IT’S Christmas time again and the festive season mood has gripped Harare with massive gigs lined up tonight. Report by Silence Charumbira Entertainment Reporter
Some may want to call it the best of both worlds with probably the biggest combinations of local music tonight taking to the stage.
Others may want to call it the clash of the titans, but this is just the sort of festive féte that Harare finds itself experiencing tonight.
On one end is the superstar Oliver Mtukudzi marshalling Sulumani Chimbetu, Winky D and Munya Mataruse at the City Sports Centre.
This is probably the most classical combination in the land today with Tuku having celebrated his 60th birthday in style this year.
Sulu is riding high on the release of his latest album Syllabus which has thrust him to the top of local music. From just another son of a legend, he has grown in just over five years to become a real force. His choreography is second to none and it sure will be a treat to watch him play.
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Winky D has also carved a niche for himself as the king of local dancehall. At platforms when any other would have melted, he has risen to the occasion and given even international artistes a good run for their money. The energy he exhibits has always stunned first-timers and for a festive season gig, then it is guaranteed that some will be shell-shocked tonight. Then comes in young Mataruse, another haven of talent, the young guitarist is just a marvel to watch.
His likeness to Tuku has somewhat made him the natural replacement for the late Sam Mtukudzi yet he boasts of this edge that has not been seen before on the local scene.
Yet just around 15 kilometres to the west of the City Sports Centre, at Pamuzinda Highway Escape there will be much of a dance affair.
Alick Macheso leads a bill including Leonard Zhakata, Jah Prayzah, Peter Moyo, Romeo Gasa and raunchy dancer Beverly “Bev” Sibanda.
This particular combination will see those serious about grooving getting down to Macheso Kwatakabava Mitunhu (Kure Kwekure) which has been met with mixed feelings. That aside, Macheso is known to put a splendid act each time he takes to the stage and tonight should not be any exception.
Zhakata is tried and tested, his choreography is spectacular and his presentation is just out of this world. Not many have seen him on the dance floor and tonight should be a chance for such.
Jah Prayzah’s fame has risen like a raging fire conquering every challenge thrown at him.
He exudes energy and immense originality that has made sure he is a favourite for a sizeable number of showgoers. The young Igwe as the son of the late Tongai Moyo is referred to, has been struggling on stage coupled with the unfortunate accident that injured most of his band, it should be a tough time. His selling point should be the availability of Energy Mutodi’s Shiga Shiga, Spencer Khumulani and Guyson Sixpence.
Unpolished as he is, the young man has managed to remind his audience of his father, which is the point anyway. Then lastly Beverly Sibanda, the raunchy dancer that has changed the face of Harare’s night life. She has the energy and the guts and looks likely to spring a surprise.
It is normal to be split between the two gigs and I will personally be everywhere to make sure I do not miss anything.