ZIMBUZZEntertainment and Sports News from Zimbabwe and the World

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05/02/2019

Surviving R. Kelly to premiere on DStv Tomorrow

DStv will on Wednesday 6 February premiere the Surviving R. Kelly documentary.

It will show at 20:00 and at 20:50

The documentary delves behind one of the biggest scandals in music to date – with women emerging from the shadows and uniting their voices to share their stories of abuse at the hands of musician R. Kelly.

The show has already aired in the US and has met with reaction from international stars like Lady Gaga apologising for once collaborating with the singer (in 2013) to SA’s Pearl Thusi and Jimmy Nevis calling out for a boycott on him and for his music not to be downloaded or livestreamed.

Celebrated as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time, the 52- year old’s career and playboy lifestyle has been riddled with rumours of abuse, predatory behaviour, and paedophilia.

In 2002 he was indicted on 21 counts of child pornography but was acquitted of all charges in 2008.

For the first time ever, survivors and people from R. Kelly’s inner circle, are coming forward with new allegations about his sexual, mental, and physical abuse.

With over 50 interviews including civil rights activist Tarana Burke, musicians John Legend and Sparkle, talk-show host and former DJ Wendy Williams, ex-wife Andrea Kelly, brothers Carey and Bruce Kelly, and many others, the true story of R. Kelly’s controversial past is revealed beginning in 1970 through present day.

The premiere episode in the six-part series explores R. Kelly’s rise to fame and power as an R&B icon where he formed relationships with younger singers and dancers including marriage to his then 15-year old protege Aliyah.

Single episodes air weekly on Wednesdays at 20:00 culminating in the final episode titled Black Girls Matter on March 6, which sees figures from women’s groups come forward to take aim against the sexually brazen superstar.

Will R. Kelly now wish he could “turn back the hands of time?”

Also debuting on the Crime + Investigation Channel is The Harvey Weinstein Scandal premiering on 13 February at 20:50 and examines the rise and fall of Hollywood media mogul Harvey Weinstein and other men in power.

This documentary explores milestones from Weinstein’s life, career, relationships and rise to meg- stardom.

It reveals the creation and many successes of Miramax and The Weinstein Company.

On October 4, 2017, a New York Times article lit the spark detailing the personal stories of sexual assault victims of Harvey Weinstein.

Now that spark has become a blaze and is shedding light on three decades of abuse by Weinstein and other dominant figures.

The documentary takes a deep look inside Hollywood and the abuse by powerful men in the industry and includes exclusive interviews with people who knew Weinstein, women who have come face to face with him and exclusive re-enactment scenes.

Weinstein is to stand trial in New York this May on five charges including rape.

He is alleged to have sexually assaulted over 70 women dating back decades. He has denied all these accusations citing that any sexual encounters were consensual.

Misred explains Hot Pic that has broken the Internet

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04/02/2019

Misred explains Hot Pic that has broken the Internet

ZiFM DJ Misred’s sizzling hot retro photoshoot pic has broken the Zimbabwean internet space.

The picture which was posted on her Instagram Sunday has since been turned into a whole lot of memes.

Speaking to ZiFM journalist Anesu Masamvu, Misred said that she is all about body positivity and self love.

She said she doesn’t do it for attention or men but to inspire other women to appreciate and love their bodies.

Listen to the interview below

ENTERTAINMENT EXCLUSIVE: ??? @iMisred speaks on the sizzling hot image that has broken the internet. @Mumhanzi @ZimMediaReview @263Chat @thezimbuzz @ZiFMStereo @ZiFMNews @kwirirayi @larry_moyo @HMetro_ @ThreeMenOnABoat pic.twitter.com/hBRldgbWNZ
— Anesu Masamvu (@AnesuMasamvu) February 4, 2019

Here are the winners from the Star FM Music Awards

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04/02/2019

Here are the winners from the Star FM Music Awards

It was a night of awesome wonders as Showbiz’s most influential people gathered at the Zimbali Lifestyle Centre in Greendale for the inaugural Star FM Music Awards.

