ExQ, Ammara Bhachura fight turns nasty
Low turnout at Miss Tourism Mat North auditions
RAPPER ExQ, who dropped his new album Tseu Tseu in Borrowdale, Harare at the weekend, literally begged Ammara Brown to join him on stage to perform their track Bhachura.
But it seemed the songstress, who was having drinks in the VIP area, was simply there to enjoy herself and not to perform.
ExQ had to use his microphone to invite Ammara who then took to the stage and performed an accapella verse before leaving the stage in a huff.
Those in the know said of late, relations between ExQ and Ammara Brown have been frosty.
A source said Ammara said she had not rehearsed the song with ExQ as her reason for not going on stage.
According to critics, the issue started after both artistes made claim to the song that was released last year.
“Ammara felt she deserved credit for the song although most people believe she only featured,” said one critic.
The tiff was also evident at the recently held Zim Connect concert in the United Kingdom where Ammara reportedly refused to perform alongside ExQ.
Although both artistes skirt around the issue, it appears there is more than meets the eye.
That said, ExQ is really pushing his envelope further appealing to corporates like Coca-Cola and TelOne, the headline sponsors of the album launch. Unlike most artistes who launch their albums in pubs and clubs, ExQ joined hands with professional organisers of Unplugged Zimbabwe to ensure he delivers a uniquely exquisite act. Certainly, this was a first by an artiste as talented as ExQ. However, light showers that hit across Harare ended ExQ’s well attended album launch prematurely as hundreds of fans had to leave the venue. Interestingly, ExQ’s prayers must have been answered since he had staged a polished act way in time before the rains. He took fans down memory lane with his yesteryear hits Mazirudo, Hauchambofona and two tracks from the Expendables album featuring his alltime allies Extra Large, Roki and Maskiri. He then unleashed a couple of tracks from the new album Tseu Tseu, including Ngatimboita Musikanzwa, a track which got a warm reception from the crowd. He also performed Tsvigiri, a tune that is hitting up dance floors because of its accompanying video that is a must watch. His Military Touch Movement (MTM) stable mates, Tahle, Nutty O and Jah Prayzah took turns to entertain the cheerful crowd. Jah Prayzah was featured on the new album on track Pahukama. His support for ExQ was commendable and had he done the same with Andy Muridzo, the Dherira singer likely would not have left MTM. AUDITIONS for the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe (MTZ) pageant got off to a false start in Matabeleland North with 20 prospective models turning up on the two days — Saturday and Sunday — at the Rest Camp in Victoria Falls.
MTZ Matabeleland North license holder Shauntel Nkomo said the low turnout was because some hopefuls, most who are employed in the tourism industry, highlighted that they could not make it because of work commitments. Most, she said, had however, sent their applications.
Reigning MTZ Ashley Morgen, former Miss Tourism Victoria Falls Mitchell Gapara and Breeze FM’s presenter Thanduxolo Ndlovu, who is a fashion designer, were the judges.
Because of the low turnout, Nkomo said the auditions would continue as she hopes to get about 30 models who will battle it out at the provincial final for the three slots to represent the province at the national finals.
“The auditions are still open and people can contact us after which we can arrange when they can be auditioned,” she said.
To be part of the contest, models are expected to produce a national identity card, CV, full and passport size photo. Nkomo said she was grateful to businesses in the resort town who had supported her adding that those interested in sponsoring the provincial pageant were welcome. “So far, everything is going well though we were expecting a bigger turnout. We hope the community will continue supporting us as we need about 25 models for the provincial final. “I feel our province has a lot of potential that just needs grooming,” she said. Nkomo encouraged the aspiring models to enrol with a modelling agency that has been established by the reigning MTZ in Mkhosana to develop themselves. Results for those who will compete at the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Matabeleland North province finale, Nkomo said, would be released sometime this week. – @ncubeleon