Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
AGAINST all odds, on a serene Sunday afternoon, and tucked away in the lush tranquility of the Vumba Gateway Gardens — a few kilometres from Mutare City — hundreds of women gathered in what would become a euphoric and empowering celebration of womanhood.
The Ladies Summer Splash — hosted by Zimpapers Mutare (The Manica Post and Diamond FM), blossomed into a phenomenal success, embodying the theme — “Bloom, Bond and Boogie.
Once again, Zimpapers Mutare Events team nailed it!
While some questioned whether women would turn up for an event slightly out of town and held on a Sunday, the reality proved more beautiful than imagined.
Mutare’s finest ladies and queens from surrounding towns came in their Sunday best — colourful sundresses, bold prints, and beaming smiles — transformed the green expanse of Vumba Gateway into a garden of joy, rhythm and sisterhood.
From the moment the gates opened around 11am, the air buzzed with anticipation. The sound system, meticulously tuned, carried melodic tunes that set the tone for the day.
The stage, adorned with summer florals and vibrant lighting, reflected the energy of the crowd.
The security details were tight, but friendly, giving attendees peace of mind.
Service providers were on their A-game, from food stalls with aromatic delights to beverage stations with refreshing summer cocktails and mocktails. Everything was crisp, seamless, and spectacular.
But the real magic began when Caff, whose real name is Lionel Matanda, stepped onto the stage.
Dressed in his baggy blue denims, gold see-through shirt as well as his usual signature charm and confidence, the ladies went wild with some screaming, others swaying with abandon.
He opened with his fan-favourite, “Perfect to Me”, prompting an impassioned sing-along.
The garden erupted into a sea of dancing and joy as he followed up with “Manager”, “Hosanna” and the high-energy, “Wangele”.
Caff gave everything on stage, and in return, the women showered him with love, literally throwing themselves into the moment, luckily the security team contained the incidences on time.
He jumped off stage after 45 minutes of undiluted fun.
As the golden hour gave way to the twilight, the atmosphere only grew more electric.
The DJs, led by Lampy Zkit and Kritic Igwee managed to contain the crowd well with some danceable beats.
Then, as the stars began to glimmer above the Vumba sky, it was time for the much-anticipated performance by the suave, silky-voiced Nyasha David.
Stepping onto the stage at around 7pm, he was met with deafening cheers.
Nyasha, who was performing in Mutare for the first time this year, did not disappoint.
His set was a love letter to his fans, rendered with heartfelt emotion and unmatched charisma.
The entire venue seemed to sway in harmony, singing every word as he dropped the anthemic song “Tatata”.
As he moved into “Nokusingaperi”, “Kachest Kelove”, and “Areka”, it was clear this was more than just a concert — it was an experience. His voice, smooth like honey, laced with passion and power, captivated every soul present.
He said, while on stage: “I cannot wait to come back. Mutare, you have shown me so much love tonight.”
From midday, the event featured motivational talks, mental wellness coaching, health and financial literacy sessions, and creative workshops in poetry, fashion, and dance.
The presence of the beloved beautician, Nyasha Marava (Eastern Diva) added sparkle and flair to the day, offering beauty tips and inspiration.
An all-star lineup of Diamond FM’s female presenters including, Taita Tindo and Cherry Blossom, added charm and elegance to MCs. They kept the vibe high and the crowd engaged between sessions and performances.
None of this would have been possible without the strong partnerships that helped make the dream real.
Brands like Willowton Group, Agriput Solar, Kitchen Link, Chicken Slice, and Chiedza Community Trust came together to elevate the event to dazzling heights. Their support underpinned everything — from logistics to giveaways, refreshments to décor.
One of the organisers, Eunice Sibanda, was elated.
“To say I am overwhelmed with gratitude will be an understatement. Hundreds of incredible women made their way to Vumba, dressed in colour and confidence.
“We had a vision to create a space where women could bloom, bond, and boogie and it came alive, more beautifully than we imagined.
“We want to thank women of Mutare who made the day beautiful. These women came through, trusted us and chose to be part of something positive,” she said.
On the technical side, everything went smoothly, from the stage setup, to the performers, to the vendors and logistics.
The PA system was flawless, the sound crisp, and on point, while the security teams ensured that everyone felt safe, and the service providers went beyond to make every lady feel like a queen.
