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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Sulumani Chimbetu and the Orchestra Dendera Kings staged a memorable gig at Eland House here on Saturday night. Sulu, as the Dendera ace is affectionately known by his legion of fans, impressed about 1 500 revellers who turned up for the show.
Comedian-cum-musician Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima and his Orchestra Ndozvo added colour to the night of bliss. The artistes were here courtesy of Eland Promotions. It was a good comeback for Sulu who last performed solo in the border town in 2013 at Pagomba Café formerly known as Terry Hall.
The show had emotional moments when Sulu narrated memories of the last show he performed with his late father Simon in July 2005 during the Umdala Wethu gala at Dulibadzimu Stadium.
On Saturday, Kapfupi was the first on stage at around 8:30pm and he did not disappoint as he performed his yesteryear hits spiced by jokes.
The comedian put up a well polished act and kept revellers on their feet up to the late hours of Saturday night.
The house moved into a frenzy when Sulu, who is now known as Chibaba Chenyuchi, came on stage at around 11pm.
He started his performance with the hit song “Foni” off his latest offering “Gunship”.
Fans had to request him to play the same song three times.
The best part of the show was when he blended his father’s yesteryear classics and songs from his own albums. The fans danced their feet lame and sang their voices hoarse and drank the bar dry.
The show was set to end at 6am but was cut short by three hours due to heavy rains.
Sulu’s publicist Joel Nyamungoma commended Eland Promotions for giving them an opportunity to reconnect with their Beitbridge fans.
“Our most recent show was in 2013 at Terry Hall (Pagomba Café). However we were failing to come to Beitbridge because we could not get any serious promoter.
“With guys like Eland in town, music will never be the same for our fans and other music lovers. Their serious approach to business is impressive,” said Nyamungoma.
Eland Promotions spokesperson Larry Diamond said they were impressed with the attendance.
“As an inaugural show the attendance was overwhelming and inspiring. This was a learning experience for us and we are going to build on the success of this show and the thumbs up we got from Chibaba Chenyuchi for future shows.
“That way we will grow from strength to strength,” he said.
Online Reporter