Phelandaba stadium might not be famed for hosting premier soccer league matches but it’s definitely home to one of the country’s biggest music fiesta, the Gwanda International Gospel Festival.
Located about an hour’s drive out of the country second largest City Bulawayo, today the town of Gwanda awakens to a weekend of a blockbuster gospel line up.
The stage and the production are world class and the show is Free of charge with the fans only expense being their dancing shoes!
The celebration which was begun by Gwanda son Mr Justice Maphosa of Bigtime Strategic group as a way for offering back to his community but it’s not just people from Gwanda who partake in the 3-day Praise and Worship fiesta.
It’s one of the biggest gospel music festivals in the country, so people from surrounding areas and towns drive every day of the festival from Bulawayo hotels just to bask in the splendour of God’s message being delivered through song.
Mr Justice Maphosa
The power of music pulls them in, the love for the healing power of Gospel music attracts them and this year’s musical guests include South African stars Solly Mahlangu and Hlengiwe.
Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, Takesure Zamar, ZCC Mbungo Stars, Tolakele, Knowledge Nkiwane to name but a few.
Now in its third edition, this year’s jamboree is expected to be officially opened by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko and is running under the theme God is Speaking, Are you Listening…feel it it’s Here!!!!!
The first live show of Idols Season 13 was a spectacular celebration of all things music and talent!
From the opening sequence in which the eight contestants performed the ghetto fabulous Bongo Maffin hit, Thath’iSgubhu, to enjoying the toe-tapping tune Tigi by Sands, Idols 13 was officially off on a high.
Sunday night’s theme was Break Out Hits, a fitting theme considering that was the first major step into stardom for our own Idols.
Gugu Zulu was the first of the Group One contestants to face the full glare of the cameras, a live audience, judges and home viewers. She chose Letta Mbulu’s There’s Music in the Air.
“You didn’t blow the roof off. It was like watching a stage show,” was Randall’s unimpressed verdict. Unathi concurred, encouraging her to be unapologetic in her singing going forward.
Things marginally improved with Phindy’s performance of Adele’s Chasing Pavements. While Randall’s critique was about consistency, Unathi waxed lyrical about Phindy’s “masterpiece” feat.
Lindo took to the stage to croon Maxwell’s Lifetime – and finally showed the judges he was more than just a “one-trick pony with a likable personality” as Unathi put it. With the judges predicting that Mzansi will fall in love with him, only the votes will tell.
Attitude was served by Paxton, who chose Alessia Cara’s Here. Unathi called it the perfect song choice. “I have a feeling you’re going to be here for the Top 10,” she said. Randall voiced his concern about Paxton’s distinct tone, advising her to work hard to avoid becoming a parody later on.
The turning point came with Faith’s performance of Brenda Fassie’s Memeza, which recently enjoyed a revival via a cover by Vusi Nova. “Based on tonight’s performance, it’s safe to say you’re going to get the majority of votes tonight. You can sleep easy this week,” said Randall. For Unathi, it was Faith’s best performance in her two years of trying out on Idols.
Things were looking up, with Christo giving people all the right feels with his rendition of Bruno Mars’ Versace on the Floor. Unathi was “blown away” and Randall called him “very good”.
A disappointed Blessed wasn’t showered with compliments by the judges when she sang Promises by Brenda Fassie. Unathi reckoned she was unconvincing, while Randall felt she never took off “from second gear”.
Fortunately, Thokozile closed off the show on a high note. Unathi declared it the performance of the night and Randall said she had seized the moment that was presented to her.
This year, Idols has introduced singer Donald as the in-house technical director who works with the contestants during the week and provides direction and critique after each performance. His overall impression of the first week of live performances? More confidence is needed and contestants need to trust themselves.
Next week, Group Two of the Top 16 will give their all as they fight for their spot in the Top 10.
Idols SA season 13 is on Mzansi Magic, DStv Channel 161 on Sundays at 17:00 CAT
With the journey to Russia 2018 resuming around the globe this week, a clash of titans is the headline act in the Confederations of African Football (CAF) qualification campaign. African football giants Nigeria and Cameroon will resume an age-old rivalry stretching back over 50 years when they face-off on Friday in the first match of a double-header fixture, with the second scheduled for Monday next week.
The Super Eagles-Indomitable Lions rivalry is one of African football’s most iconic encounters and was at the peak of continental football during the 1980s when they played out countless classics, including the 1984 Afcon final.
The upcoming double-header is definitely the most anticipated fixture of round three and four of the World Cup qualifiers as the continent has been starved of this match; the two nations having faced off just three times in the last 17 years. Both fixtures, along with a selection of other CAF qualifiers, will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
South Africa, currently sitting second in Group D behind Burkina Faso on goal difference, will be looking to keep up the pressure on the log-leaders when they travel to Cape Verde on Friday. Bafana Bafana will then be hoping to ride some momentum into the second-leg tie at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban next Tuesday.
The continent’s other World Cup hopefuls continue their quest for qualification as Ghana take on the Congo, Uganda play Egypt and Zambia go up against Algeria.
Meanwhile, the highlight of the South American fixtures sees bitter rivals Uruguay and Argentina battle it out on Friday at 12.55am, but not before Chile host Paraguay at 12.15am.
The Pantie or pantieless saga involving Zimbabwean actress and South African entertainer Zodwa Wabantu has taken a new twist after the dancer says she was not told that her gig had been cancelled.
Zodwa – Picture by Mpumalanga News
Speaking to The Star in South Africa, Zodwa said the Zimbabwean authorities had called her for flight arrangements.
“They contacted me today to organise the plane ticket bookings. I know nothing about this,” she told the Star in South Africa
Zodwa said she would confirm with the tourism authority today and give them a piece of her mind.
“I have performed in the country before, so what is the problem now?”
This comes after Anne Nhira wrote to petition the Tourism Ministry to bar Zodwa from performing in Zimbabwe.
In a letter to Nhira, the Zimbabwean acting minister of Tourism and Hospitality Patrick Zhuwao ruled that the famous dancer will not be allowed to perform at the Harare International Carnival.
Zhuwao stated: “The government position is that the artist concerned, Zodwa Wabantu, may not participate at the Harare International Carnival. In this regard, relevant authorities have been notified.”
However, Anne Nhira was roasted on Zimbabwean social media following her gloating over blocking Zodwa’s performance.
Anne Nhira
She told the Star that Zodwa was not welcome in Zimbabwe because she was a Lesbian.
Speaking to The Star yesterday, Nhira said: “This is an international event to promote the image of Zimbabwe. She is not Zimbabwean, and if we want dancers to perform at the event, there are local dancers who can do it.
“We don’t want a person who will tarnish our image as a country. She does her entertainment half-naked and she has publicly acknowledged that she is a lesbian.”
Dancers from Cuba and Brazil have been invited to perform at the week-long carnival, which starts on September 6. Other South African acts that have been invited include Babes Wodumo, Busiswa and Uhuru.
Speaking toTshisaLIVEZodwa said Anne’s actions were working against the Tourism efforts of Zimbabwe
“To be honest I don’t even understand where she is coming from. If I was a nobody, I wouldn’t have received the invite in the first place. So maybe it comes from a place of jealousy. Why would a person just randomly write such a letter?” Zodwa said.
She said she didn’t even know who Anne was until the complaint and believes it is dividing the African continent.
“I don’t even know who that woman is but I feel she is causing more damage than she is aware. I went through her Facebook and because of the support that I have – people were attacking her.
They were saying she is taking food from my mouth and that her actions might even cause xenophobic attacks. The carnival is meant to unite the continent and attract people to Zimbabwe for tourism, but she is working against that,” she told TshisaLIVE.
Zodwa also pointed out to TshisaLIVE that she is the only South African targeted yet there are other South African acts that will be performing. She also said her revealing “style” can’t be much more of an issue than Brazilian dancers who are scheduled to perform.
“I will remain Zodwa whether I perform there or not. For her, people will now know who she is because of me,” she said.
The Shoko Festival ‘Summer Afternoon Headliners Act’, brought to you by Zambezi Magic, will be featuring performances from Zimbabwean stars Takura, Simba Tagz and Shasha, on Saturday the 30th of September at the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences.
Takura
The festival coordinator, Natalie Kombe says, “This year we wanted our day programming to stand out more and to have people enjoy a summer afternoon at the festival, so having some of our major artists perform on Saturday afternoon will definitely add to the excitement of the day”
Rapper Takura has taken the Zimbabwean music scene by storm since the release of his smash hit Handidi in 2013. From Afro-Pop to Afro Takura has shown his versatility and artistic prowess with chart toppers such as Zino Irema and MaObama.
Simba Tagz is a versatile producer and artist creating music which spans across different genres including Afrobeats, Hip Hop, Pop and R&B.
Simba Tagz
He released his debut album Natural Selection to stellar reviews locally and across the continent. Simba Tagz has worked with some the continent’s most recognised musicians Wizkid, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Mr Ezi, Skwatta Kamp and Kabomo.
Our third artist taking the Shoko stage Saturday afternoon is Shasha – a diverse singer songwriter who mixes different forms of music together to create new styles and unique collaborations.
Shasha
Her songwriting has seen her collaborating with artists in the region, Europe and Australia and submitting her amazing records amazing records to hit TV shows “Empire” alongside Keys and The Jackie Boyz.
Saturday night the best of South African Entertainment industry gathered at the Sandton International Convention Centre for a brand new award Ceremony the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards.
The new high-octane concept adds to the many glamorous events that South Africa hosts every single year.
