adminThe memorial show, to be held at Bulawayo’s home of entertainment, Amakhosi Cultural Centre where the late diva launched her career, will feature some of the city’s crème de la crème in the entertainment circles.
Mangethe’s group, Mangethe Jazz Band, has lined up a number of projects to honour her.
Speaking to Chronicle Entertainment on Wednesday, Stanford Mpofu said the memorial show was part of projects meant to revive Mangethe’s legacy.
“We have lined up a number of projects to commemorate and revive Beatar’s spirit as she was one of the most talented and finest artistes to emerge from the city.
“We have several plans that include filming a movie that chronicles Mangethe’s works, launching a website and opening a school of arts that would see students training in acting, dance and music,” said Mpofu.
Among the top artistes and groups that are billed to perform are the energetic Sandra Ndebele, jazz sensation Jeys Marabini, Siyaya Arts, and Ndolwane Super Sounds and sungura maestro Alick Macheso. Macheso was however, expected to have confirmed his participation by afternoon yesterday.
Mpofu said there would be Mangethe’s CDs and T-shirts on sale to help raise funds to record the group’s album.
“We would be selling T-shirts and Mangethe’s CDs to raise funds to assist the group to record another album,” he said.
The group is now led by Yaya Khumalo, Mangethe’s younger sister.
Mpofu said they would collaborate with Ndolwane Super Sounds on their eight track album to be released next year. He said the memorial show would be held annually in Makokoba where the late musician lived.
“We are working on making the memorial show an annual event in Makokoba as we all know that Beatar was proud of her township. Even though people despised it, she was never ashamed of her background that is why she sang about it in most of her tracks,” said Mpofu.
Mangethe died in June last year, three months after the death of her footballer husband, Lenny Gwata. She had been an actress in many stage plays mainly written by Cont Mhlanga, among them Hayaya ho, Mdawini, Don’t — Ungaqali, Chakwatu — Our Culture, Making a Difference, Hello and Goodbye, Lamuhla Kuyizolo, Unoma kaMafu and Stitsha.
She also became famous for her role in local drama Hlengiwe Mtanami and had four albums Sizomlobola, Lithini Ngalezi, Ngeze Africa and Succeed.
She collaborated with Macheso on her last album, Succeed. It became a hit as the duo put up a superb performance each time they took to the stage.
Online Reporter