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Jan Jam Plants its Third Flag in the Heart of the City

Tuesday afternoon, one of the country’s most recognisable fashion stores Jan Jam opened its third shop adding more fashion glory to the city and its fashion junkies.

 

Its owner Cynthia Bizure-Sithole has mastered the art of blending the young shoppers’ needs and that of the mature ones.

The new shop located along George Silundika is yet another successful attempt by the brand to offer a luxurious shopping experience.

It is a departure from the usual mainstays as it is equipped with an exquisite, friendly staff who know the Jan Jam story and are knowledgeable about fashion

In attendance were artists, musicians, models, tastemakers, fashion bloggers, top entertainment journalists, brand influencers, family members and some customers.

Here is a pick of what some of the guests said about the shop

Hollywood Lee – Fashion Blogger and Fashion TV presenter

Hollywood Lee (right) with Cynthia Sithole and Tafadzwa Zimoyo

Cynthia knows how to market her business. She effectively communicated her grand opening event to drive traffic to her new store opening by carefully selecting journalists, Fashion bloggers and social media influencers. I am impressed and congratulations to Cynthia not just for the new branch but for staying in business in tough times

Bakari Sibanda-Dhibar – Fashion Blogger

Well, honestly Cynthia really needs a pat on the shoulder. Besides the layout, the store really looks amazing and welcoming. I love the fact that it’s a one-stop shop for high fashion for men as they can get all they want to give them that gentleman touch.

Bishop Vukani Dhladhla – Authour, Speaker and leader of Abiding Hope Global Ministries

Today I saw the power of being consistently consistent. The power of doing one thing consistently.

Mitchell Munyaradzi Gumbo – Talk Show Host/Brand Ambassador/Social Commentator

I loved it. It is very spacious, modern and certainly in line with contemporary trends. I was very impressed with the new fashion collection which ranges from the casual to the formal dapper.

Here are a few pictures from the official opening.

Cynthia with husband TK (left) and father Mr Bizure

 

Model Natsai Nyareeds with Chena Neni founder Ngoni Motsi

 

Jan Jam staff

 

Zimfest Live 2018 back with Killer Line-Up and announce Cassava Remit as headline sponsor

The highly anticipated Southern African Music and Arts Festival, Zimfest Live, will return in August organisers have announced.

 

Scheduled for 11 August at Kempton Race course in Surrey, London, the largest summer celebration in the African community will this year feature award-winning Zim dancehall ace, Killer T and Sungura Magic.

Killer T, who has recently released his third studio album, Mashoko Anopfuura has been receiving rave reviews and has already created a buzz amongst his UK fans.

Sungura Magic features members from popular rock band Kamikaze Test Pilots and Limpopo Groove.

Zim Hip-hop artist, Stunner is among the artists that have been announced.

“We returned last year to put on a fun-filled and memorable event where we could all come together to appreciate and celebrate the essence of our heritage through music and the arts,” a spokesperson for Redcliff Management said.

The outdoor family orientated cultural and music festival will also feature a mix of established and rising DJ acts and artists performing on three stages.

“This year, we are upping the ante and are looking forward to hosting another event that brings the southern African community together for a day of music, food, dance and our all-inclusive BBQ.

Stunner

Zimfest Live, winners of the Event of the Year at the recently held Zimbabwe Achievers Awards, last year featured music from megastars like Jah Prayzah, afro-rock fusion band, Evicted and Zee Guveya and the Heritage band, among others.

The organisers intimated that there are several more acts still to be announced and will be revealed in the coming weeks.

 

Headline Sponsor

Meanwhile, Cassava Remit has come on board once again as the headline sponsor.

An umbrella company of Econet Global, the fast-growing remittance company has created the most cost-effective way to send money to Zimbabwe and South Africa.

In 2017, Cassava launched their innovative EcoCash home wallet in the UK, with the aim of helping individuals pay for bills and or services in Zimbabwe.

Early bird tickets for this year’s event are now on sale and currently being sold for £30, with limited tickets available until mid-June. VIP tickets are also available for £60.

