Ndolwane rock Makokoba

Courage Musariri Entertainment Reporter
NDOLWANE Super Sounds proved to be among the country’s top groups after they gave a polished performance at the Tshinga Dube Music Gala held on Saturday night at Stanley Square in Makokoba, Bulawayo. The show, bankrolled by Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, who is Zanu-PF candidate for Makokoba National Assembly constituency in Wednesday’s election, started at a slow pace with local artistes trying their best to entertain the crowd.

Hours went by without any real form of entertainment as different groups gave mediocre performances. Those that managed to provide some form of entertainment were The Cool Crooners, Mcheznana and Khuxxman, with many showing sign of immaturity.

The show went a gear up when Martin Sibanda and Ndolwane Super Sounds took to the stage. The group left many shell shocked with their act. They gave a performance that mesmerised and took everyone present by surprise.  Despite the limited time, Ndolwane Super Sounds won the hearts with their instruments, lyrics and dance routines.

After their performance fans followed Sibanda, lifted and compared him to Alick Macheso.
“This is our man, the Macheso of Bulawayo. Macheso should come compete with this guy. There is talent in Bulawayo,” said Obedience Moyo, who was part of the audience.

Jeys Marabini took to stage soon after Ndolwane and he did not disappoint. He maintained the standards set by Ndolwane and kept the momentum for what was to follow. Soon after Jeys came Platform One.

The South Africans backed by Jeys’ Kozekulunge band proved they are still a force to be reckoned with.
Fans went wild when the group performed old hit, Isencane. Their performance taught one or two lessons to local musicians. They were so passionate and exuded so much energy for ladies their age. Their melodious voices and perfectly orchestrated Zulu dances captivated Makokoba much to the delight of Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, who joined them on stage.

With fans enjoying this session, the organisers made sure the momentum was kept up as Freddy Gwala, followed after the South Africa ladies.
He was joined on stage by Kozekulunge Band and Platform One. The band played Gwala’s music with perfection. The man literally turned Makokoba into a small South African Township. Song such as Gumbafaya, Ngibotshiwe, Thithidayimami and Amadhamara proved popular with fans as they sang along.

After his performance Gwala hailed the people of Bulawayo for their support.
“I am home.  These people are so special to me and I love them. I want to come back for more shows. I love Zimbabwe and Bulawayo is special to me,” he said.

Fans expressed happiness at the event, with special regards going to Rtd Col Dube for coming up and supporting the event.
The coordinator, Babongile Skhonjwa said he was happy everything went according to plan and more was in store for Bulawayo music fans.

On his part Rtd Col Dube said this is the beginning of many things to come. We will be doing a lot of these as we try to improve the local entertainment scene.

“I want to improve the livelihood or musicians and footballers in Bulawayo. This is just the beginning and I have a team that is already looking at how best we can improve on these areas,” he said.