SATURDAY February 7 will undoubtedly remain a special and memorable day for many Zora music enthusiasts who thronged Dandaro Inn, Harare Exhibition Park.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
It was a pomp and funfair day as fans were in for a rare treat when veteran musician Leonard Karikoga Zhakata for the first time in his music career hosted a free gratitude show to salute them and some partners for supporting his showbiz career.
Buoyed by the fans’ support that saw his latest album’s tracks Dhonza Makomborero and Dollar Boy voted first and second position respectively on last year’s Radio Zimbabwe Coca Cola Top 50, Zhakata decided to appreciation fans for what they had done for him.
Eating and drinking, braaing and dancing became the order of the day as fans- some clad in T-Shirts inscribed with names of Zhakata’s songs and albums- showed their allegiance to the musician while enjoying themselves at the event.
During his first segment on the stage, the king of Zora played songs requested by fans, but as the show progressed, he upped the tempo and gave a rare treat to his followers inviting some to the stage to exhibit their singing and dancing skills.
Despite making off-key vocals here and there, the excitement remained at peak with some of the fans using the opportunity for Kodak moments with the musician. Speaking to NewsDay, on the sidelines of the event, Zhakata said his lyrical depth has managed to see him stay afloat in such a competitive industry with fans’ support also paying dividends.
“My music has managed to stand the test of time because of the creativity of composing value-laden songs with the capacity to transform people’s lives,” Zhakata said.
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“However, the credit also goes to the media, promoters, other relevant partners and my fans, who above all pay their money to purchase our products and come for shows.”
Zhakata known for his glittering outfits’ trademark said he was working on the videos of his latest album.
“We have to be consistent in terms of realising albums and this year we are going to release an album as a way of honouring our fans, but it will be after completing videos of Zvangu Zvaita” he said.
While some critics had long written Zhakata off, with him citing politicisation of his music through misinterpretation as the reason why fans had deserted him, his latest offering Zvangu Zvaita is proving that he has re-gained his lost glory.
Even considering the crowd that is currently attending his live shows it confirms the Mugove hit singer is still in the game.
Zhakata has 19 albums under his belt among them Yarira Mhere (1990), Maruva Enyika (1994), Nhamo Dzenyika (1995), Nzombe Huru (1996), Vagoni Vebasa (1997), Ndingaite Sei? (1998), Pakuyambuka, (1999), Kumera Kwezora (2000), Mubikira (2001), Hodho (2003), Udza Vamwe (2004), Tine Vimbo (2006) and Gotwe in 2012