The super early bird tickets were sold out within days, with signs of a high level of demand for this year’s ‘summer rendezvous’.

Now in its 16th year, Zimfest Live brings together southern African’s from across the cultural spectrum to celebrate Southern African music, art & culture.

Shekhinah Shines The Brightest At Sama24

It was a good night for newcomer Shekhinah at the 24th edition of SA Music Awards (SAMA) held in Sun City, North West.

 

Shekhinah swept the boards taking the Newcomer of the Year, Album of the Year and Female Artist of the Year awards for the sterling work on her debut album Rose Gold.

Distruction Boyz whipped the Superbowl into a frenzy when they were declared winners of the public-voted Record of the Year for their monster hit Omunye.

Veteran Afro Pop band, Mafikizolo proved their staying power when they took Duo/Group of the Year and Best Afro Pop Album.

Add to their Best Engineered Album (by Howard Gomba and Themba Sekowe) win from last night, Mafikizolo is tied at three awards with Shekhinah overall.

Joyous Celebration’s Joyous Celebration Volume 21 Heal Our Land won the Best Selling Digital Artist Award, adding to the two Best Selling DVD and Best Selling Album they won last night brings their haul to three in total.

The anthemic Akanamali by Sun-El Musician featuring Samthing Soweto was honoured with Sampra Highest Airplay of the Year and Samro Highest Airplay of the Year Composer’s Award, last night they won Best Collaboration Award taking their total to three.

House DJ Prince Kaybee took home Male Artist of the Year for his hits laden album I Am Music.

New blood made their presence felt with rapper Shane Eagle taking the Best Hip Hop Album Award and Lady Zamar winning Best Dance Music Award.

In the Best Kwaito Album category, Busiswa beat the competition for her album Highly Flavoured. Tresor’s The Beautiful Madness earned him the Best Pop Album.

In gospel, Andile ka Majola was declared the winner in the Best Traditional Faith Music Album category for Andile kaMajola Chapter 8 Sekwanele while Vuma Zion’s Samson Aphi Amandla Akho bagged the Best African Indigenous Gospel Album.

Jo Black’s Skepe emerged victorious in the Beste Kontemporere Musiek Album category and Fokofpolisiekar’s Selfmedikasie was announced the Best Rock Album.

The glittering high octave celebrity event hosted by TV and radio stars Somizi Mhlongo and Dineo Ranaka; and comedian Mpho Popps was broadcast live on SABC1 and featured performances by Distruction Boyz, Lady Zamar, Shwi noMtekhala, Shekhinah, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Bongeziwe Mabandla and Riky Rick.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Arts and Culture were among the dignitaries that graced the night.

Commented Nhlanhla Sibisi, RiSA CEO: “Tonight has been a remarkable night of celebrating the best our country has to offer.

“We salute all the winners and the nominees and we thank the public for their undying support for local music. We applaud everyone who made SAMA24 such a successful project.”

“Congratulations to all the winners,” said Mme O.R Mochware, MEC for Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs in North West. “The winners were all worthy of their medals in such a competitive and prestigious event. We are proud to be associated with the SAMAs.”

Complete list of winners

Best Selling Digital Artist of the Year – Joyous Celebration Volume 21 Heal Our Land by Joyous Celebration

Sampra Highest Airplay of the Year – Akanamali by Sun El Musician featuring Samthing Soweto

Best Traditional Faith Music Album – Andile kaMajola Chapter 8 Sekwanele by Andile kaMajola

Best African Indigenous Gospel Album – Samson Aphi Amandla Akho by Vuma Zion

Best Kwaito Album – Highly Flavoured by Busiswa

Best Afro Pop Album – 20 by Mafikizolo

Beste Kontemporere Musiek Album – Skepe by Jo Black

Best Pop Album – The Beautiful Madness by Tresor

Samro Highest Airplay of the Year Composer’s Award – Akanamali by Sun El Musician featuring Samthing Soweto composed by Sanele T Sithole

