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Valerie Mpundu
Arts Reporter
The weekend will play host to a lot of activities that are expected to serenade fans across the country and beyond.
As September ends, household mbira players will come under the spotlight as they celebrate the special month in style.
The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and other stakeholders have endorsed September as the Mbira Month.
This came after the mbira instrument was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2020.
The endorsement makes the thumb piano (mbira) a sacred instrument whose cultural significance should be preserved at all costs.
Below are some of the major highlights of the weekend:
Gwanzura hosts mammoth bira
Gwanzura Stadium in Highfield, Harare, is the only place to be tonight when the much-hyped “Bira Rembira” bash, explodes to life.
With a stellar line-up, fans are set to enjoy some good music from Jah Prayzah, Diana Samkange, Andy Muridzo, Tichaona “Nyamasvisva” MaAfrika, aMadhuve Sasha, Kurai Makore, Vee Mhofu and Gushungo.
Nyamasvisva, who fronts Mawungira eNharira, is set to edify the much-publicised event.
A night to chill with Matiure
Afro-fusion musician, Taffie Matiure, plays at Gavas Restaurant in Harare tonight.
Matiure’s acoustic night comes shortly after his vintage performance at the recently held OMIFA 2024 in Norton.
Matiure is an authentic musician embracing diversity and integrity while acknowledging cross-cultural exchange programmes.
He has performed at various venues including Zimfest USA (2019), MUHAG (2022), and OMIFA (2024).
Sofar Sounds hosts a music-fashion concert.
Sofar Harare is collaborating with the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe for a music and mini-fashion-themed concert in the capital on Saturday.
A multi-cultural community of music curators and artists putting together intimate live music founded in 2009 by Rafe Offer will celebrate under one roof.
Sofar Harare made its Zimbabwean debut on December 17, 2022.
The event will happen concurrently in other cities around the world including Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, Toulouse, Nancy, and Lagos.
Artistes such as Tanga wekwaSando, Mary Anibal, Gwevedzi, Chichi wembira, and Nkosana Hamandishe have performed at the event which over the years boasts of a rich line-up of acts.
Gunyana rembira
Bira at NGZ
Chivavarira National Mbira Music Arts and Culture is set to celebrate Mbira music in a style as they hold a vigil at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare tomorrow.
The event has been dubbed Gunyana Mbira Bira with fanatics set to converge from all walks of life in a ceremonial celebration.
Organisers confirmed the event is an effort to appreciate and educate people on the diverse African culture while demystifying myths surrounding the mbira.
Doors are set to open at 15.00hrs giving attendees time to familiarise themselves with the atmosphere as it will be an evening of absolute thrill and pleasure.
2024 Chibuku Road to Fame search begins
Tanza Bar in Chitungwiza is set to host the inaugural Chibuku Road to Fame Harare Provincial Finals.
The competition will run from September 28 to November 9 in collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
A new era for Zimbabwean talent reinforcing commitment to supporting arts and fostering creativity across the nation.
This year’s show will feature a sensational appearance from the 911 band who were last year’s winners.
911 has been enjoying its fair share of fame and performances at various private functions are slowly becoming a household name.
The grand finale for the competition is set for the capital with organisers hinting at the Glamis Arena as their venue of choice.
The grand prize for the finale is pegged at US$15 000 complemented with a recording deal, the second price at US$10 000, and the third price at US$7 500
Commissioner-General Funfair returns
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is set to light up Glamis Arena this Saturday as they hold the Commissioner General Fun Fair marking their return.
The main highlight of the day will be given by the Police Band who are the crowd’s favourite judging by the crowds they draw at any event.
Artistes to perform include sungura maestro Alick Macheso, Suluman Chimbetu, Andy Muridzo, Baba naMai Charamba, Selmor Mtukudzi, and Chillspot family.
Gates will be opened at 7 am and all proceeds to be directed into the Commissioner General Police’s Welfare Fund catering to 600 orphans and vulnerable children.
Activities lined up to cater to children include police vehicle rides, jumping castles, and motorbike rides among other leisure and recreational activities.
King Kandoro takes a tour to Dubai.
Comedian King Kandoro is set to deliver rib-tickling comedy and humour in sandy Dubai as he continues on his Properganda World Tour.
Having embarked on his tour in Johannesburg on the 27th of April he went around South Africa before returning home to prescribe his share of laughter to fans around.
This Saturday all those in need of a good laugh will have time of their lives at The Pavilion Emirates Golf Club Al Khail Metro Station. Over the years comedy reception has earned a descent following as appreciation of the art continues to increase slowly but surely.
After Dubai Kandoro sets sail for Europe as the tour continues to Poland on the 6th and Germany a week after on the 12th.
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