Winky D, Mzansi artistes for Bulawayo Shutdown gig

Langalakhe Mabena

THE line-up for the much anticipated Bulawayo Shutdown event slated for 27 April is becoming more thrilling- at least on paper- each day as the exciting Zim Dancehall Gaffer Winky D has also been unveiled as one of the main artistes to grace the stage, at a venue yet to be announced.

The organisers of the event Harris Continental are also said to be chasing the confirmation of another new-age Zimbabwean great Jah Prayzah to be part of the much-anticipated event.

The inclusion of the Nyeredzi hitmaker will make a necessary reuniting with his fans in the City of Kings as he last performed in Bulawayo last year in April when he launched his double albums Chiremerera and Maita Baba at Queens Sports ground.

As if that is not enough, a number of artistes from the South of Limpopo have already confirmed to be part of the gig.

AmaPiano vocalist Aymos, Murumba Pitch, Emtee, Kwesta are some of the artistes from South Africa who will land in Bulawayo in the afternoon before the event.

To balance the acts, a number of Zim Dancehall creatives have been roped in and these include Chill Sports trio of Levels, Ribe and Fantan, Killer T, Godfather Templeman, Selector Tanaman, Enzo Ishall, Ma9nine, Bazooker as well as Hip Hop man of the Moment Saintfloew.

Bulawayo’s evergreen artiste Mzoe 7 will also be part of the performers alongside DJ Nospa, DJ Mzoe, and DJ Eugy. Female DJs in the names of DJ Fifi and Liz will also be amongst those who will rotate on the decks.

Jordan Dube, the manager of Harris Continental, who is also the event’s organiser expressed their ambition to deliver an unparalleled live entertainment experience.

“Our target is to make history through this event and that is why for the first time we have a line-up with four foreign artistes. These artistes’ works have become national anthems in this city and beyond and we want to celebrate them and make sure they link up with local artistes and maybe some collaborations might suffice.

“We have also managed to attract Winky D who has become a regular in our Bulawayo Shutdown gigs. We are also in talks with other artistes and once we finalise with them we will make announcements,” Dube said.