International Achievement Award – Shashika Mooruth

Best Rock Album – Selfmedikasie by Fokofpolisiekar

Best Hip Hop Album – Yellow by Shane Eagle

Best Dance Album – King Zamar by Lady Zamar

Best Maskandi Album – 6 to 6 by Abafana Baka Mgqumeni

Newcomer of the Year – Rose Gold by Shekhinah

Duo or Group of the Year – 20 by Mafikizolo

Female Artist of the Year – Rose Gold by Shekhinah

Male Artist of the Year – I Am Music by Prince Kaybee

Album of the Year – Rose Gold by Shekhinah

Record of the Year – Omunye by Distruction Boyz

Tinashe’s NBA boyfriend in cheating Scandal with Kendall Jenner

It was only in March that Zimbabwean-American sweetheart Tinashe confirmed her romance with NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers star, Ben Simmons.

 

But things seem to have gone south quickly with reports that Simmons might have cheated on her with Kendall Jenner.

The cheating revelations were laid bare by Tinashe’s young brother Kudzai Kachingwe who lashed out on Twitter.

Wrote Kudzai: “Never met you before in my life. Days after u break my sis heart u do this… ‘Ppl all lied on her talking fake news about my sis *doing kardashian s**t * u cheat on her w a Jenner (sic).’

In good times..Tinashe and Basketball star Simmons

According to reports, the pair split after the NBA star accused singer Tinashe of “doing Kardashian sh*t”.

Media Take Out claim an insider told them: “She is way too public with everything. They just started dating and this girl is calling up paparazzi and sh*t like that.”

“That’s some real Kardashian sh*t. And Ben’s not trying to be Kanye.”

While responding to another user, he also claimed only called time on their relationship a few days ago.

Kendall Jenner Picture/Getty Images

“They “broke up” Sunday my guy.. u literally don’t know anything, stay quiet about this (sic),’ he said.

He later added: ‘Sorry for blowing up y’all twitter everyone. it was actually the only way to defend my sister against all this bulls**t.”

Although it’s unclear when Tinashe and Ben’s relationship ended, she happily gushed about him as recently as March.

“He’s like my full boyfriend, I guess,” Tinashe told Billboard. “It was official before it was on [Instagram]; that was just when everyone else found out.”

The drama kicked off after Page Six reported Ben and Kendall had been seeing each other ‘for a few weeks’ – with the rumoured lovebirds spotted enjoying a lunch date in LA earlier this week.

Tinashe performing alongside DJ Khaled

However, they don’t appear to be following each other on social media just yet, while the Philadelphia 76 star is still following his ex on Instagram.

As for Kendall, she was most recently linked with another NBA player — Blake Griffin, who reportedly isn’t taking their recent breakup all that well.

Meanwhile, Tinashe, Ben Simmons and Kendall Jenner are yet to officially respond to any of the drama.

Kendall Jenner was born to parents Kris Jenner and Caitlyn Jenner and raised alongside her sister Kylie. She has three half-sisters, Khloe, Kourtney and Kim Kardashian. Her half-brothers are Brandon Jenner, Brody Jenner and Rob Kardashian.

Tinashe Kachingwe is a Kentucky native who comes from a family of many different backgrounds. Her father is from Zimbabwe while her mother is Danish, Norwegian, and Irish.

Nomination Call for the USA Zim Achievers Awards third Edition

The US edition of the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards has returned for its third year, with organisers announcing that nominations are now open.

 

Nominations opened across 15 categories on 21 May and the public will have until the end of July to put forward any individuals and organisations they feel have distinguished themselves in their respective industries in the past year.

“This process continues to amaze us every year,” said ZAA USA director, Faith Zihove Banda.

“The Zimbabwe Achievers Awards has become a global platform that is recognising so many deserving Zimbabweans who are flying the flag high and inspiring us daily.

l would like to encourage everyone to nominate and share the great things Zimbabweans are doing in the US,” she added.

Scheduled for 29 September, the event is being held in Washington DC this year, at a venue still to be announced.

Ploughing back into Zimbabwe

Zim Achievers USA is following on from the recently held South African and UK editions that focused on ‘ploughing back’ into Zimbabwe and investing in its growth.

