THE 21st February Movement Gala held in Glendale on Saturday proved to be a memorable one for the local folks who are often entertainment-starved while for some musicians it was just another day to forget. Report by Silence Charumbira
The most striking being the Mbare Chimurenga Choir fight that saw two groups playing one after the other using the same name.
The choir reportedly split into two factions and at the gala both parties fought to use the same name and tried to block each other from performing.
The stage managers did not help the situation as they would occasionally fight among themselves over the performance line-up and length of slots.
This resulted in some artistes playing a single song each when others had relatively long slots.
The biggest winners were probably the quartet of Leonard Zhakata, Mathius Mhere, Jah Prayzah and Sulumani Chimbetu.
For many who remember the mid-90s when Zhakata rose to fame, the gala was their event.
He put up a sterling performance, but appeared to have jabbed the system when he played his song Mugove.
Mhere, who stole the limelight as Blessing Shumba was not on the line-up, did himself a favour and put up a good set.
His voice betrayed him a couple of times, but that was not enough to stop the euphoria in the crowd.
Jah Prayzah had a string of surprises with well-mastered army drills and riffle displays.
His lieutenant Mabla 10 (Lloyd Kurima) was on the comical side coming to the stage with his animated laughs and dances that have made him a popular comedian. Sulu was definitely the major draw card.
He arrived in an unmarked silver Chrysler Crossfire that had people turning their heads.
When he came onto the stage, it was evident in the crowd that the climax had come and he did it in style.
His playlist complemented the effort starting off with his father’s hit Dzandipedza Mafuta.
He was joined by cousin Tryson on the songs Nhambarakishoni, Ndarangarira Gamba and Sean Timba proving the two have done a lot to normalise their relationship. When Tryson came to the stage, he proved he is also a star in the making.
Nicholas Zakaria also had a good day in the office proving his mettle as the “Senior Lecturer”.
Diana Samkange, Mercy Mutsvene, Sandra Ndebele and Selmor Mtukudzi were the high-profile female artistes who also wowed the audience.
Peter Moyo also played well although he evidently has a lot to learn.
Somandla Ndebele, who had gone quiet for a while, reminded the crowd of the good old days when he used to be one of the best artistes around.
Young musicians like Simon Mutambi and Obvious Mutani also had a good day.
Jeys Marabini, Ernest Tanga weKwasando, Gift Amuli, Mechanic Manyeruke, Guspy Warrior, Extra Large, Amankosikazi and Junior Comrades were some of the artistes who also performed.
The biggest losers were probably Stunner, Kapfupi, Tambaoga, Progress Chipfumo and Madhonza Makuru as they failed to perform after an electrical fault which brought an end to the gala.
