adminAuxilia Katongomara Entertainment Correspondent
DENDERA music frontman Sulumani Chimbetu on Friday night paid tribute to the late former South African President, Nelson Mandela.
Sulu, as he is affectionately known, remembered Mandela with his late father Simon’s track Ndarangarira Gamba, skilfully changing the lyrics and fitting in Madiba’s name at the annual Shutdown gig held at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre.
The gig pitting Superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, Sulumani Chimbetu, fast rising Bulawayo accapella outfit Family Voices and celebrated arts outfit Iyasa, produced a night full of surprises and all the artistes left fans in awe.
The show had kicked off on a low note with fans trickling in slowly in what some presumed would be a flop.
But that was not to be. As soon as Iyasa got on stage at about 10pm two hours after the set time, traffic significantly increased.
The world travelled dancers set the pace for the show stealing the attention of the rather bored fans who had been entertained by disc jockeys till then.
Iyasa left fans marvelling at the great artistic and choreographed dances that proved why they have been a mainstay in showbiz for so long.
Family Voices stole the hearts of many with their accapella music. The young entertainers began with their usual gospel tracks but transcended to secular music with renditions from various artistes thrilling the audiences as they braced for the big acts of the night.
Superstar Oliver Mtukudzi took to the stage at around 11.30pm and his entrance on the stage was greeted by wild screams from mostly female fans.Tuku, as the superstar is affectionately known, played his yesteryear hits, spicing his catalogue with some of his latest hits.
Tuku’s discography in the recent shows had become predictable with tracks such as Tozeza Baba, Shanda and Hossanna.
Some of the hits played by the legendary musician included Hear me Lord, Munendipasa Manyemwe, Baba Vakaenda and Neria.
However, most fans seemed lost when Tuku selected some tracks from his latest hits such as Hero and Unoyerera while some felt that he needed to spice up with female voices as the four member band lacks a unique female sound.
Tuku sent fans into delirium when he played the track of the moment, Watitsvata (Patapata) signalling the end of his performance and leaving the stage in style.
Sulu was last on stage and as usual came fired up, sporting a white suit and his trademark black sunglasses. The supercharged Dendera star Sulumani did not disappoint either.
He put up a superb and polished act.
Sulu mixed his own compositions with Simon’s but the latter’s proved more popular to both the young and old. Simon’s yesteryear hits such as Dzandipedza Mafuta, Nguva yakaoma and Ndarangarira Gamba were among the crowd favourites.
He played crowd favourites, Batai Munhu, Mkoma Sam and Njiva.
The show ended in the wee hours of the morning with most fans still charged up wanting more.
The show was promoted by Lussate Promotions and coincided with two other shows in the city.
Online Reporter