admin
Gibson Mhaka
WHAT a fun and unique way to celebrate a birthday! The party proves age is just a number, and style never truly fades.
A woman from Makokoba suburb in Bulawayo threw a memorable birthday bash for herself that had everyone in the suburb buzzing. The party had a special touch — vintage clothing and old music from her youthful era — making it a nostalgic celebration that evoked a sense of belonging.
To celebrate her 58th birthday, Joyce Chanza, decked out the venue with items reminiscent of her chosen era. These included vintage radios, telephone handsets, photographs, posters and other memorabilia.
The atmosphere was one of vintage elegance. Guests donned their finest attire from bygone decades, with ladies in flowing swing dresses and gentlemen impeccably dressed in sharp suits and fedora hats.
Guests revelled in fun activities popular during their youth, dancing to old music, playing era-specific games and sharing nostalgic stories from the past. Even the food choices echoed the chosen era, making the entire experience a delightful trip down memory lane. In an interview, Chanza described the birthday bash as a delightful trip down memory lane for herself and her guests.
“I realised throwing a birthday party that truly makes you feel like the centre of attention requires some advanced planning and creativity. That’s when the idea struck me to incorporate vintage clothing and old music from our era into the celebration. These vintage items spark memories of the good old days when we were growing up — the times and experiences these items represent,” said Chanza.
“The younger generation, often referred to as ‘Ama2k,’ sometimes has a disconnect from their parents and elders,” Chanza observed.
“There’s a perception that they feel they have all the answers, which can lead to challenges in life. It’s important to remember that marriage is a complex institution, and navigating it successfully requires effort from both partners. Perhaps there’s something we, from older generations, can learn from each other.”
Her husband echoed her sentiments, expressing gratitude for the support from their neighbours and friends who came in large numbers.
“I’m happy we decided to go with this theme, and I’m grateful for the support from our neighbours. The vintage items, music and dances all reflect the kind of life we lived back when we were young,” he said.
A guest at the party, who identified herself as MaNdiweni said: “This is definitely a birthday bash to remember. It was such a lovely tribute to a bygone era. The vintage decorations truly transported us back in time.”
Khumbulani Ngwiza Moyo, who collected and curated the vintage materials, expressed his satisfaction. He said the items were a stark reminder of the life lived during that time.
“I’m in the business of collecting vintage materials,” Moyo said. “Mama Chanza told me she wanted her birthday to be different from others. That’s when she suggested I decorate the venue with vintage items and play music from the olden days.”
Online Reporter