adminDespite being overshadowed by a new breed of singers that include Mathias Mhere and Blessing Shumba in recent times, the duo showed they were far from being spent forces with a show that was well appreciated by a cosmopolitan crowd at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Dallas.
Backed by a US-based band, Pastor G as he is affectionately known in music, was first on stage and he performed yesteryear hits such as “I Wanna Thank You” and “Dreaming Again” from his latest album. Pastor G’s hip-hop like style endeared him with the crowd of Zimbabweans. Up next was Pastor Mafukidze, who arguably boasts one of the soulful voices in gospel, and closed the show in fine style after belting his classics that include “Driver” and “Crossroads”.
One of the organisers of the show, Sipho Gumbo, paid tribute to the artistes saying they brought them closer to home.
“You could see that the crowd really enjoyed the show. For me it was a show to remember and I would like to give credit to the two for putting up such a sterling performance that gave us a glimpse of home,” she said.
Gumbo said Zim Expo would continue to invite musicians from Zimbabwe.
“We endeavour to make the show bigger and continue inviting Zimbabwean musicians to perform. Zim Expo seeks to celebrate everything about Zimbabwe and to spread the message that even though we are now based in the Diaspora, we are proud to be Zimbabweans,” she said.
Other performers at this year’s festival included Canada-based MC Bonderai and Texas-based stand-up comedian Alley Kat. Zim Expo USA is an annual event that features business exhibitions and a range of activities to bring together Zimbabweans living in the USA. This year’s festival coincided with a strategic visit by a team of Zimbabwean experts to engage the Diaspora community on how they can contribute positively to socio-economic development back home.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter