Despite having a reputation of being hard to learn, with its grammar, pronunciation, and conjugation difficult to master, French remains one of the most romantic languages.
So it was last Sunday that Coca-Cola Unplugged merrymakers experienced some French music from singer and guitarist Patrick Lupi.
It is widely known as the language of love and whatever Lupi sang or strum his guitar, Unpluggers danced and vibed to.
“I don’t understand what he is saying but because he is French it’s most likely that he is saying something romantic,” enthused on fan Bianca.
Lupi did not just bring with him the sweat melodies but seem to have brought with him the winter temperatures of Paris as the cold breeze also gathered at the Wingate Gold Club.
But who said party knows any weather? Even as the temps where dropping, the crowds were also increasing.
The toast of the show was the Travellers Band with their energetic instruments keeping the crowds on their feet.
It was a repeat of brilliance as Travellers also rocked the Coca-Cola Unplugged in Kwekwe – first edition in April.
Alexio Kawara who was the headline act gave people exactly what they missed, a young crooner.
He belted his old time hits blended well with his adopted modern jazz feel.
There comes a point at any party usually after the fifth drink when all you want to hear in your ears is just banger after banger.
This is the time that the DJ gets judged, its a make it or break it moment – ExQ and Jah Prayzha just provided that feeling, it is more than just a song its an Emergency Party Button.
A good time has to be treated like its an emergency, one that will make you scramble together a few clothes, pump the gas into the car, grab a random lipstick colour and apply while at the same time calling your friends to join you.
Taken off the album Tseu Tseu, that’s what Pahukama gives you.
“Fonera Janet vese na emily ikaramba kupinda siya kamessage ngavauye kuno kwaita emergency..”
The song and the video twin very well, With a towering sing-along chorus and lots of sexual innuendoes especially that part which says “dai wambondimonera dai ndambokukumbira kaya kaya ka..”
And the lady in maroon shorts will give you a chill rush in one single direction, She is super sexy, gives cameo dances that invokes a watery appetite for more, yet less is what you will only get.
The gents, DJ Tamuka, ExQ and Jah Prayzah are looking funky in NBA replica jerseys, a funny contrast to how they are dancing, the song has a nice conflicting sense to it, the beat is kinda museve influenced yet the content in the video is all pop. Clever.
It has a lot of colour, signifying happiness and celebration.
What do you want to celebrate? A new house? An anniversary? A birthday? A relegation survival? The departure of Arsene Wenger? Pahukama is your all-purpose song!
The songs give that guilty pleasure of pure escapism and it was all captured by award-winning director Vusa BlaQs
She Festival 2018 held its inaugural event, with over 400 guests attending the celebration that featured Zimbabwe’s agony aunt, Mai Chisamba.
Organised and sponsored by Dorobucci Promotions in conjunction with Ethta events, the gala brought together women from all walks of life for an evening of entertainment, networking and women empowerment.
Held at the Hilton Metropole hotel in Birmingham, the event covered topics that included relationships, business and family matters.
Dorobucci spokesperson, Vickie Storm said that the team were overwhelmed by the numbers who attended the event that sought to educate, motivate and empower women.
Tilda Moyo
“The inaugural celebration was a testament to what women can achieve when they come together, and how they are able to inspire and uplift other women through their own personal stories and journeys,” Vickie said.
“Our guest speakers are all seasoned in their respective professions and their wealth of knowledge and experience, coupled with their passion for women’s rights, allowed each of us to learn something significant,” she added.
With a special Q&A segment that gave influential entrepreneurs, Fungai Ndemera and Julie Condliffe a chance to share their experiences in business, guests had the opportunity to ask direct questions.
Mai Chisamba
Star FM’s Tilda Moyo, who was also one of the international guests, dealt with intricate family issues while Mai Chisamba added her touch of humour, dealing with matters of the heart.
The entertainment line-up at this year’s gala included African dance group, Flame Lily, whose electric performance left guests wanting more.
Tocky Vibes didn’t disappoint either, taking fans back in time with some of his early songs and treating them to some of his new music.
