Moment of silence for Dhewa at benefit concert

the weekend held a moment of silence for their departed fellow musician Tongai Moyo who passed away two weeks ago.
Clad in a black outfit, Dendera musician Suluman Chimbetu asked the crowd to join him in a moment of silence on stage in memory of the late Utakataka Express frontman before belting out some of his hit songs like “Dzamutsana” among others.
Sulu and his Orchestra Dendera Kings outfit put up a polished act despite the fact that they were rushing to another show at Hwenje’s Village in Glen Norah.
This was Sulu’s maiden performance at the fundraising gala and as has become the norm, he gave his best shot.
Alick Macheso also remembered his comrade Dhewa by playing some of his songs and music lovers marvelled at “Extrabasso’s music skills”.
From Dhewa’s music, Macheso then switched to his own songs like “Tafadzwa” named after his second wife, “Mundikumbuke”, “Shedia” and “Madhawu” among others.
But the toast of the night was the inclusion of former Orchestra Mberikwazvo rhythm guitarist, Innocent Mijintu, whose performance alongside his former boss Macheso rekindled memories of the days when the two were still an item playing together.
The crowd loved every bit of the show and screamed for more when Mijintu played his signature tunes.
Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria and his Khiama Boys were also in fine tune belting out hits like “Mabvi Nemagokora” and the goatie left-handed guitarist kept the crowd on its feet.
The crowd went wild when Minister of Media, Information and Publicity, Cde Webster Shamu, Dr Obadiah Moyo the chief executive officer of the hospital and the late Cephas Mashakada’s widow Eunice – took to the dance floor when the Sounds of the Muddy Face played.
Led by Shemu “Chibage” Mashonganyika on lead vocals, the group played some of the late Mashakada’s songs like “Samson” and “Vadzidzi Vangu” which reminded many of the day when Mashakada was still alive and played at the benefit concert, of which he was one of the pioneers.
It was a tearful moment for Eunice who could not help but remember through tears her late husband.
Hosiah Chipanga, Takesure Muronzi and Munyaradzi Mupositori Muchetu also gave a good account of themselves at the gala.
However, gospel music group Mahendere Brothers who had promised to perform at the concert failed to turn up owing to other commitments.
Now in its sixth edition, the fundraising gala lived up to its billing with various sponsors chipping in in cash and kind.