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Peter Matika, Senior Leisure Reporter
THE local arts, leisure and showbiz industry had its fair share of success, controversy and sadness this year.
The curtain inevitably comes down on the year 2015, Sunday Leisure this week takes the time to reminisce and note some of the highs, lows of the industry, not forgetting the good, the bad and the ugly.
The good
The showbiz industry was particularly active this year, as many relationships were forged both on and off stage. Not only were relationships forged but so was the Zimbabwean flag raised.
First off USA based RnB Zimbabwean sensation Tinashe sealed her name in the industry, as she released a string of hit singles featuring top names in the American music industry.
Zimbabwean actress Memry Savanhu broke into the Nollywood movie industry. She will be shooting and starring in movies that will be released soon.
After the xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa, Cassper Nyovest held a show in Zimbabwe and donated all the proceeds to victims.
Locally urban grooves star Otis Ngwabi bounced back to the industry, after years of plotting and planning.
Dancing Queen Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi and her husband welcomed a new member to their family in November.
Most recently former Miss Tourism Bulawayo Nadia Gori revealed she would be tying the knot to a secret man. We still wait to discover his identity.
Intwasa and Ibumba Festivals made a great impact this year as they catered for everyone. The festivals have surely grown over the years and have added a few more categories to make them even more interesting.
The bad
The Miss Zimbabwe nude saga cannot go without mentioning. It was a phenomenon that shocked the entire country.
The rise of charismatic churches and prophets, this is perceived to be a worldwide scourge. Many of these so called Man of God, claiming to perform miracles, while duping unsuspecting congregants. The spawning of these churches also witnessed an increase in the number of foreign pastors and prophets in Zimbabwe.
American comedian Chris Rock was reportedly involved in a child adoption scam involving a Zimbabwean child.
As noted relationships were forged, it is unfortunate that some were terminated. Multi-award winning rapper Cal_vin was rumoured to have impregnated his girlfriend (now ex). He was alleged to have asked her to terminate the pregnancy before dumping her.
Zimbabwe’s own version of Kim Kardashian- West, Pokello Nare got married. However, her dad snubbed the wedding for reasons best known to him and her daughter.
Splash music sensation, Dan Tshanda, who has a gigantic following in Zimbabwe returned to the country. He self-exiled himself from the country after he reportedly duped a couple of promoters. His shows were not as magnetic as they usually are.
The alleged scandalous “friendship” between Jah Prayzah and Henrietta Rushwaya, which made headlines from a photo of the pair in a cozy position was leaked to the media.
The ugly
Harare bad boy Roki and daughter to the late Andy Brown — Amara called time off on their relationship.
Former Miss Zimbabwe Bongani Dhlakama was involved in a war of words with a woman who claimed that she ruined her marriage, labeling her a man snatcher. The issue went to court; whether or not it was resolved it definitely falls into the ugly category.
The Mr Ugly pageant literally turned ugly, after the reigning champ cried foul over the victory of the newly crowned Mr Ugly.
The highs and lows (other notes):
The sad death of Miss Zimbabwe patron Kiki Divaris shocked the industry. She will be greatly missed in the industry.
Former rugby star Lameck Kasuka who was injured in the “line of duty” marked 25 years in hospital. The jolly character said he never felt better and was working on rekindling his foundation.
Charismatic Cyclone Ree made a return to the industry after returning from a stint in China. She tried to venture into DJ’ing but that’s a shoe she is still yet to fill.
The music industry was robbed of a star: one of the Soul Brothers founders passed on and perhaps is singing with the angels in heaven now.
Strippers made their way into the showbiz industry, as a surge of shows were recorded in the city. A couple of clubs held strippers shows, which were sold out before the shows even started.
A local film telling stories of human trafficking never saw the light of day. The production was to feature big South African names but just went silent, after those in charge of the project sighted challenges particularly in funding.
A lot more happened in the arts and showbiz industry in the country that encouraged and did harm to the arts.
With that noted, Sunday Leisure wishes its valued readers a happy and prosperous New Year.
derick.khumalo