Hosted this year by sought-after TV personality, Jenny Musonza, affectionately known as Auntie Jenny, She Festival will be an annual gathering of women in the diaspora to empower, equip and discuss important issues that include relationships, family, business opportunities and community initiatives that champion women’s engagement.
The event comes at a time when women around the world are celebrating the centenary year since they were given a voice and the right to vote.
Director of Ethta Events, Ethel said: “This event was more than just networking,it was about empowerment.”
Jenny Musonza (auntie Jenny)
“We have so many talented women out there who do not have a voice but have a story to tell.
It is important that we take opportunities like this, to host event’s that seek to shine a light on women so that they can be empowered to do the things they do with confidence and so that we can work together to achieve more,” Ethel added.
In association with Concerts SA, SAMA-winning blues/rock guitarist Albert Frost proudly announces the dates for the African Frost Tour taking place from 17 May to 16 June across six African countries.
Territories for the African Frost Tour include South Africa, Swaziland, Maputo, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Malawi-.
Fans in each country can look forward to an unforgettable show as Frost takes his trademark high-energy live performance across the various African borders, before heading abroad to Amsterdam and North America towards the end of the year.
Albert Frost is ready for the African Frost Tour and comments: “I am so excited for this tour for a couple of reasons.
“It’s time for me to expand and Africa is opening up to artists like myself, especially coming from a blues background which encapsulates a world music feel.
“Expect a diverse mixture of styles delivered with acoustic and electric guitars, something you will feel because it’s real and uncompromised.”
Frost took home his first SAMA last year when his third solo album, The Wake Up, won the Award for ‘Best Rock Album’.
The album successfully explored a departure from Frost’s blues roots, The Wake Up showcasing various musical avenues and lyrical content to create something that surprised and excited fans all over, clearly evident from the get-go with debut single ‘Tonight’.
Albert Frost’sAfrican Frost SADC Tour is supported by Concerts SA through the Music Mobility Fund, a funding mechanism which offers opportunities for South African musicians to undertake live music tours.
The Zimbabwean show will take place in Harare at the Tin Roof (1 Lewisam Shopping Centre, A2), on Sunday 10th June from 12 pm, the charge is $20
A new CNN investigation has uncovered multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against Morgan Freeman.
According to the report, eight women allege being sexually harassed by Freeman on set and in interviews, with eight other witnesses corroborating their stories.
One woman, a production assistant on the 2017 film Going in Style, says that the actor inappropriately touched her and made lewd comments about her appearance on a “near-daily basis” on the set in 2015.
“[He] kept trying to lift up my skirt and asking if I was wearing underwear,” she says. The woman says the harassment got so bad, Freeman’s co-star Alan Arkin intervened: “Alan made a comment telling him to stop.
Morgan got freaked out and didn’t know what to say.” (Freeman and Arkin declined to comment to CNN.)
Other women, including a senior production staffer on the film Now You See Me and multiple reporters, say Freeman harassed them and “numerous” other women.
CNN’s Chloe Melas, who conducted the investigation, says Freeman made inappropriate comments about her pregnancy (“You are ripe” and “I wish I was there”) during a press junket for Going in Style, one of which was caught on film.
Morgan Freeman Picture/The Indian Express
She reported the incident to CNN’s HR department, which contacted the film’s producer, Warner Bros.
The company said it could not corroborate her account because no other WB employees present at the junket “noticed anything.”
Employees at Freeman’s production company, Revelations Entertainment, also said that he and co-founder Lori McCreary created a “toxic” work environment where sexual harassment was the norm.
They claim McCreary witnessed at least one incident, and that she was also “the target of demeaning comments by Freeman in a public setting.” (McCreary did not comment.) Witnesses to Freeman’s alleged harassment say it dates back at least ten years.
Africa Day this year marks the 55th anniversary of the formation of the Organisation of Africa Unity, which was created to promote solidarity between African nations as more and more countries assumed their independence.
As the continent marks this anniversary on Friday, May 25, MultiChoice Africa will proudly commemorate Africa Day with its own celebratory inputs.
Said Lovemore Mangwende, Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Zimbabwe: “In many ways, MultiChoice Africa’s philosophies reflect the principles of the Africa Day celebration, from cultivating unity to forging a brighter future.
At its heart, the company uses entertainment to enrich African lives by telling the continent’s stories; stories that open people’s minds, unite communities and connect Africans to new realities.”
He said MultiChoice Africa was undeniably one of Africa’s greatest media success stories, with a footprint spanning 49 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and a growing continental customer base for the various DStv services.
“The company has always aimed at creating value for customers, employees and society, and will continue to innovate to build a successful business for the future.
This sentiment is evident in its significant support for local communities through creating vital employment opportunities at its offices and in small enterprises focusing on satellite technology installation and repairs.
Rooted in the countries where its customers live and managed by local people, the MultiChoice Africa family employs 2 750 employees and supports over 14 000 agencies and installers, including here in Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe New Film ‘Thandie’s Diary’ For Zambezi Magic
In its pursuit to become the best African storyteller, MultiChoice Africa has also invested in local content and has been involved in upgrading technical talent through training, supporting emerging film producers and directors, and broadcasting locally-produced shows.
All in its drive to ignite Africa’s creative industries, transforming them into vibrant, economic powerhouses.
Zimbabwean content is now seen regularly on Zambezi Magic, for example, and it is hoped this trend will continue and increase.
MultiChoice Africa produces more than 16 local content channels showcasing local content and has created the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards to further celebrate African filmmaking.
Mr Mangwende said MultiChoice had also supported local communities, allocating increasing resources to employment, opportunities for SMEs, increasing local content and investing in corporate social investment projects.
“We believe MultiChoice is tangibly enriching lives in Zimbabwe,” said Mr Mangwende.
He also said MultiChoice Africa aimed at not only using entertainment as a powerful driver of change in local communities but also as a means of telling more local stories, documenting African history and providing a platform for Africans to share African stories.
Increasing advances in digital technology in Africa are creating new opportunities to innovate, especially regarding how local content will be delivered.
With its investment in and commitment to the future of Africa, MultiChoice recognises its collective responsibility to play an active role in ensuring Africa benefits from these opportunities.
To this end, it continues to invest in digital technology to make entertainment more accessible to Africans anywhere, anytime.
While it’s never clear what the future holds for media businesses, what is certain is that people today consume more news and entertainment than ever before.
This trend is set to continue, highlighting the importance of relevant and resonant content.
As a content and technology innovator, MultiChoice is well placed to take advantage of digital advances to tell stories that educate and inform African audiences as well as taking Africa’s stories to the world.
“That is certainly worth celebrating this Africa Day,” said Mr Mangwende
Dynamic UK-based music duo, Blackdiamond have released the highly anticipated music video for their single, Vosho, featured on their recent eight-track album, Gqom Life.
Released nearly a year after the duo changed music direction, the Vosho teaser created an infectious buzz, with just under 52k views in the days that led to its debut release on VEVO.
The summer single was inspired by the popular South African dance move of the same name.
“Vosho, as the name suggests, is about a dance phenomenon that has become quite electric in southern Africa at the moment,” said Pro.
“When the dance first became popular, we were known for executing it well, so much to the point, that a lady who wanted to book us for one of her events referred to us as the “boys of the Vosho”, which was rather amusing and inspired what has become a very popular single,” added Pro.
Made up of brothers, Steve “Pro tha God” Manjelo and Shane “Sugar Shane Wabantwana” Manjelo, Blackdiamond first came onto the scene in 2007. Their first album, Supernova gained critical acclaim and set a new standard for Zimbabwean Hip-hop.
Nonetheless, last year, the double act, who were recently nominated for two awards; music artist and music video of the year; at the recently held Zimbabwe Achievers Awards, decided they were ready for a change musically, wanting to diversify and tap into a new market. It was at this point that they thought that gqom music had the potential to be the next big thing for them.
Gqom, a sub-genre of house music, originated in Durban and has been popularised by well-known acts that include the Distruction Boyz and Babes Wodumo.
“Gqom wasn’t typically a genre or direction we thought we would take initially but, we knew we wanted a new sound and when we started to put our album together, we realised that we were onto something and have not looked back since,” said Shane.
“I think we are in a place where we can confidently say that as far a music is concerned, it is Africa’s time to shine and Pro and I are continually working hard to bring a new, edgy sound and something eclectic to the table,” he added.
Speaking on the video concept, the boys said they wanted to convey something that was unique, meticulously laid out, full of quality and represented their creativity.
Shot in 4K resolution, the video was filmed in a Victorian-style mansion in the heart of Derbyshire, featuring in most parts, the Vosho dance.
Pro said that prior to the release of the music video, the song had done very well on all digital platforms and it was important for them to deliver a quality video that would keep the momentum going and reflect what the brand is trying to create.
Under New Management
The boys have also announced that they are under new management, adding that PR and Communications expert, Tidi Kwidini would be overseeing their artistic and brand development, as well as working closely with them to create strategic opportunities and value for their brand.
“We first worked with Tidi early last year on our Lahlu’mlenze campaign and we were impressed by how well she understood what we want and where we want to go.
“As a result, it only made sense to bring her into the fold because together we can create a force to be reckoned with,” said Pro.
A champion of business and community engagement initiatives, Tidi serves as publicist for several organisations, including the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards.
“Blackdiamond are a multi-talented team who have a clear vision, sheer determination and know exactly what outcomes they want.
We understand our strong-suits and what we’re really great at. There is still a lot to achieve but one thing we are certain of is, we are ready to grow,” Tidi said.
Planned Tour
The duo, who recently supported the Distruction Boyz in Birmingham on their UK tour is planning a City 2 City circuit and they are also putting plans in place to host an intimate music festival in the coming months.
Gqom Life is available from all major digital stores, including Amazon and ITunes.
Locally produced and psychological thriller movie, ‘Mind Games’ will next Thursday launch at the Eastgate Ster-Kinekor Cinemas.
Starring Dax Jackson and Kevin Hanssen, the film won Best Film and Best Actor at ZIFFT 2017 before it went on to win Best narrative feature at the new york based Calcutta International Cult Film Festival,
It also won Best Editing at The Five Continents International Film Festival in Columbia. It was also a Finalist at Stars Hollywood Film Festival.
Mind Games the movie is an adaptation of the 2011 short film of the same title, which scooped the Outstanding Production Award at Nama 2011 and Netone’s Most promising Director award at ZIFF 2010.
MOVIE SYNOPSIS
Some of the scenes from the film
Sam’s guilt over the death of his son has led him on a dark secret life which has destroyed his relationship with his family and led to divorce.
However, when he goes to work, he becomes a victim of a genius psychopath known as Ex, who takes Sam through a series of tests that inadvertently forces Sam to revisits his dark secrets and resolve his personal demons.
When it turns out that Ex, was merely a hired gun in a plot to rob Sam of his inheritance, Sam must use his newfound focus to save his kidnapped daughter and possibly reunite his broken marriage.
Set in modern day Zimbabwe, Mind Games is a psychological thriller that unravels the complexities of human thought and emotion.
The film takes your mind on an exciting journey filled with action, suspense and yes, the unexpected twists.
It screens May 31, 2018, at 5:15 pm. Tickets will be going for $5 Regular, $10VIP and $15VVIP.
The Rotaract Club of Borrowdale Brooke will this Saturday 26 May host another pop bottles annual event to raise funds for charity.
The event will take place at 7 Honey Bear Lane in Greystone Park from 12 midday.
All proceeds go towards community development of health and education in the Hatcliffe area in Harare.
The Rotaract Club of Borrowdale Brooke is well known for their work in the Hatcliff community including their annual spelling bee that provides scholarships for students, the cleanup drive and the cancer run event they held last year.
This year will be their second instalment of the pop bottles party and it promises to be bigger and better!
“The previous Pop bottles was extremely well supported. The community really came out in high numbers. Over 300 people attended and we managed to raise over $3500 to help the community,” said Temwani Kaunda a member of the Rotaract Club of Borrowdale Brooke.
“This year is only going to be better and we’re looking forward to a great turn out and support from the community.”