ZAA Chairman, Conrad Mwanza said that it is an opportune time for the diaspora to play a huge role in rebuilding Zimbabwe.

“Zimbabweans are innovative and very talented and l believe that we(the people) are the countries biggest asset.”

“There is a lot of potential in Zimbabwe. The investment opportunities are there however,  we need to work together to rebuild our nation and revitalise the economy,” Mwanza added.

WorldRemit – Global sponsor

Meanwhile, London Fintech Company, WorldRemit was announced as the global sponsor for all four editions earlier in the year.

Founded in 2010, WorldRemit offers a money-transfer remittance service designed to help people send money to families back home.

The company has continued to expand its services and have recently entered into a commercial partnership with top-tier English football side Arsenal, becoming the first official online money transfer partner of the Premier League club.

Since its inception in 2010, the high profile event has become the pinnacle of celebration for professional and artistic achievements by Zimbabweans around the world.

With a strong presence in the UK, South Africa, USA and Australia, there are plans for Canada to join the growing portfolio soon.

To find out more about the process and how to nominate, visit www.zimachievers.com/usa

Multichoice launches ‘Talent Factory’ for Film and Television industry

MultiChoice Africa has launched a new and far-reaching Pan-African social investment initiative called the MultiChoice Talent Factory, created to significantly enhance the pool of talent and skills in the continent’s film and television production industry.

Said Lovemore Mangwende Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Zimbabwe: “This is an exciting development that will massively impact the world of film and television across Africa and will involve Zimbabwean film-makers in the training flowing from the MTF initiative.

“African development has long been focused on other economic sectors, leaving our creative industries to fend for themselves on the fringes of economic development,” he said.

“As a result, the film and television industry has not developed at the same rate as other sectors, and this is not for a lack of talent, passion or imagination.

“We are abundantly blessed in these areas, but the space given for this expression has, at best, been limited and, at worst, relegated to the fringes of the mainstream economy, leaving in its wake, unfulfilled dreams, unexplored talent and unwritten stories.

“As an African business, MultiChoice Africa and its partners and stakeholders across the continent are collaborating to make a positive socio-economic impact on the communities in which we live and work through the MultiChoice Talent Factory initiative.”

The MTF initiative will deliver three touch points that are being launched: the MTF academies, master classes and the MTF Portal.

The first to launch is the MTF Academy, a 12-month educational programme aimed at developing the skills of 60 deserving, young and talented people who want to work and innovate in film and television production. This will include candidates from Zimbabwe.

The MTF Academy students will be provided with skill sets to develop their talent, connect with industry professionals and help them tell African stories through a comprehensive curriculum comprising theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling.

The programme will take place at three regional MTF Academies, one of which is in Kenya for East Africa, another in Nigeria for West Africa and the third in Zambia for Southern African countries.

These will be overseen by acclaimed African film and television experts.

In Southern Africa, Lwando has been appointed as the Academy Director for the hub. Speaking on the appointment, he said:

Berry Lwando

“I am delighted to be a part of this great African renaissance, one that will not only tap into Africa’s latent but grow talent by up-skilling our young people to enable them to grow our creative industries.

“This is part of a game-changing era in which creative and productive skills will be developed to stimulate local content, allowing it to compete with the world’s best across any genre.

“For Southern Africa, the MultiChoice Talent Factory answers the questions of training and advancement in film production we have asked for a long time and provides us the local content solution we have desired. Nothing can be more rewarding to our creative industries.”

During the course of the programme, MTF Academy students will produce television and film content that will be aired on DStv’s M-Net channels, including Africa Magic, Zambezi Magic, M-Net and SuperSport, reaching audiences on various DStv platforms.

On graduating from the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy, the MTF students will leave the Academy with the knowledge and skills to contribute professionally to the film and television industry.

MultiChoice is now calling all aspiring young film and TV creatives to apply for the MTF Academy at www.multichoicetalentfactory.com.

The call for entry will close on July 5, after which 60 MTF students – a total of 20 in each of the three regions – will be selected from 13 African countries in which MultiChoice operates, including Zimbabwe.

The programme of training will start on October 1 this year.

