Intwasa ends on high note
THE Intwasa Arts Festival shut down show Bayethe Bulawayo concert held on Saturday proved that the annual arts event is still a force to reckon with despite the low budget.
The show, held at the Large City Hall, brought a close to this year’s edition themed Expressions.
With sceptics and arts critics calling for the postponement of the event, the star studded line up for the final show was a buoyant point for the organisers as they proved they still have what it takes to run the event.
Several artistes that included the likes of, Sandra Ndebele, Iyasa, Sungura Masters, DJ Mzoe, Khuliyo, DJ Slamma, Guluva 7, Mzoe 7, POY, Band with no name, Ashleigh, Asaph, Gugulethu, Carlos, Sweeto, Ndux Junior and Ramsey Kasawaya took to the stage much to the delight of the crowd.
The show started at 9PM instead of 6PM but the people waited.
Police had a torrid time trying to control the crowd as people jostled to get into the hall.
Zimbo music were first on stage and they sent the fans into a frenzy despite the sound system having a bit of glitches.
Ramsey Kasawaya despite performing several cover songs, proved to be a darling of the fans as he reminded people of the old days of Lovemore Majaivana.
Chibuku Road to Fame Bulawayo winners Kupenya Stars did not waste any time with their energetic dances and won the hearts of many music lovers who could be seen dancing along.
Dance queen Sandra Ndebele also proved that she is still a pioneer of the arts in the city.
All artistes wanted to make a name for themselves hence their polished performance.
Meanwhile, people who paid $10 dollars for the VIP felt shortchanged because it was free for all due to lax security. THE minimum requirement of an A-Level certificate for those intending to contest for Miss Tourism Zimbabwe seems to have irked many in the modelling industry.
Those against this minimum requirement are accusing the organisers of being overzealous but others are saying it’s a positive move.
Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, a new pageant, seeks to crown a tourism ambassador for the country next month. The organisers said they do not want an ordinary girl but a beauty with brains who will represent the country well when she competes at international pageants and globe trots on her various assignments.
This, according to the pageant’s patron – Barbara Mzembi is the reason why their minimum requirement is an A-Level certificate, with a diploma or degree being an added advantage for the hopefuls.
Mzembi during her visit in Bulawayo last week said a contestant who would have completed A-Level studies is likely to be focused on pursuing a career, rather than dabbling in the world of beauty pageants.
But, close followers o f pageantry have raised alarm saying the Miss Tourism organisers risked having a pageant with few or no beautiful girls. “It’s no secret. Pageantry is all about fun and the truth is that most beautiful girls are not that intelligent so chances are high that they never did A Level,” said an avid pageant follower who declined to be named. “Miss Tourism Zimbabwe will likely get educated, but not so beautiful girls. At times it’s not about what level you reached with education, but it’s about how you use your brain in the real world so these organisers need to reconsider or else they’ll shut out the beautiful girls who make pageants more interesting.” A former model, Sharon Dube said some young models would be hoping to be crowned and use the money to pursue A-Level studies. Research has however shown that most models crowned in different African countries in the past were university students vindicating Miss Tourism Zimbabwe organisers. Mzembi said they set the minimum requirement after a series of consultations with players in the tourism sector. “We approached players in the tourism sector and asked them what role they wanted Miss Tourism Zimbabwe to play. They were in unison saying they just didn’t want a beautiful girl, but one who could articulate herself well enough to market brand Zimbabwe to the world,” said Mzembi. She said they would rather have quality than quantity adding that the response from various provinces has been encouraging. “So far we’ve auditioned more than 100 girls and that’s testimony that we have enough girls that meet the requirements that we’ve set.” “Actually, it’ll be hard for the judges to trim the girls to 15 , the number that will compete for the crown. We’re spoilt for choice,” she said. The girl who will be crowned Miss Tourism Zimbabwe will go on to represent the country at Miss Tourism International – a pageant Mzembi said was very particular about beauty and brains. “Miss Tourism International is particular about both the beauty of the girls and the brains,” said Mzembi. — @bonganinkunzi.