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AS the year 2015 comes to an end today (Thursday), a lot of major events worth recalling occurred, from dismal performances, flops and artistes’ unprofessional tendencies. Entertainment Correspondent, Liberty Mutsawashe Dube, takes us down the memory lane on the major events that took place in 2015.
Hosiah Chipanga and confusion
I have personal respect for the veteran composer and singer. His vast experience in the entertainment industry is unquestionable. He possesses special traits such as charisma, humility and professionalism which do not exist in most artistes. Chipanga sings with so much passion, sensitivity, devotion, depth and honesty. Listen to his yester-year hit, Pfuma huru panyika. But something really went wrong with the NAMA award winner this year.
Earlier this year, the lanky musician complained bitterly that promoters were shunning him.
He blamed a popular promoter for using and dumping him. He accused the media for his own downfall. He, subsequently, in protest, moved to his rural home in Mwoyoweshumba, Watsomba to venture into farming, saying that would only save his family from wallowing in abject poverty. He came back to the city and something came into his mind. Later this year, he moved to Windhoek, Namibia. His move was seemingly facilitated by a litany of challenges that attacked the Kwachu Kwachu hit-maker in and out of the music fraternity. Reports say that the flip-flopping artiste is back in Zimbabwe after realising that the grass was not greener the other side.
Headman Madongonda struggles to recover money from Sulu
Muwi Village headman in Nyanga, Landmine Madongonda, claimed that he was struggling to recover his money from dendera musician, Suluman Chimbetu after he sold him potato seed worth $ 3 600 in October 2013.
In the acknowledgement of debt, attached on Madongonda’s affidavit which he filed at Nyanga Magistrate’s Courts (Case number 132/14) on December 19 and in possession of The Weekender, he said he sold Suluman Chimbetu potato seed worth $3 600 and the two agreed that Madongonda would be paid $300 every Tuesday by Orchestra Dendera Kings management.
Soul Jah Love eats humble pie
Controversial dancehall artiste, Soul Jah Love allegedly soiled himself and failed to turn up for a show at Platinum Club. He opted to perform in Beitbridge the same night he was supposed to be in Mutare. The two incidents subsequently led promoter, Isau Mupfumi to file a police report and the chanter was arrested. He spent the whole night in police cells before Mupfumi withdrew the charges.
Jah Love later penned a diss song blasting the media for focusing only on his flaws yet ignoring how he positively inspires ghetto youths. He said the newspaper carried out the story just for the sake of business.
Diamond FM opens doors
Zimpapers-run commercial radio station, Diamond FM is now up and running and has been received with much hype by the Manicaland population, with full throttle broadcasting expected soon after completion of renovations at The Manica Post building.
Diamond FM station manager, Leander Kandiero, expressed confidence in the radio station’s success. In June this year, auditions were conducted and 12 presenters were chosen. Our signal has been running and we are impressed with the progress and response we have been getting from the people of Manicaland.
Owing to the popular demand by Mutare people to hear their own voices, the presenters were introduced three weeks ago, in two-hour broadcasts and I am happy with their performance so far despite the fact that they are still undergoing intense training. News has been one of the major requests by the people of Mutare and I should say that the news team is also going through training. News bulletins can be expected in the next two weeks. All this has been happening parallel to the construction of state of the art studios at The Manica Post building,” he said.
Kandiero confirmed that the broadcasting equipment from Italy was now in the country and was awaiting installation as soon as the renovations were complete.
The return of Lawrence Haisa
Forgotten gospel artiste, Lawrence Haisa, marked his return in the gospel music industry by featuring on budding gospel artiste Blessing Pangira’s new album, Itai bedzi zvaareva.
The six-track album which was produced at Kunashe Studios by Olin Anderson is Pangira’s second after his debut, Kunamata Kungwara last year.
Haisa who rose to fame more than 10 years ago after releasing soothing hits such as Burukai Mwari and Ndinobvuma, Jesu Ibuwe and Fuku Rangu added splendor to the album with his unique and husky voice.
Sabhuku Vharazipi unleashes DVD
The much-awaited DVD, Sabhuku Vharazipi 3hit the streets late this year and David Mubaiwa, popularly known in the showbiz industry as Sabhuku Vharazipi, is ecstatic that his new project would scale dizzy heights.
Cultural centre nears completion
Community-based centre, Village Walk Cultural and Arts Centre situated near Forbes Border Post is nearing completion with owners saying the centre will officially open shop early next year.
The centre, according to entertainment consultants and owners, Obey “Big Fish” Hove and Tichaona “DJ Fresh” Zhuwau is aimed at promoting arts, culture and entertainment in the province. It will proffer a platform for musicians, arts groups as well as artists to showcase their talents.
The place is also expected to bring together different cultural etiquettes from Zimbabwe and the neighbouring Mozambique through tradition and contemporary music. This is a brilliant initiative, but financial and emotional support would be needed if this project is to see the light.
Macheso rehires Obert Gomba
No doubt, veteran drummer, Obert Gomba still remains Alick Macheso’s darling bud. It is therefore less shocking that he is back at Orchestra Mberikwazvo. During his performance at the Platinum on Christmas Day, Gomba played with passion and verve.
It was there for everyone to see that he was back to where he belongs. Without taking anything away from Givemore Chokumanyara, another Mberikwazvo drummer, there is something special about Gomba that Macheso could not resist.
Online Reporter