SET on a spacious plush of green is Baraza Pavilion, formerly known as Nyamachoma.
SILENCE CHARUMBIRA ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER
The place has every ingredient to make one believe they are in a resort in Nyanga with its excellent views that are complemented by a stream flowing silently across the well-manicured landscape.
The stream feeds into a pool where a gigantic fountain creates a brilliant water feature while a few metres from the end of the pool the water is harvested into a small dam that completes the picture.
The main arena, the pavilion, is armed with well-maintained facilities that include one of the highest number of female ablution facilities after Borrowdale Racecourse and maybe the Glamis Arena, while twin fountains created with used bottles of different sizes in the East and the West sides creating a seemingly unintended uniformity.
Another water feature runs from the back to the front directing one’s eyes to the vast greenery while the head room is high enough for adequate aeration.
Indoors is a dining area and bar with a veranda that can effortlessly be turned into an outdoor conference, seminar or workshop space far from the madding crowd.
The facility, besides being in Tynwald, presents an exciting experience that is far from expectation dictated by its environs.
The place that is owned by the Gumunyus was last year repossessed after it had been run down by tenants.
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Christine Gumunyu, one of the family members responsible for the business, said they are now busy with repairs, touch-ups and renovations where needed. She said they were now also introducing monthly programmes that run on weekends to ensure they popularise the place that so far has been hosting weddings and private parties.
“There is a shortage of venues in the country and this is one place that can bridge the gap,” she said earlier this week.
“We are introducing monthly themes for instance this November we are hosting the November Jazz Month where we have vibrant line ups.”
The venue will tomorrow host Jazz Invitation playing alongside Tinashe Makura while on November 15 Tariro NeGitare shares the stage with Rumbie Tavaziva.
Oliver Mtukudzi shares the stage with Edith WeUtonga on November 23 with Prudence Katomeni Mbofana and Victor Kunonga closing the programme on the 29th.
She said December would be reserved for weddings as they had dates booked for a number of weddings.
Her cousin Rhoda, who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, said at first they were worried about the rugged appearance of some of their surfaces, but she was surprised to hear most of the brides saying they preferred that look.
“I actually have a bride who said she wants to have her photographs taken at the scotch cart while I wanted to remove it. Some say they want their photos taken in the braai area. It is amazing what sort of ideas people come up with,” Rhoda said.
“We are now busy repairing the dam and the pool as we prepare for the rainy season and of course the wedding month. The bridges at the pool present beautiful views that are many people’s favourites.”
Apart from the beautiful views, the venue also has a huge car park that carries over 200 cars with an area for over flow which can easily carry a bigger number.
“It is a brilliant facility for showbiz and we are actually inviting show organisers to come and partner us,” Christine said.
“We have got security and this is a good family environment where people can leave their children in a secure playing area that has jumping castles and is manned every minute. Kids under 12 years get free access while adults will pay $10 for all shows except for Tuku and Edith’s show that will cost $20.
“We will have food being served from our kitchen while we have engaged Pariah State to provide the bar this month.”
