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Arts Reporter
REVELLERS were spoilt for choice over the weekend as the country’s top entertainers were performing.
On Friday, songstress Feli Nandi managed to host, “A Night with Feli Nandi” at the 7 Arts auditorium which was full.
She belted out her hit songs, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
On Saturday, the Harare entertainment scene stole the limelight as the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) ended on a high note.
Besides the fireworks display, there were electrifying performances from the Zimdancehall stable which entertained thousands of showgoers.
For merry-makers who believe in class and elegance, First Capital Sports Club was the place of choice as it hosted the Unplugged Coca-Cola Food Festival for the second time.
A vibrant celebration of music, food, and premium outdoor experience, the event lived to its billing as local acts stole the show.
To say they put on a vintage act would be an understatement. Maybe magical is the word as fans enjoyed the day.
While top South African musician, Tsholofelo Mokhine — better known as Felo Le Tee — was tipped to become the major drawcard, local acts also showed their pedigree.
Mbare-bred Zimdancehall chanter, Killer T, was the night’s toast as he wowed the crowd with a polished act.
He got the crowd eating from his palm playing sing-along tracks such as “Kana Ndanyura”, “Ngausandidaro Mujolo”, “Bvunza Tinzwe”, “Takangodaro” and “Handigumbuke”.
Holy Ten, whose influence among the youths is huge, had a good day in office.
His stage interaction and presence were superb as he mingled with the crowd during his act.
Mujaya, as the rap sensation is popularly known, was also a favourite with revellers belting hit after hit.
With Harare saturated, the Zimbabwe Cup Clash met expectations at its traditional venue, the City Sports Club.
The event, which coincided with the last day of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, paraded old and new chanters.
Kudos go to show promoter Partson Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions who is now famed for promoting the Zimdancehall movement.
Not only is Chimbodza empowering local creatives, but he is also grooming the next generation of Zimdancehall artistes who are set to make an impact.
“As an arts promoter, I must think beyond the obvious and plan.
“In my case, I have realised that we need to give others the platform to shine and express themselves.
“I feel proud I identify new talent each year which is a sign of growth for myself and the industry,” he said.
Madzimai I-Candy was crowned dancehall queen while Libho was voted the best Zimdancehall 2024 King.
Holy Ten made a surprise appearance at the Zimbabwe Cup Clash although he had a slight mishap after missing his step on stage.
The Chillspot family led by DJ Fantan also celebrated their 12th anniversary last weekend.
The Mbare-based Zimdancehall clique’s influence among the youths continues to inspire new talent.
Arguably Zimbabwe’s most trending hype man — DJ Fantan has proved that resilience and hard work are critical in the creative sector.
Meanwhile, consistent mbira player, Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange, ushered merry-makers into a bright weekend with a sold-out gig at The Yard (formerly Bar Rouge) housed in the heart of Longcheng Plaza in Belvedere, Harare.
Mangwenya, a proud spiritualist and herbalist, blessed fans with traditional snuff known as bute at the show.
Harare’s well-to-do ladies, known as Manjuzu in their circles, thoroughly enjoyed the event set to remain engraved in the minds of many.
Mangwenya, who transformed herself from an urban grooves singer to mbira, has been dishing out scintillating performances.
Backed by a star-studded band, Mangwenya’s ability to fuse mbira with electric guitars has made her a marvel.
“I love my job and each time that I take to the stage, I make sure that my fans are happy.
“I can’t afford to disappoint them because they are exceptional in my life,” she said.
Online Reporter