Moffat Mungazi
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE sprawling suburb of Dangamvura, once the heartbeat of entertainment in Mutare, was a place where the vibrancy of life and the pulse of music collided in a symphony of unforgettable memories.
In the years gone by, the high-density suburb was more than just a residential area, it was a cultural epicentre that attracted people from far and wide.
From the moment the sun began to dip below the horizon, Dangamvura transformed into a haven for anyone seeking a good time, with its streets alive with laughter, music, and energy that seemed to emanate from every corner.
Whether it was the thumping beats of local DJs or the soul-stirring melodies of live bands, the suburb offered an entertainment experience that felt raw, real, and unfiltered – just the way its revellers liked it.
The pulse of Dangamvura was its nightlife, but it was, not just about the clubs or the open-air parties.
Local pubs, sports bars, and night club became gathering spots where the latest gossip mingled with joyous revelry.
There was always something to do, something to see, and someone to talk to.
The blend of youthful energy and seasoned party-goers ensured that every evening was filled with spontaneity, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and electrifying at the same time.
The sound of mbira, drumbeats, and the latest hits from the urban grooves would mix together, drawing crowds in from all walks of life in areas such as Areas 3, 12, 13, 14, Old Houses, Home Ownership and Two Rooms among others.
What made the area even more unique was its ability to blend the past with the present.
Traditional dances flowed seamlessly into the contemporary, and the timeless joy of a good time seemed to connect people to something larger than themselves.
Everyone knew that when you walked into Dangamvura, you were, not just entering a suburb – you were entering a realm where the night promised a story to tell.
As the night wore on, word would spread through the suburb that something big was going down, and soon enough, the streets would be filled with people, laughing, dancing, and enjoying the best of what the suburb had to offer.
The energy was infectious – whether it was a birthday celebration, a festive religious gathering, or just a casual hangout.
The smell of local delicacies – grilled meat, fried snacks, and sometimes roasted maize – lingered in the air, creating an atmosphere that pulled you into the heart of the community.
With every new gathering, Dangamvura’s reputation grew stronger.
It became more than just a suburb – it became a destination, an entertainment hub where the entertainment was always fresh, always exciting, and always full of life.
The stories from that time still resonate today, leaving a sense of nostalgia in the hearts of those lucky enough to have been part of it.
Weekender Entertainment recently caught up with some of the seasoned players, the old-timers who were right in the thick of it all when Dangamvura was at its peak in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
For these veterans, the memories flow like fine wine – rich, vivid, and unmistakably alive.
Prominent artistes from across the country and region would regularly grace the streets of Dangamvura, turning the suburb into a living stage.
From the likes of legendary musicians to rising stars, Dangamvura was a hotspot that attracted the crème de la crème of the music scene.
The streets echoed with the beats of Afro-fusion, local rock bands, and the unmistakable rhythms of Zimbabwean soul, while artistes like Stella Chiweshe, Zimbabwe Clear Sounds, Fanyana Dube, System Tazvida, Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Nicholas Zakaria and many others would perform at packed venues in Dagamvura.
Their shows were not just concerts; they were communal events that brought the entire suburb together, united by the magic of music and the allure of the performers who graced the stages.
Popular bars and night clubs back then were Mangenje Bar, Tops Night Club, Dangamvura Hotel, Chikoma Tavern, Neighbourhood Tavern, Chirovakamwe Bar and Dangamvura Beit Hall, among a few others.
But entertainment in the suburb was, not just about the music – it was a multi-sensory experience.
The dazzling beauty pageants of the time were as much about the glitz and glamour as they were about the sense of pride they instilled in the community.
Juke boxes filled with the latest hits provided the soundtrack to many social gatherings, from intimate backyard parties to larger-than-life celebrations.
The ‘masters’ and ‘monyas’ – local legends known for larger-than-life personalities -became the pulse of the night, guiding the crowd through hours of fun.
