Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
JANUARY 25 was an eventful day in Harare.
While some football enthusiasts focused on the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) elections held at the Rainbow Towers at close range, others observed from afar.
But nearly 3 kilometres away from the venue, a “counter-attraction” proved to be the day’s main event.
Mbare suburb came alive with the Swan Valley Extravaganza held at Rufaro Stadium. The event combined soccer action with performances by leading musicians, thrilling fans at the iconic home of football.
This action-packed affair, marking the official launch of the Swan cigarette brand, was well-attended and offered revellers a rare treat: a chance to mix and mingle with top musicians and football stars while enjoying food and drinks.
Mbare, by its nature, rarely disappoints. It is a vibrant place, anytime.
Imagine adding this entertainment combo with near-free admission?
Rufaro Stadium famously hosted Bob Marley when Zimbabwe attained independence. The recent extravaganza’s success suggests the venue remains well-suited for entertainment. While there was no Bob Marley present, the atmosphere, like the 1980 event, was electric and well-attended. One excited fan, Simbarashe, expressed his gratitude to the organisers.
“The beauty of this show is that it paints a positive picture of Mbare and its people, showing that life thrives here. Reading some social media posts, you would think only evil and trickery prevail. No one believes good people live here and that we can have fun peacefully,” he said.
Sungura king Alick Macheso and other musicians delivered captivating performances.
Master H; Kinna, also known as Mr Mbare; Winky D; DJ Fantan; and Levels, among others, showcased their talents, making this a potential show of the year.
But the event was not just about music.
Football also took centre stage.
Before the musicians performed, Dynamos and CAPS United Legends played an exciting match, reminding everyone why clashes between these teams, even with veteran players, are always absorbing.
Prior to that, the Zim Musicians Select team faced a Legends Select team, and the Swan team played against Star FM.
Dubbed “The Harare Edition”, people of all ages began arriving around midmorning for this rare opportunity to rub shoulders with their favourite artistes and football legends under one roof.
The entertainment was accessible for just US$1, which was redeemable for two packs of cigarettes.
Darula, who performed just after 3pm, delivered a near-flawless act, proving her growth as an artiste.
The show was full of surprises.
Khonangale joined Nisha T on stage for their song “N’an’ani”, much to the delight of the crowd. However, Nisha T’s solo performance was weak, showing she still needs experience with live shows.
Wearing a red outfit, Saintfloew connected with his fans. Despite sound issues, he did his best to keep up with the energetic crowd.
Kinna gave a strong performance at his home venue. Master H, in a flashy outfit, left the crowd wanting more with what was arguably one of his best performances. His stage presence and interaction were impressive.
Winky D also delivered a great performance, reminding everyone why he is a top artiste. He performed classic hits like “Musarova Bigman”.
As the evening progressed, Alick Macheso and Orchestra Mberikwazvo took the stage, delivering their usual high-energy performance. Those who braved the cool evening were rewarded with a night of dancing.
Among the attendees were Ambassador Edd Branson and Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife John Paradza, who pledged gifts in the form of money to some artistes.
Hwinza, Kinna, Silent Killer, Khonangale, Sharks, DJ Fantan and Level received a total of US$15 000 to share.