And the night belonged to wonder boy ExQ.

With over 19 years in the music industry ExQ finally had his place in the sun and indeed he shone.

He grabbed five awards in Best Afro-Pop Song, Best Collaboration, Best Male Artist, Best Album and Most Played Song for “Nzenza”.

For the Best Male award ExQ was also awarded with US$1 000 cash, R10 000 spending money and a trip for two to South Africa courtesy of sponsors Impala Car Rentals.

The night’s biggest award went to Jah Signal won Song of the Year for ‘Sweetie’ and walked away with US$2 000 cash plus a holiday for two in South Africa.

Jah Singal was the second highest nominated artist with 5 nominations while ExQ had six nominations.

Chiwoniso Maraire was awarded with a posthumous Lifetime Achieveemt award as well as the recently deceased Oliver Mtukudzi recieving an Honorary Award.

Enzo Ishall took home the Best Dancehall Song award for Kanjiva as well as the Best Newcomer.

Below are the winners

Best Afro Pop Song

ExQ- Nzenza

Best Collaboration

Ex Q ft Freeman- Nzenza

Best House Song

Novuyo Sea Girl- AEIOU

Best Male Artist

Ex Q

Best Sungura Song

Alick Macheso- Chikuru Kurarama

Best Gospel Song

Janet Manyowa- Tomutenda Nei

Best RnB Song

Takura- Can’t Get Over You

Best Zimdancehall Song

Enzo Ishall – Kanjiva

Best Duo/Group Song

N.X.T- Gwalanga

Best Hip Hop Song

Gze- Sthubhai Kupratta

Best Song by a Zimbabwean in the Diaspora

Kazz Mr Boomslang- Jolling

Best Producer

Dj Tamuka

Best Newcomer

Enzo Ishal- Kanjiva

Best Album

Ex Q- Tseu Tseu

Best Female Artist

Janet Manyowa

Song of the Year

Jah Signal- Sweetie

Gary Tight Preserves Best Moments with Tuku in ‘Mweya Wakanaka’ Tribute

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01/02/2019

Gary Tight Preserves Best Moments with Tuku in ‘Mweya Wakanaka’ Tribute

The untimely passing of the legendary musician Dr Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi last week devastated Zimbabwe and the music industry in general, being the renowned and internationally recognised cultural icon of all time that he was.

His legacy transcended the musical realm.

He was a businessman, philanthropist, social commentator, human rights activist, a champion of HIV/AIDS awareness and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Southern Africa Region.

Samanyanga, as he was affectionately called by his legion of fans, was also an inspiration to young artists as he exemplarily used his music as a commentary on various social, cultural, and economic issues in his music career which spans for over four decades.

One distinguished young energy he inspired was Gary Tight, son to Afro-Jazz musician Willom Tight of the Ndinoda Wangu fame.

Dr Tuku and the rising Afro-pop fusion musician did not just knew each other on a personal level, but also had to collaborate on a song ‘Ndizarurire’, the video of which stands over 300k views on YouTube.

Now, as someone who had the privilege of existing and working in the space of the creative legend, Gary has also joined a batch of great admirers who penned elegies to the late musician.

In the tributary song, which was released with its melancholy visuals, Gary cherishes memories with Dr Tuku while prominently sampling some of Samanyanga’s great tunes.

From one end, he’s singing from a sombre place of bereavement as palpably shown by the dark background of the studio he is performing in.

Such gloomy moments are, however, sheathed by the hued radiant and lighter moments where he performed, hung and dine with the late icon.

As noted earlier, many songs have been released since the passing of Dr Tuku, but it’s only a few of them that have been able to immortalise the lost hero in an encapsulating and emotional way as done by Gary.

Check out the video below:

Madirirano, Unplugged — Two Shows same Date!

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01/02/2019

Madirirano, Unplugged — Two Shows same Date!

Up until yesterday, the the dual contest between Madirirano and Unplugged had been beautifully disguised.

