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Get ready for the Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe (Bofoz) after party on July 25 at the Harare International Conference Centre.
Performers on the night, among them man-of-the-moment Jah Prayzah, Suluman “Sulu” Chimbetu and Soul Jah Love, all have a point to prove.
Think of the “cold war” between Jah Prayzah and Sulu over who is the best artiste between the two and/or the Soul Jah Love/Sulu war over the song “Nyuchi” and who made it popular.
Soul Jah Love and Sulu’s camps were at each other’s throats recently, with the former accusing Chimbetu’s management of using his name on their posters to lure crowds without his knowledge.
Soul Jah Love claims he is better than Sulu and the reason why the song “Nyuchi” off Sulu’s album, “Gunship” is popular is because the dancehall star features on it.
This has created animosity between the two and they have not shared a stage for a while.
This is sure to generate sparks come July 25 and, hopefully, supporting acts like Shinsoman and Cynthia Mare can ease the tension.
But before the music plays, there is the very significant matter of who will be crowned Black Opal Face of Zimbabwe.
SMS voting to decide the winners of this year’s edition of Bofoz is already underway, having started on June 23 and endin at midnight on July 22.
Bofoz marketing director Tatenda Mutseyekwa unveiled the 16 ladies at the “Bofoz Voting Party” recently at African Affair Restaurant in Harare.
These are Ratidzai Changwesha, Shingai Muchenje, Diana Rupapa, Natasha Murape, Tanaka Manyuzu, Mercy Kamanura, Cynthia Mufumhe, Tuso Jumbe, Rufaro Moyo, Trish Hakata, Melody Komara, Nyasha Chitemere, Tsitsi Taruvinga, Tatenda Mugwambi, Shamiso Muradzikwa and Hazel Kurwakumire.
The overal winner will walk away with US$8 000, and the first and second runners-up will take home US$4 000 and US$2 000, respectively.
Regular tickets cost US$10 and VIP tickets are pegged at US$20.
Bofoz is powered by Yolana Investments, who are the sole distributors for Black Opal Cosmetics in Zimbabwe.
The company has roped in promoter Partson Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions to host the main event. Power FM Zimbabwe has also come on board as the official media partner.
“It is a good thing for our brand to be associated with Bofoz. This is a step ahead for us in terms of arts promotion. We are here to give people value for money and that is what we are going to do on the grand finale and they should come in their numbers,” said Chimbodza. “We have come up with an interesting line up that I am sure nobody will resist.”
Bofoz seeks a local face to be the brand ambassador for the New York-based products.
Unlike most beauty pageants, there are no limitations on weight, height or marital status, although, there is a minimum age requirement of 18 and for contestants to be citizens of Zimbabwe and resident in the country.
This year’s theme is “Step Into the Spotlight” and aims to bring together different elements of Zimbabwean Beauty, Arts, Fashion and Music.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter