HARARE, Apr. 13 (NewsDay Live). The "Old School" cool proved it is far from outdated on Saturday night as the Cool Crooners stole the show at the 2026 Ecobank Legends Night held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).
Once labeled as retired and out of touch, the legendary group proved that their classic sound still dominates Zimbabwean streets and culture. Their surprise appearance was the highlight of an evening led by the Intotal Band who performed hits from icons such as Alick Macheso, Leonard Zhakata and Simon Chimbetu just to mention a few.
When the Cool Crooners stepped onto the stage to perform their unforgettable hit, “Bulugwe Lami," the HICC erupted. The performance silenced critics who suggested the group’s era had passed.
In an exclusive interview with NewsDay on the sidelines of the event, George Salimu, one-half of the duo, expressed his joy at the reception.
"It is amazing how the crowd still recognizes our music and dances to it even after ages of not releasing any new music," Salimu said.
He further said that the group is currently back in the studio.
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"The band plans to release a new album soon," he added.
The night was filled with other major highlights, including an energetic set by Jeys Marabini that shifted the atmosphere of the room. His characteristically vibrant performance electrified the HICC. The world-renowned dance group IYASA also made a surprise appearance, adding a vibrant visual element to the musical tributes.
Despite the celebration, there was a somber moment of reflection for the late Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria. The audience observed a moment of silence before the Intotal Band performed a moving tribute song, leaving many emotional fans in tears.
The event also focused on the families left behind by Zimbabwe’s musical giants. The show was briefly paused as Ecobank officials and the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, presented grocery vouchers to the widows of late legendary artists whose music was honored during the concert.
The successful night in Harare serves as a curtain-raiser for the Bulawayo leg of the tour, which is set to take place this June at the ZITF Hall 2.