Chronicle Editor
Tafadzwa Zimoyo in Dubai
What a performance!!!
Songs of Lozikeyi received a thunderous applause from expo attendees from all over the world for their performance at the Zimbabwe National Day at Expo Dubai 2020 yesterday.
The event was graced by President Mnangagwa, Zimbabwean diplomats, ministers, art authorities, and artistes.
Songs of Lozikeyi is a production by 18 artistes namely Cheryl Mabaya, Nomaqhawekazi “Lady Tshawe” Damasane, Paul Maseko, Caleb Majure, Mehluli Dube, Vuyile Qongo, Laura Ngwenya, Nomathamsanqa “Nkwali” Mkhwananzi, Alice Gurure, Raymond Takawira, Patricia Thandeka Jele, Samuel Mabhena, Dorcas Ngwenya, Makula Moyo, Saimon “Mambazo” Phiri and Josh Nyapimbi.
The group fused their music with dance and poetry making it outstanding.
The performance, that lasted only 40 minutes, saw the group get ululations and a thunderous applause from the jovial crowd that was waving the Zimbabwean flag.
Clad in national dress fabrics designed by Tendai Chuba and Vuyelwa Mabhena, the group’s colourful attire and well-choreographed act had the audience glued to the stage with most wondering about their act, what inspired it and what it was all about.
Songs of Lozikeyi portrays a vivid image of Queen of the Ndebele, Lozikeyi Dlodlo’s power, energy, and leadership.
It is a six-track album of high-energy foot-tappers and haunting ballads interspersed with poetry in the style of traditional praise poetry for African kings in the Ndebele culture.
Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Kirsty Coventry who witnessed the group in action said she was happy with what the group displayed as it was something different and original.
“When it comes to local talent, our main goal is to be original and creative.
The group was outstanding.
I’m excited that everyone was happy including the distinguished guests and the applause they got from foreigners means a lot,” she said.
“They managed to wave the country’s flag high and we hope to engage more countries in exchange programs.
The expo was an eye-opener to the world in terms of art and each country was to display their best footprint.”
Minister Coventry said the expo also opened opportunities for the local arts sector as they exchanged notes with other artistes.
“Performing here was one of the greatest things for the arts sector and we hope that they’ll bring back the lessons they have learnt to share with others for the betterment of the group,” said Minister Coventry.
The group travelled to the United Arab Emirates last Friday with 14 members and an additional four member technical crew.
The group staged its maiden performance on Saturday at the Angola Stage and it served as a warm-up to the much-anticipated performance at the Zimbabwe National Day yesterday.
Asked to describe the performance in one word, the group’s artistic director Saimon “Mambazo” Phiri said “magnificent”.
He added: “This is what I was expecting.
They did their best as rehearsed.
I was a bit hesitant after we witnessed some of the world performances, but after they did a sterling job on the Angola stage, I was happy and confident that they would pull it through.”
Online Reporter