Manicaland Afro festival roars to life

MANICALAND Motoring Club will be a hive of activity on Monday and Tuesday as a galaxy of renowned and upcoming artistes who include Stunner, Extra Large and Trevor Dongo will take turns to serenade music lovers at the debut Manicaland Afro festival.

The event’s sponsor and UK-based musician Shem ‘‘Matombo’’ Torindo said the festival was aimed at uniting families through music. He said young children will also be taught how to play traditional instruments.

Established local bands that include “Runn Family”, “Assegai Crew”, “Ntswai Ntswai” and “Nhengure dze Zimbabwe” are also expected to grace the two-day jamboree.

One of the organisers and musician, Trapper will during the event launch his album titled “Kutonga kwayo nyanzvi”. “Trapper”, who real name is Takunda Torindo, is the founder of the music stable Nyanzvi dze Tsvimbo.

Upcoming musicians who are under his stable include G-Kay, Alpha, Young Ice, Taboe, Mystry, G-Black, T-Jones, Women Flexxer, Faith and Dearly.

Songs on the new album, Trapper said, were presented in different genres such as dancehall, afro pop, house, hip-hop and kanindo.

Shem will also take the opportunity to launch his album titled “Restoration Zimbabwe”. The event coordinator and actress Amanda Ranganawa said, “This festival is one of its kind.

“We are really excited about this initiative. We have invited a lot of people and we are excited by the response we have received so far. We urge people to come in numbers,” she said.

Revellers will part with $3 in the afternoon and $5 in the evening.