Rotaract is a global network of over 184,000 young people aged between 18 and 30 who are dedicated to the community and international service. Alongside the high-impact service projects, Rotaract offers opportunities for personal and professional development.
Admission to the party is $5 pre-registration entry on www.webtickets.co.zw and cooler boxes allowed for a small corkage.
You can expect Cash bar, Shisha, Games, Food stalls, Heavy DJs on rotation, UEFA Champions League final screening and amazing people.
We’re a little bit obsessed with the lively Donna N Ncube. We will do all we can to be her best friend because she has all the things going on, she is gorgeous and has a glamorous job.
So today we are crushing on this Skyz Metro FM presenter from KwaBulawayo.
For someone who doesn’t know you, who is Donna Ncube?
Donna Ncube mostly known as Donna N is a free-spirited creative who loves telling stories through art. The hats that I wear are namely a journalist, actress, musician, TV and Radio presenter as well as a live events host. Bulawayo born and bred ambitious young lady. Tag : Donna N intombazana yakoNcube, indodakazi yeNkosi yamakhosi.
Whats the name of your show and what time is it on air.
I host The Inspirator weekdays from 5 am – 6 am and I co-host The VukaVuka Breakfast Show with Babongile Skhonjwa and Master Eli Weekdays 6 am – 10am.
When did you know deejaying is something you wanted to pursue? How long have you been a DJ?
I had never thought of myself as a radio DJ, when the opportunity came I took it and I fell in love instantly.
I had been used to hosting live events having to create a rapport with an audience you might totally not know with someone scanning you on what you are wearing and how you talk and so on but with radio, on the other hand, I have had sessions whereby I will be wearing my pyjamas and no one cares or rather knows lol but you are in a relationship with awesome people that want to listen to you even though they can’t see your face. Definitely got to love that.
Name two highlights of your career as a DJ so far.
Wow, it’s hard to just choose two … I guess interviewing and talking to amazing local, regional and international personalities …. the list is long …
And the awesome brand ambassador deals that have come along.
How do you feel when you’re DJing?
It’s a different feeling everyday one I can’t fully put down in words. Radio is live and there is that element of surprise every day and of course, the tagline for The VukaVuka Breakfast Show is The bravest and craziest breakfast show so it’s very brave and crazy worse off my co-hosts embody that very well. I laugh a lot which is what everyone needs as they start their day.
What have you learnt since you started out as a DJ?
1) To value every moment on air because it might be life-changing to someone or what someone has been looking for.
2) Hiding skills when I am in public lol
3) Radio is powerful beyond imagination.
4) And that I have to answer to what I have once said on air when I meet people … It’s special.
What is the reception from listeners in Bulawayo and those that stream globally, do you think as a regional station you are competing well with national stations.
Donna N Ncube
The reception is humongous, from both local and global listeners, it’s beyond awesome to have listeners that own the radio station (shout out to the TP crew).
Personally, I am not a fan of the word competition, I would rather say serving a market faithfully and successfully and I believe as SkyzMetro FM we are doing our best in that.
We put our listeners first (as the station tag says Esabantu, the people’s radio station) over focusing at who hasn’t done what, when and why of which I trust that’s the best way to run your race.
Stick to what we promised when we started and thrive to improve and make it better. So as Skyz Metro FM, we are doing great in serving our region, country and global sphere. ?
What music have you listened to today and how do you prepare for your set?
Before radio I listen to Tasha Cobbs – You know my name and Wenzile by Joyous Celebration and Women of Valour, of yet these are my boosters.
To prepare for my set, I run up the stairs it would be early in the morning so I need that extra wake me up feeling. At times I dance, it works wonders and of course reading a lot.
Who is your celebrity crush? My person …. he is tooo much His name is pumpkin.?
Are you single? No, I am not
What made you pick the dress you last wore to your show?
Jeans, boots and a leather jacket tjoooooo bekugodola like too much.
On what do you spend the most: clothes, accessories, perfumes, underwear, or anything else?
Contrary to popular belief I spend the most on future investments.
What do you do when not working? When I am not on radio, I’m either filming, doing music or watching movies… lots of them
