Chronicle (Zimbabwe)

Njube to host Byo Africa Day fete

- Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspond­ent

FOLLOWING the success of the Africa Day concert in Njube last year, the event this year promises to be bigger and better as hundreds of people are expected to congregate at Salukazi Arts Centre in Bulawayo for the family fun day.

The much anticipate­d event, meant to celebrate Africa with dance and music has over 15 acts lined up to perform.

A brainchild of Bruce Ncube of Mema Arts Zimbabwe and Derrick Tembo of Kaisa Arts, the event is meant to bring audiences in high density suburbs closer to their musicians while commemorat­ing the day. It will be a mixture of music, theatre, dance and stand-up comedy with the likes of rapper Cal Vin, gospel hip hop artiste T1NDA, Mzoe 7, imbube group Indosakusa (formerly Impumelelo Shining Stars), Iyasa, Ezimnyama, Khaya Arts, Umkhathi theatre works among others set to perform.

Ncube said the event was being held to bring quality entertainm­ent to the western areas.

“Most shows that happen in Bulawayo are held in the city centre. People in the western areas are starved of that entertainm­ent as they don’t feel comfortabl­e to attend such shows at night to see their favourite stars.

“So, Africa Day in Njube seeks to bridge that gap through bringing local artists to Njube,” said Ncube.

He paid tribute to the musicians who agreed to perform for free at the concert saying without their co-operation the event would not have been possible.

“The event is free in order to accommodat­e as many fans as possible. We’re also not paying the artistes and I’d like to thank them for being part of this annual showpiece.

“We’re not out to make a profit, but we want to create lasting memories for people from the event.”

As part of the theme of the day, African traditiona­l foods will be on sale at the event. A jumping castle will be erected for children as well as other fun games.

“We aim to make this a family event hence we’ve secured a jumping castle for children to keep them entertaine­d while some of them watch whatever will be happening on stage,” said Ncube.

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