But all that is about to change this Easter.

Two of the country’s biggest outdoor parties are set to clash following the announcement of the 2019 dates by its organisers — the two shows are happening on the same date, 20 April 2019.

Madirirano and Unplugged bring out a cool way of celebrating life that you won’t experience elsewhere and the two are going head to head as they attempt to outdo the excellence of last year’s experiences.

That the two events have taken a chuck of the showbiz market share is there for all to see, their pulling power even with minimal advertising is a promoter’s handbook.

Both events are based on a simple concept of unique, integrated leisure, featuring various musical perfomances and DJ acts.

The only difference between these two is the choice of venue and gate charges.

Unplugged is held in the Northen suburbs in various venues whilst Madirirano happens in the ghetto, usually at Takashinga cricket club in Highfield. (One has been held in Mabvuku)

But it is the announcement of changes at this year’s Unplugged that caught people’s attention.

Instead of being a monthly event, the show will now happen three times a year.

Unplugged will take place on Saturday 20 April, Sunday 11 August and Saturday 14 December.

“After exactly 50 events, 128 unique acts and 22 DJs on its Zimbabwe stage, Unplugged Zim now aims to transform its monthly event property ‘Unplugged’ into a global standard festival,” read the Unplugged press statement.

“Unplugged will no longer take place every month, rather, what we shall see is a scaled up full-day event that will take place three times a year,” said the founding Directors Chiedza Danha and Ellinah Chipumha.

Speaking on international performers, Chipumha stated that she saw ‘amazing African and non-African artists that Zimbabweans would love and that would fit the Unplugged stage.’

She added that it is those artists that the organisation would try to attract to Zimbabwe. ‘Having international artists in Zimbabwe also provides incredible opportunities for budding Zimbabwean artists to learn and for established ones to collaborate.’

The statement did not however indicate if there has been an increase in gate charges which have remained at $10 the whole of last year.

Organised by Bodyslam CEO Simbarashe Chakare, Madirirano remains a free show, only the VIP enclosure was charging an entrance fee during December’s event.

Where will you be on the day? Pouring or Unplugging?

Nox Guni goes back to basics, Drops a gem Uchandifunga

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01/02/2019

Nox Guni goes back to basics, Drops a gem Uchandifunga

Music prodigy NoxGuni has gone back to his formative years with a scorcher — Uchandifunga!

The single off his upcoming EP Ndingazodei has traits of his early days when he brought the sound fans loved and cherished.

The album was produced by his young brother TyfahGuni for Ice n Roses, his record label based in South Africa.

But the beauty is that Uchandifunga is a well thought outtrack that is likely to have more spins on the airwaves that any other track.

It’s mellow, danceable and is about love a subject Nox knows too much about.

He sings about a love affair that’s on the rocks.

The partner is no longer doing the little things (albeit which matter) like texting or calling each other.

The saddest part is that the other lover is reading between the lines and reflects on how they used to love each other.

Uchandifunga (you will miss me) sets the tone and mood for what’s to come when love turns sour.

Production-wise, the song fits well into Nox catalogue of hits considering his well thought out lyrics and the massive lovers-rock-reggae beat.

That said, Nox is showing that hunger of an up and coming artists.

This is why he retraced his roots to bring out the formula which brought us the smash hit Ndinonyara a couple of years back.

But again, the appeal is that he’s bringing something refreshing although the key aspect is that it’s Nox of the old that we loved to listen.

Nox belongs to the Urban Grooves golden era (2000s) but he continues to reinvent himself to ensure his longevity in the competitive music business.

Perhaps, his exposure with the South African music industry has sort of opened his eyes to see the bigger picture.

While it is not easy to pigeonhole his music, Nox is certain to appeal to an international audience now than ever before.

Watch the video below

NAMAs move to HICC…Mulls Tuku Tribute?

Featured

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31/01/2019

The 18th edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) will be held at the Harare International Conference Centre on 23 March 2019.