Invitation to a One Night Stand With Ammara Brown

One thing we know for sure is that she will come barefooted for a rare hot weekend whose expectations have dominated conversations across different WhatsApp groups and Social media.

 

Her royal pop majesty Ammara Bown will on Friday take to the stage at Club 1+1 in what has been titled A One Night Stand with Ammara Brown.

And it will be exactly that.. A musical orgasm on Friday 1 June as we welcome the chills of winter

The definitive objective of the night is to overlook the fact that you will actually be wearing anything, as you let the tunes and the dance moves of Ammara be your full concentration as this will never be repeated.

Make sure to keep your hands free of anything save for holding onto your favourite beverage as the Akiliz goddess invites you into her musical world.

She will be aided by DJ Storm, DTL DJs with special appearances by DJ Towers and Zimboy who are sure to accompany you into a winter rupture excitement.

DTL fronted by Dee Nosh has been hosting a steady stream of sold-out live music events at Club 1+1 for a few months now. The show is costing $5 and $10 for the VIP.

Rewriting The Rules: Olinda launches Designs for the Plus-Size

In the past years, a slew of new plus size labels have been introduced to the stores, serving what is already a big market.

 

Yet still there remain huge gaps in the retail space for the plus-size woman and UK-based businesswoman Olinda Chapel has taken up the challenge to launch her line called House of OC.

It’s not just body diversity fashion but it’s a savvy luxurious line that also includes lingerie and accessories.

We had a chat with Olinda, who recently won the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards UK female personality of the year.

We know you are an entrepreneur, but can you briefly explain to us what is House of OC and how did it come about?

House of OC is a women’s fashion retailer which we hope will be known for its figure-flattering clothing for all women of every shape and size.

The brand includes a full collection of custom-made pieces and general womenswear that also covers lingerie, swimwear, shoes and accessories.

We know women want to look good, can you tell us what influenced you to start House of OC?

As a plus size woman I have always struggled to find the right pieces that I wanted to dress myself in, in my size.

Most plus size outfit lack creativity and are very frumpy. My husband and I decided to come up with our own brand that would tick all these boxes.

Being a businesswoman the financial benefits played a part in the motivation. The plus size industry will in a few years be a billion dollar industry and we look forward to being a part of that.

How much of Olinda’s personality is found in House of OC designs

Most of the designs that you will find are pieces that I would wear myself. But we have also chosen to feature other designers in our collection.

We launched the collection with the Danielle Allen x House of OC line. These featured the Nigerian based Creative Designer Danielle Allen. So that collection also had a glimpse of her personality.

First design for House of OC, only 5 will be custom made in any size Limited edition for Danielle Allen x House of OC.

What kind of feedback did you get on the collection and do you believe there is a significant interest for your designs at the moment?

The feedback we have received has been overwhelming. The plus size women have been very welcoming of the House of OC with some key pieces already sold out.

What demography of women are you targeting?

All women of any size or shape are very welcome. But special attention will be given to the plus size woman

How are you involved in the conceptual or design phase of your designs?

I am very involved with each and every design. With our first collection the Designer came up with a concept and we would spend some time going back and forth making changes and sharing ideas.

Another of the limited editions from House of OC

Whats your unique selling point as House of OC/what new thing are you bringing to the market?

I would really love to bring a new sense of dressing for the plus size or curvy woman. To ensure that our clothing are trendy and are up to date with current seasons.

We saw the mention of Danielle Ellen, can you explain to us her role(s) in House of OC?

Danielle Allen was the first designer to work with House of OC. We worked together to bring our first minted edition collection.

We will continue working together and you will continue to see her limited editions pop up here and there.

This September we are looking forward to doing a collection in Paris for the “catwalk in water” which will be covered by the likes of CNN, Vogue, Elle and other big fashion media houses.

‘Avec amour’ to Some French Connection at Unplugged

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.

Check out some of the images from Unplugged Below

 

 

 

 

 

 

ExQ, Jah Prayzah Rings the Emergency Party Button!

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

Watch ExQ – Pahukama Ft Jah Prayzah