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Fans of both artistes left the venue satisfied as their contrasting styles complemented each other.
However, in terms of stage energy, the Ninja president — Winky D — came up tops.
Zahara took to the stage at 1am, but earlier on Winky D went on stage at about 11.45pm and both artistes were supported by a live band. It is Zahara’s second show this year in the city.
When the Ninja president jumped on stage the partisan crowd erupted into wild cheers, as he was clad in matching white jacket, jeans and turbine and red shirt with matching shoes.
The Ninja President’s one-and-a-half-hour set was a non-stop heart-throbbing, exhilarating experience that left revellers begging for more.
He sang popular tracks like Controversy, Igo Figo, Swagga Muchando, Musarova Bigman, Wakasara and Godo.
Winky d showed why he is rated the best artiste in Zimbabwe in terms of stage presence and performance as he played around with lyrics, much to the fascination of fans.
The first lady of Zimbabwe dance hall, Lipsy, came on stage to perform with Winky D and she did not disappoint. She held her own and flowed with Winky D as the two did their hit duet track Taitirana.
He finished off his performance with Takaipa.
Zahara took to the stage at about 1am and showed why she won eight South African Music Awards (Samas) as she put up a sterling performance for her Zimbabweans fans.
Zahara was clad in a blue dress with a purple belt, matching shoes and her distinctive afro. She was greeted with applause from the crowd who had waited for the main act.
The South African musician sang a slow tune as a way to greet fans who had gathered at the venue.
Afterwards Zahara sang Xa Bendingena Mama as she showed nimble feet on stage, much to the appreciation of the crowd who also sang along.
The songstress used her acoustic guitar to serenade fans with tracks such as Destiny, Umthwalo, Lengoma and Ndize from her award-winning debut album Loliwe.
Zahara dedicated Thekwane to the national heroes in the country.
“I know Zimbabwe is celebrating the heroes in the country and I would like to sing this song as a dedication to them,” she said.
Zahara sang Incwad’ Encane which featured Zimbabwean George Munetsi. Although he was not there to sing the shona lyrics, Zahara, leading her seven-member band, did the part well.
Fans started asking for souvenirs form the starlet who removed bangles, earrings, and hand bands throwing them into the crowd. Fans jostled to get the souvenirs.
She went on to present a portrait of herself at the Samas to Lipsy and said: “I want her to look at the portrait and say if God can bless her why can’t he do the same for me.”
Zahara took fans down memory lane as she sang renditions of the late South African artiste Brenda Fassie music.
She sang Leave Me alone and Vulindlela as she remembered her fellow artiste.
She ended her show with the title track of her album Loliwe and fans could not help but sing with her.
After the show fans lauded the two artistes for their impressive showing and their only qualm was that the show started late.
Organisers had said Winky D would begin the show early to cater for the youth but his set started at 11.45pm.
“The organisers had said the show would start earlier to cater for us who would have been given the chance to go out, but look, it is 3am and we are now going home. They should keep to their word next time as we shall not be allowed to go for such shows,” said Thabani Khumalo of Hillside.
Another fan could not help but give praise to Winky D.
“I thoroughly enjoyed myself. When Winky D went on stage I wanted to see what he is capable off and he did not disappoint. That is why he is touted the Messi of Reggae, big up to him,” said Nigel Tafeni from Southwold.
Another fan, Christine Ncube from Njube, said Zahara put up a sterling performance during her show.
“Zahara is a great singer. I was worried that I would not enjoy her set after Winky D’s energetic one.
The contrasts in performances showed their different talents. Zahara is at the top in South Africa and Winky D is the man in Zimbabwe. So I enjoyed myself,” said Ncube.
During the show there was a man who beat up his girlfriend under unclear circumstances, much to the chagrin of onlookers.
After she sought refuge in a group of heavily built men and women her boyfriend went away. Five minutes later he was back and baying for her blood. Efforts to quell the situation by the men and women in the group were fruitless as the boyfriend attacked one of the men. This led to him being severely assaulted with bottles, clenched fists and booted feet until the police came in and brought sanity to the situation. The boyfriend disappeared into the crowd leaving the men talking to the police.
Local artistes such as Otis Ngwabi and rhumba outfit Vibe Stars Musica accounted themselves well.
Local DJs Keezy and Sweeto kept the partisan crowd on their feet before the show and during breaks.
Online Reporter