The ManicaPost
AS the year 2018 curtained down last Monday, a lot of entertainment events worth recalling occurred — from top model and lawyer Tafadzwa Jaricha’s crowning moment, dismal performances, flops, to Ginimbi’s famous visit to the eastern border city.
The Weekender Entertainment Correspondent Liberty Dube, takes us down the 2018 major entertainment memory lane.
Gifted lyricist Chipanga back from excruciating sabbatical
Controversial musician Hosiah Chipanga returned from a self-imposed sabbatical from the music scene that saw his music being sidelined by radio stations and promoters who accused him of loading his lyrics with severe political innuendos. Thanks to the new political dispensation, his music can now be played on several radio stations while several promoters have expressed interest to host the Kwachu-Kwachu hit-maker.
The award-winning and gifted word-smith whose lyrical ingenuity is undoubted, was publicly rebuked by former Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Mandi Chimene for being a traitor following the release of Gamba.
Local actress wins top award
Local filmmaker Amanda Ranganawa’s dream finally came true after her film, ‘‘Kushata kwemoyo’’ won the Outstanding Screen Production at the 17th National Arts Merit Awards edition. One of the actors in the movie, Charles Muzemba, also came out tops in the Outstanding Actor category (film and television).
Club Mandisa shines at DAZ national awards
MUTARE-based dance ensemble Mandisa Queens store the light at this year’s Dancehall Association of Zimbabwe competitions when they lift the best dance group outside Harare award.
Former model acquires Miss Tourism Manicaland licence
Local modelling industry was rejuvenated after former top model Caroline Marufu-Buwu was officially awarded a license to run the Miss Tourism Manicaland beauty pageant, which saw Manicaland shining all the way to the nationals.
Ginimbi paints Mutare blue
Ginimbi’s fetish for cars was exhibited through a cavalcade of top-of-the-range vehicles such as a Range Rover SVR 2018 Limited Edition, 2017 Bentley Bentayga which cost about R4 million, and Mercedes Benz S-Class among others from Harare to Mutare. He also caused a stir in Mutare’s Central Business District before making a special appearance at Miss Africa University beauty pageant held at Golden Peacock Villa Hotel. The convoy caused mayhem from as far as from Rusape as the drivers swerved and horned much to the attention of other motorists who had to park their cars to pave way for the “boss” and his entourage to pass through.
Diamond FM hosts historic anniversary
Families and fun lovers in Mutare gathered in numbers for a rare yet memorable treat as local radio station Diamond FM celebrated its second year of existence. The fun-filled anniversary, which lit up Mutare’s entertainment scene for the whole weekend, was oversubscribed. Although all artistes who performed at the anniversary such as Lady Popa, Afonso, Faith, Ngoni Kambarami and Caff put up sterling performances, it was gospel artiste, Sebastian Magacha who left people — of all ages — clamouring for more despite performing last.
Dhumatasangana wins Chibuku dance competitions
MBENDE-Jerusarema dance specialists Dhumatasangana came out tops in the Chibuku Neshamwari traditional dance national finals after out-dancing nine other groups at the provincial competitions. They, however, failed to make a mark at the national finals that took place at Mutare Showgrounds.
Arts group shines on global stage
Mutare-based arts group Chenhaka Arts attended a heritage fiesta called Mazibuye Heritage day expo festival in Johannesburg in South Africa for the first time. The group, which is led by veteran artiste Taurai Moyo, joined other groups from 19 countries. They were invited by a South African non-profit organisation Together As-One Community Development.
Jaricha’s historic national crown
Her infinite prettiness and intelligence captured the imaginations of the adjudicators and onlookers and it indeed became lovely testimony of beauty with brains as top Mutare model and lawyer Tafadzwa Jaricha was crowned Miss Tourism Zimbabwe 2018 at the national finals held in Bulawayo. Another model from Mutare, Life Mathuzeni, who is also blessed with striking beauty, was crowned second princess while Mashonaland East’s Natalie Mangodo was the first princess. The pageant ran under the theme: ‘‘Unveiling the Beauty of Zimbabwe’’.
Jaricha walked away with $10 000 and a Mercedes-Benz C Class, while Mangodo and Matunzeni received $7 000 and $5 000 respectively.
Mutare mourns veteran promoter Mukoma Kenny
Mutare’s entertainment fraternity was plunged into mourning following the death of Mutare’s veteran show promoter and Mangenje Night Club owner Kenny Mangenje. Mangenje, who was fondly known as Mukoma Kenny, was a darling to many.
Scores of people from all walks of life gathered at St Joseph’s cemetery in Sakubva to pay their last respects to a man whose humility, dedication and commitment to the growth of entertainment since early 90s in the eastern border city was exceptional.
Ray of hope for artistes as entertainment centre Generations opens
Upcoming and established local artistes have something to smile about especially during and after the impending festive season following the opening of new uptown leisure centre, Generations Club situated in Mutare’s Central Business District.
The club opened shop this week following the closure of business by their predecessors G3 Big Fun who used to run the joint under the name Soul City.
Mutare has been one of the cities with vast talented yet less exposed artistes because of lack of promotions and few entertainment places to showcase their artistic ingenuity.
The club opens everyday and caters for all ages from 18 years. Entertainment stable Brutal Cut, which comprises Zim dancehall, sungura, old and new school deejays who include Hollies, Zintronix, Fullstop, Miles and Walle are handling the entertainment affairs at this uptown joint. Dj Kartel is the club’s guest deejay whose finnese in sungura music – both old and new — is next to none.
The Weekender Entertainment wishes its readers, fun lovers and pleasure seekers an exhilarating and blissful 2019.
