The year 2011 ends today. It was an eventful year for the entertainment industry in the southern part of the country.
One thing for sure is that credit must be given to Jabula Inn director Joram Moyo for organising a number of successful music shows that were held at the Esigodini venue featuring both local and regional stars.
Normally quiet Esigodini turned into a hive of activity as most music fans made their way there to attend shows.
They travelled from as far as Gwanda while others drove from Bulawayo to watch stars such as Alick Macheso, Sandra Ndebele, the late Cephas “Motomuzhinji” Mashakada, the late Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo, Jeys Marabini and South African veteran songstress Patricia Majalisa.
Even the late Mashakada paid tribute to the Jabula Inn director during an interview with NewsDay at the venue in March.
He said gigs were few and far between and musicians needed to have as many as possible to keep their heads above water.
Majalisa kept her fans on their feet when she performed there at the end of November.
Bulawayo also had its fair share of music concerts. Icons such as Oliver Mtukudzi performed here.
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South African disco musician Dan Tshanda also entertained hundreds of his fans at the Amphitheatre in October.
Many South African disc jockeys also made their way to Bulawayo, most of them to play house music which has a large following in the city. DJs such as Kent, Cndo, Cleo, Fresh, Black Coffee and Oskido all performed here.
Fine arts also witnessed a number of exciting exhibitions that were held at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo.
Exhibitions such as Perception 360, the Zipra photographs as well as the Visual Artists’ Association of Bulawayo exhibition all attracted hundreds of art lovers.
The theatre scene saw a climax during the annual Intwasa Arts Festival where a number of thought-provoking plays were showcased such as Burn Mukwerekwere Burn.
The festival also kept arts enthusiasts busy with theatre, music, dance, poetry and fashion all rolled into one in September.
Not to be outdone was the Ibumba Arts Festival that was launched in the middle of December, albeit on a low scale owing to a lack of funds.
Most artists have said they hope for a better year in 2012.
It is our hope also that 2012 would be even more exciting for the arts industry and more outstanding in quality and not just quantity.
