The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Post Correspondent
ARTISTES who performed at the just-ended Diamond FM second anniversary celebrations held last weekend at Manicaland Motoring Club have hailed the radio station for promoting local music and providing them a platform to showcase their talent and learn from fellow artistes.
This year’s fun-filled anniversary saw a blend of upcoming and seasoned artistes from Mutare and Harare sharing the stage for close to eight hours, a development which rarely happens in the eastern border city.
Thanks to Diamond FM, Zimdancehall novice Lady Popa and love ballad specialists Faith and Afonso shared the stage with Sebastian Magacha and Ngoni Kambarami who both boast of more than ten years in the music industry.
Artistes who performed before scores of fun lovers who thronged the club arena said the radio station was playing a critical role in giving them exposure, something most local promoters have been failing to do.
“It is a wonderful experience sharing the stage with upcoming and seasoned musicians and in this case performing here was awesome. It was an electrifying experience and we would like to thank Diamond FM for their concerted efforts in making us meet our fans on such interactive platforms. I believe we gave our best and we would be glad if we are invited again to future events,” said Sebastian Magacha who put up a top drawer performance.
Zimdancehall diva, Lady Popa, a talented musician who only needs guidance also had time of her life performing before a bumper crowd. She nurtured her musical career in the sprawling suburb of Sakubva before she moved to Harare and returned to the eastern border city again. This was her first show of such magnitude.
“Ever since the radio came to Mutare our careers have changed for the better in terms of exposure and visibility. You had to travel to Harare for one to be known. These events have moulded us to be better artistes. You know how motivating it is to perform before such a huge crowd. Diamond FM should keep it and keep towards working improving our brands as local artistes,” said the pint-sized chanter.
“It was an awesome experience sharing the stage with Magacha and Ngoni Kambarami. Diamond FM made our dreams come true and we will continue to work hard so that we will always perform during such high profile events. It is motivating,” said Faith who performed earlier on the second day of the anniversary.
Lionel “Caff” Matanda who is arguably one of Mutare’s best stage performers has been one of Diamond FM’s musical gigs’ regular performers. Last Sunday’s show was a learning curve for the young lad.
“We always learn new things whenever we perform during such events. Communicating with the audience is vital and I am glad that this was one of my best shows because I would communicate with my fans through song. The choreography was perfect thanks to my demanding fans who always want the best from me. We would like to thank Diamond FM for giving us such a platform and making us learn from other seasoned artistes,” he said.
