ZITF to wrap-up with entertainment extravaganza
. . . revellers spoilt for choice across the country
THIS weekend, Bulawayo is the place to be as the city hosts a coterie of activities to entertain guests from around the globe, who are attending the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
After five action-packed days of networking and transactions, the fair taking place at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) is poised to conclude on a high note, with a series of entertainment events scheduled from today to Sunday.
The ZIEC is set to be a hub of excitement with various entertaining activities planned, including the DJ explosion event which will be hosted by the Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services at the Z’khuphani stage.
The DJ explosion will showcase talents from Zimpapers Radio, ZBC, ZiFM Stereo and Skyz Metro FM.
Zimpapers Radio will be represented by Ndumiso the Skywalker, while ZiFM Stereo’s line-up includes Etherton Beenie and the Dancehall Massacre.
From ZBC, attendees can look forward to performances by DJ Chilli, Kanyemba Bhonzo, Lionel Mnkandla and Thabani Gambiza.
Representing Skyz Metro FM will be Bkay, Taboka Nleya, DJ Passee, Asante Mo and Mawiza.
Fun seekers will further be spoilt for choice with more activities lined up at various leisure spots in the city.
However, there are three events to look out for: the FeelGoodFriday, Bulawayo Shutdown and Munch & Sip.
These promise to be the highlights of the ZITF weekend.
Today, The Place, located at the Heath Streak Cricket Club, hosts a vibrant gathering featuring members from the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs).
This event, showcasing an array of talented DJs, promises to get patrons in a groovy mood, setting the perfect tone for the weekend and the conclusion of the ZITF.
Otis “The Flow” Fraser, Joe “Tha OG”, DJ CP, Tony Friday and Emity Smooth will take to the decks to exhibit their skills.
On Saturday, the annual Bulawayo Shutdown taking place at Queens Sports grounds will be timely as people will have a chance to enjoy music from South African and local artistes on the last day of ZITF.
South African rapper Kwesta, along with Murumba Pitch, Aymos, and locals Enzo Ishall, Killer T, Saintfloew, Jah Master, Mzoe 7 and a line-up of talented DJs, will take to the stage for performances.
Organisers of the Bulawayo Shutdown have announced that preparations are progressing smoothly, with advance ticket sales progressing steadily.
“Tickets are moving fast and we urge everyone to purchase theirs today as prices will increase,” said event spokesperson Jordan Dube.
“Ninety five percent of the VVIP tickets have been sold out, so things are looking very promising.”
He added that all artistes from Harare and South Africa are scheduled to arrive in Bulawayo on the day of the show, ensuring they have ample time for sound checks.
On Sunday, food enthusiasts will gather at the ZIEC grounds for the Munch & Sip event.
The ultimate food and music fiesta will be graced by wheel-spinner Jason Le Roux, Otis Fraser, Young Gemini, Noluntu J, Kotwane, Skyroot, DJ Liz, Dolly Ya Mama, Micasa’s trumpeter MoT, DJ Feel G, DJ Sibbs Apollo, and South Africa-based media personality Tino Chinyani.
Held under the theme, “A Taste of Afrika” Munch & Sip will deliberately celebrate diverse African cuisines, in collaboration with their partners, Castle Lite.
With this trifecta of events taking centre stage over the weekend, the classic proverb “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” truly comes to life.
Meanwhile, another weekend guide conducted by The Herald Arts revealed that locals and Diasporians will also have something to look forward to this weekend.
Jabulani Jazz Festival
The Venue, in Avondale, Harare hosts Alexio Kawara and the Shades of Black on Saturday evening.
Kawara will share the stage with Josh Meck and Selmor Mtukudzi.
The event comes just a few days before International Jazz Day on April 30, when jazz connoisseurs will celebrate a “Century of Jazz”.
Kawara is best known for yesteryear hits that still sound as good as the day they were released, with songs like “Chihwande-hwande,” “Musikana akanaka,” and his urban groove hit “Shaina,” still making waves.
The seasoned musician, like fine wine, matures with every performance.
On a gospel note, Dorcas Moyo launches her album tomorrow at Chancellor Junior School in Mutare.
The album dubbed “Mvere Dzabvepi will see guest performances by two gospel musicians Fenny Kerubo from Kenya and Malkia Rose Muhando from Tanzania.
The songstress Moyo hogged the limelight with her hit “Mhanza Haisekwe”, which featured sungura maestro Alick Macheso.
Fenny Kerubo, a household gospel name in Kenya, is best known for hits like “Come to Me”, ‘He loves you” and “Wimbo Waushindi,” while Rose Muhando the Kenyan Queen of the gospel, famed for songs like “Kimbembe,” “Nibariki,” and “Yesu Karibu Kwangu” will prove her mettle on the stage too.
Still, on vibe-mix, Chitungwiza will host sungura kingpin Alick Macheso’s “Home Coming Musical Concert”.
The show will be held at Aquatic Complex and will see renowned artistes, including Nicholas Zacharia, Peter Moyo and Esau Macheso sharing the stage.
The show will start from 7PM till late.
This gathering is not just a concert but a cultural phenomenon, celebrating the rich musical heritage of the region.
The event is a testament to the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering arts and providing a platform for artistes to showcase their talent.
For hip-hop lovers, there is a rumble in Mzansi as the famous local Holy Ten, Voltz JT, and Master H descend on South Africa for their three-day music show.
The first show will be headlined by Holy 10 at an event dubbed, “Rumble in Joburg 1”, set at Newtown Music Factory.
On Saturday in WrestleMania style, the trio takes the rumble to Rustenburg with Voltz JT leading the pack at Old Town Hall.
The battle has been themed “Rumble in Joburg#1.”
On the other hand, Master H settles scores at Rumble Pretoria, as he wraps up weekend celebrations at Beatzone Lounge with local DJs on rotation.
In the United Kingdom, tomorrow, there is a “Thanksgiving Ball: This is my story,” hosted by Yeukai Washe at Keele Hall, Keele University Staffordshire.
The Charambas will be guest performers at the event.
It will be a themed event and the dress code would be strictly black tie and an evening dress.
The hostess is a renowned musician famed for songs such as “Ndione”, in which she featured Tendai Chazika, “Ndazviona”, an apostolic version of the song, and her latest being “Rumbidzo”, where she featured Carol Muzambi. The event will coincide with a double birthday celebration for Pastor Charamba and Yeukai Washe.