Poor turnout mars Widows’ Gala

oversubscribed shows that were lined up in and outside Harare during the same period.
The gala coincided with the Freddy Gwala-Oliver Mtukudzi gig held in Harare while Peter Moyo and Tryson Chimbetu also had a sold-out show at Zimunhu Bar in Epworth on Saturday night.
However, the majority of artistes who were billed to perform at the gala did turn up and entertained music lovers for a worthy cause.
Peter later turned up at the gala later after his show in Epworth but did not perform.
According gala co-ordinator Benjamin Ganyiwa could not disclose the amount of money raised at the gala but reiterated that the proceeds would be channelled towards the coffers of the association.
“Like what we said before, the money will be channelled into the fund of the widows’ association. Although the crowd did not come out in their numbers as we had anticipated, we are, however, grateful for the money that was made and the support that the artistes gave us,” he said.
Ganyiwa added that some artistes also pledged to hold a series of similar shows aimed at raising funds for the widows’ association.
“Pastor Charles Charamba, Alick Macheso and Peter have promised to hold fund-raising shows for the association and we are glad that they are committed in supporting the cause,” he said.
More than 15 musicians took part and had revellers  dancing the night away.
The likes of Blessing Shumba, Tryson, Mahendere Brothers, Kireni Zulu, Pastor Haisa, Morgan and Tendai Dembo, Biggie Tembo Tembo Jnr, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave and Vabati VaJehovha impressed with their performances.
Ganyiwa added: “The departed musicians contributed a lot to our industry and left behind a legacy. The widows want something to survive on since they have not been getting much from their husbands’ royalties and by holding this gala, we hope that they get something.
“We hope the other shows we are going to hold will be adequate enough to raise money to be disbursed among the widows in a number of income-generating projects like cross-border trade, flea markets and housing co-operatives,” he said.
Barbara Tazvida, Eunice Dembo and Angela Chimbetu — who are the widows of the late musicians Fanuel “System”, Leonard and Simon — are some of the board members of the association, which was formed last year.
The association is the brainchild of the Minister of Media, Information and Publicity, Cde Webster Shamu.
Meanwhile, Epworth folk had the time of their lives after thrilling acts by Tryson and Peter at a sold-out show held at Zimunhu Bar.
First on stage was Tryson, who jammed for a little over three hours before leaving for the widows’ gala at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex.
Peter took over and had the crowd literally eating out of his hands.
“The young artistes showed that they are indeed on their way up and their act was impressive,” said show organiser Luckson Zimunhu.
Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria, Progress Chipfumo and Jah Prayzah are some of the high-profile musicians who have been lined up to perform at the same joint in the near             future.