said.
Backed by Bulawayo’s up-and-coming gospel artiste, Dumi Nyongola and his four member band, Jeys was able to bring the house down.
The song Ndwandwe, Akungibambabambe got fans dancing and singing along.
Fans who spoke to Chronicle Showbiz after Jeys’ performance were over the moon.
“I can’t believe that I am watching Jeys Marabini for the first time on stage in Bulawayo at a free show,” said Hilton Msarurwa.
“Marabini is the man behind our music in Bulawayo. We are going to support him all the way, we love him and his music too,” said another Marabini fan Shingirirai Moyo.
Online Reporter