“Artistes such as Stella Chiweshe, Allan Chimbetu, Andy Brown, Cephas Mashakada, System Tazvida and Chazezesa Challengers, Hohodza Band which was then led by Portia Gwanzura all performed at Mangenje Bar, and they left fans clamouring for more. There was also J Bunga and Mbare Boys who all mesmerised revellers. Entertainment back then was a serious business. And at Tops Night Club as well as at Dangamvura Hotel, we witnessed live performances of artistes such as Daiton and Josphat Somanje who co-led Pengaudzoke, Nicholas Zakaria and Khiama Boys. We would often refer the Mangenje Bar as PaBaba John,” said veteran DJ and emcee, Ranga T, popularly known as DJ Ranga, who is now 55-years-old. He is undoubtedly the oldest DJ in Mutare.
Weekender Entertainment gathered that bouncers who were popular then were Notty, Mukoma Jaison and Mukoma Simba.
“Notty, with his imposing stature and quick wit, could stop trouble before it even started, while keeping the energy of the crowd in check. His presence alone was enough to give party-goers a sense of security, knowing that the night would unfold smoothly under his watch. Mukoma Jaison, a staple in the clubbing scene, had a reputation for his unwavering ability to keep everything in order, while blending seamlessly into the party atmosphere. He was, not just a bouncer, he was a bridge between the revellers and the nightlife, often seen chatting with the regulars, making them feel welcome while still commanding respect,” added DJ Ranga.
Cassettes were the way to go. That was in the 90s, a disc spinner would simply let the cassette roll and do other things, not forgetting duke boxes. Professional DJs such as Richie Skills upgraded to vinyls.
Zimbabwe Clear Sounds of the Mirandu fame used to be a resident band at Dangamvura Hotel, while Night Shift Disco, Ojays Disco and many others used to be hit at Dangamvura Beit Hall.
DJs Greg Morris, Rex Kabwato, Tsama, Fungai Marange and Hosiah Singende were a hit, and lip sync competitions as well as break-dance clashes were popular among youths.
Around 1976 to 1980 and early 90s, the major entertainment hotspot was Dangamvura Hotel which was led by proprietor, the late Takuranei George Nyamanhindi, popularly known as Baba Bonnie.
He was aptly assisted by his two sons, Boniface and Patrick in the day-to-day running of the business.
“We hosted various local and regional groups. A rhumba outfit, REAL Sounds which included vocalists such as Douggie Mutomba proved popular among patrons. They became family, and we decided to rent houses for them Dangamvura. We hosted various beauty contests such as Miss Dangamvura and Miss Dangamvura Hotel.
Jonah Sithole and The Storm also came and put up a scintillating gig.
Parades, which we now call exhibitions would be held yearly.
It was a mixture of business and entertainment as companies will come to showcase their products and wares.
In 1972, most of our patrons as well as others from outside Mutare, flocked Nyamanhindi Hotel, also known as Shamrock Hotel, which was situated at Bezeley Bridge in Bocha. We hosted the Wood Stock Music Festival which saw various musicians performing.
So popular was the event that former radio personalities, such as Webster Shamhu, publicised the event on air and all roads led there.
We originally had planned to host the event at Dangamvura Hotel because our joint had become an entertainment hub, but it turned out that it was going to be a smaller venue compared to venues in Harare and Bulawayo,” said Boniface Nyamanhindi.
The entertainment scene of Dangamvura in the 70s, 80s, and 90s remains a golden chapter in the suburb’s history, a time when music, dance, and community spirit united people from all walks of life.
The vibrant nights, filled with the sounds of local legends, beauty pageants, and unforgettable street parties, created a cultural legacy that still echoes through the stories shared by those who lived it.
While times may have changed, the spirit of Dangamvura’s heydays, its energy, its people, and its unbridled fun – will always be remembered as a testament to the power of entertainment in shaping a community.
To be continued next Friday . . .
Online Reporter