The initial date as per the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe usual calendar was 16 February 2019.

Organisers say the ceremony has been moved forward due to logistical planning.

The previous edition of NAMAs have been held at smaller venues like the 7 Arts Theatre or Reps Theatre.

Zimbuzz is reliably informed that the change of venue and date has been neccesited so as to plan for a tribute show to the late national hero Dr Oliver Mtukudi who died Wednesday 23 January 2019 at the Avenues Clinic in Harare.

This year’s NAMA edition received a total number of 1 436 entries. Those who submitted include production houses, studios, stables, galleries, organisations, associations, groups, artistes, monitors and/or the public.

Some of the entries were identified by monitors who were appointed by NACZ and kept an eye on any excelling artists throughout the year.

Said acting communication and marketing manager Cathrine Mthombeni, “This year’s NAMA theme is “African Royalty” and it speaks to the quality and competitiveness of art products from Africa.”

“The world is hungry for Zimbabwean works of art from film, visual arts, music, dance, literature amongst others and these should be packaged and marketed accordingly.

“The theme also speaks to the idea of our artists producing work that tells the proudly Zimbabwean story in a quality and global standard.”

Daves Guzha & Joe Njangu’s ‘The Letter’ Makes Digital Premier

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31/01/2019

Daves Guzha & Joe Njangu’s ‘The Letter’ Makes Digital Premier

Lovers of Zimbabwean film can now enjoy the latest Daves Guzha and Joe Njangu production in the comfort of their homes.

The Award-winning filmmakers’ latest movie, ‘The Letter’ has been released today via an exclusive online distribution deal by CMG International Media Group.

The highly anticipated movie is a collaborative effort between Njagu and Daves Guzha in association with Zimpapers Television Network in a move that cements the global reach of locally produced films.

As a result, The Letter has been met with positive pre-lease purchases and is now available online on demand.

The film is inspired by the true events of 2015 when companies in Zimbabwe went on a massive laying off process after the government’s labour ruling which saw thousands lose their jobs without pension or benefits.

Joe Njangu described the production as a human story about the survival instincts of a man who is put in a corner and has lost all he has; “it shows how one will do whatever it takes to protect and provide for their family.”, he said.

The Letter follows the story of lead character, Simon, played excellently by Emmanuel Mbirimi who sees his retirement dreams shattered when he is given “the letter” of dismissal just before he retires.

Explaining the main characters’ misadventures, Executive Producer Dave Guzha said, “Simon goes on a rampage against his now former employers which sees him commit a string of unlawful deeds, a lot of lines are crossed”, detailed Guzha.

The main actor, Emmanuel Mbirimi is well backed by a cast featuring the likes of Jefferson Muserera, firm fan favourite Admire Kuzhangaira of the P.O Box fame and introduces rising comedy starlet Tinaye Wayne among others.

This eagerly awaited film is the latest offering from the duo whose career combined span well over three decades. The Letter premiered on the 31st of January at 7PM last night and is available for purchase on Vimeo for $3.

Jah Prayzah empties grieving Heart in Tuku Tribute

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30/01/2019

Jah Prayzah empties grieving Heart in Tuku Tribute

When Jah Prayzah took to the stage last Saturday at the Tuku Send-Off Concert at the National Sports stadium, he was a broken man.

His loss was visible.

“Dai Mwari akatipa simba rekudzosa munhu, kana kuti iri mari, taibatanidza baba tokudzosai,” said Jah Prayzah on Saturday before he broke down in tears.

(If God had granted us power to restore life, if it needed money we would put together the amount needed and bring you back)

Oliver Mtukudzi’s death devastated the music world and the Zimbabwean people in particular.

In Gamuchirai, Jah Prayzha decided to preserve the memory of Oliver Mtukudzi in this glorious song, immortalising the National Hero in rich Shona lyrics .

Listen to the Song Gamuchirai Below

Tuku’s Body to go on Public Display during Stadium Concert

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25/01/2019