Winky D raises stakes

Festival of the Arts it was risky but successful.
Not only did he put up a good show but he also raised the stakes high for himself.
The Kambuzuma-raised emcee whipped the audience into near frenzy on a sun-drenched afternoon on the Coca-Cola Day at the Telecel Main Stage.
Judging by the reaction of music lovers who packed the Telecel Main Stage, there is no doubt that Winky D remains the most popular dancehall artiste in Zimbabwe. The Bigiman as his adoring fans call him was simply a showstopper as scores thronged the main stage for his memorable concert.
Smartly dressed as usual, Winky D, real name Wallace Chirumiko, had come prepared for the show and he delivered a high energy performance with special effects from the DJ.
The concert peaked with each song and fans both young and the old, sang along to his music. He performed all his hits including “Butsu”, “Hapwa”, “Messi WeRaggae”, “Takaipa Takaipa”, “Vanotaura”, “Bus Di Shot” and “Musarova Bigiman” which he delivered so well.
Unlike other performance where he goes off-key, at the weekend’s concert, Winky D sang the right key and fans loved every minute of it.
He had great control of the crowd and it was hardly surprising that he got carried away by the fans who cheered on the magnificent performer.
But Winky D has to learn a thing or two about stage etiquette. One of the things that he shouldn’t do is to allow feedback on stage.
He made the mistake when he dropped the microphone on the floor and secondly, he should stick to the time unless the audiences call for an encore.
Performance-wise, Winky D proved his mettle and made Coca-Cola’s 125 celebrations worthwhile.
The performance was brought to Hifa by Coca-Cola as part of localising its global celebrations and give Zimbabweans a chance to celebrate with the rest of the world.
Honest Marandu, the Country Manager – Zimbabwe for Coca-Cola Central, East and West Africa said about the celebrations: “Coca-Cola has risen from its humble beginnings in Atlanta to refresh 206 countries around the world, including Zimbabwe.
“Together with our bottling partners globally, Coca-Cola directly employs over 800 000 people, indirectly creates approximately eight million jobs and operates almost 1 000 plants. We sell 1,6 billion servings of beverage every day from a portfolio of more than 500 still and sparkling beverages, 15 of which are billion dollar brands,” he said.
“Since 1886, Coca-Cola has brought the world together through its message of happiness and optimism. There is no better way to celebrate our Zimba-bwean consumers than to bring them together through Hifa, a culturally relevant yet eclectic platform that gives us a unique way to say thank you,” said Sherree Shereni, Coca-Cola Central Africa’s Public Affairs and Communications Manager.
Coca-Cola was the festival’s platinum sponsor and will host 3 shows in the main arena to entertain and appreciate consumers. Besides Winky D, Coca-Cola also presented Neka, the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for best African act in 2010 as well as New York-based South African band, Black Jacks.
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognised as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1,6 billion servings a day.
With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.