DENDERA musician Sulumani Chimbetu (pictured) failed to turn up for the Manicaland HIV and Aids gala held at Vengere Stadium in Rusape at the weekend but sent his cousin brother, Douglas, much to the disappointment of the huge crowd that attended the event.
BY CLAYTON MASEKESA
Simbarashe Maquina from the National Aids Council, who co-ordinated the gala said they were disappointed by the turn of events.
“Sulu was one of the top artistes who had lined up for the event. But, we were surprised to hear that his younger [cousin], Douglas Chimbetu, came in as his replacement without our consent,” he said.
Sulu’s publicist, Joe “Local” Nyamungoma, however, told NewsDay yesterday that they had a vehicle breakdown on their way from a show in Mutoko and failed to get to the gala in time, but he notified one of the organisers.
The gala, Maquina said, however, went on well as the objective of the gala was to bring HIV and Aids services to the community.
“The youths received free HIV testing and voluntary medical male circumcision. There were also family planning services and women were also screened for cervical cancer,” he said. However, the other artistes performed very well and kept the fans on their toes.
First to be on stage was Blessing Shumba who gave a convincing performance as he played one hit after another. Ellen Anderson, a rising gospel artist from Mutare and Winnie Makoni from Honde Valley also took turns to mesmerise fans with their music.
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Next on stage was Zim Dancehall sensation Killer T, who wooed the youths with his scintillating performance as the young people sang along to Makarova Ganaz, Ngoma Ndaimba and Takuda Kumbofarawo.
But, the day belonged to David Machowa, affectionately known as Apama Style, who mesmerised fans with his comical dances that kept the crowd laughing.
Douglas Chimbetu came in as the last act and did not disappoint as his dendera beat appealed to the fans and his song Ndafunga Vahosi proved popular.