As one of the invited journalists at the ceremony here are my Five takeaways
5 Things We Learnt from the Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards
1. South African have really understood what it means to support local
The inaugural DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards had over 1 million votes cast for 50 nominees in 10 categories and it made SA ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY
The support the locals give to their own has contributed immensely to the growth of the Showbiz industry in South Africa.
2. Do it right the first time
To think that this was a new concept that was just being introduced is just mind blowing. The Showbiz industry can be very cruel and impatient so to be on the safe side of black twitter do it right the first time.
The event was flawless, everything started on time from the VIP welcome cocktail, the red carpet and the main event, there was not even a single technical glitch.
Unfortunately not the same can be said of our premier awards ceremonies in Zimbabwe.
3. Bonang is probably the biggest Celebrity in Mzansi right now
The many looks of Bonang
As soon as Queen B stepped on the red carpet there was a media furore as every journalist with a camera and microphone pointed it in her direction. We were in the presence of royalty.
Bonang Matheba who was the host of the night was Styled by her New York-based stylist Harrison T. Crite who flew specifically for the Awards.
She dripped herself into glorious designs such John Paul Atakar, Michael Costello, Valdrin Sahiti and Zeina Nabulsi.
4.This Land South Africa is a Love letter
South African provides the rest of Africa with a template on how to make people fall in love with the Entertainment industry.
The way they package and sell the dream one can not help but yearn for the ‘Mzansi Dream’. They have successfully turned young people’s hobbies into million rand careers.
5. We learnt that we still don’t want to learn.
If you talk of awards in Zimbabwe you know that we are talking about just another hang out to dress up and take pictures for Instagram.
Our Awards ceremonies, music shows, beauty pageants etc lack the entertainment value that one can sell.
Our Celebrities and media are taken for granted and not proper value is attached to their work.
One can learn a lot from South African events but still, we don’t….
This has always been a question most people ask themselves, be it men or women.
WHY DO WOMEN WEAR Makeup?
Well, this could answer you a little or give you a clearer view on why women wear make-up.
1. Women wear make-up as an extension of their outfits; the idea is to complete the whole look to bring out that buzzy finish. Those ladies in business will concur with me that the idea of wearing make-up is about taking your image beyond your ideal client.
Sukoluhle Nomvula Mbambo
2. Make-up boosts one’s confidence because it gives you that feel good and look-good sensation. I believe that when you are looking your best you find it easier to meet new people, present in meetings and even close business deals.Ladies wear make-up to upgrade their personal image such that it shines through their business interactions.
3. Women wear make-up to showcase their capabilities, a woman is a complete circle, deep within her is the power to create, nurture and It can just compare to a painted house. It is not a requirement to paint the house but people do, to bring out the beauty of the architectural skills applied.
4. Women wear makeup to feel good about themselves and to create a bond with themselves. Wearing make-up is a form of expressing their feelings inside. You are sending the same vibe you are feeling and the next person will pick on that same message being conveyed. Therefore the myth of saying women wear make-up because they are insecure is not even close to the truth.
5. Women wear makeup to accentuate their favourite facial features as well as to perfect the not-so-perfect features or flaws such as blemishes, dark under eyes and uneven skin tone e.t.c.
*SuQea, real name is Sukoluhle Nomvula Mbambo is a Fashion and Beauty fanatic and mother of one beautiful girl. I was schooled in various institutions that shaped the way I view myself today. My recent education was with a renowned South African Institute where I studied Make-up Artistry.
I will be giving beauty Tips every Monday on this amazing Celebrity Blog Zimbuzz, You can contact me on suqeafashionhub@gmail.com
The spectacular World Wrestling Entertainment made its long-awaited return to DStv yesterday with the first broadcast of Raw on SuperSport.
(WWE.com photo)
The Brooklyn WWE event was highlighted by a vicious contest between Braun Strowman, the bearded brute, and legendary Brock Lesnar that concluded in dramatic fashion.
Other big names who lit up the New York night included Big Cass, John Cena and Raw tag team champions Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, who thrilled the WWE universe with a memorable battle against the Hardy Boyz.
The first live broadcast of WWE took place early this morning with a broadcast of Raw from Memphis at 2am on SS4 / SS7 / Maximo 3 with a repeat broadcast at 7pm.
Many of the WWE superstars will compete in the city made famous by Elvis Presley, among them Lesnar, Strowman, Cena, Roman Reigns and Sheamus.
The action comes thick and fast for the rest of the week with a live broadcast of Smackdown from Arkansas at 2am on Wednesday; SS4 / SS7 / Maximo 1 / Maximo 3), with a repeat at 7pm (SS7 / SS9 / SSM2 / SSM3).
For those who haven’t had their fill, there will be wall-to-wall repeats throughout the week:
Thursday, 7pm: WWE Raw Replay (SS7 / SS9 / Maximo 3)
Friday, 10.30pm: WWE Raw Replay (S10 / Select 3 / SS10 / Maximo 360)
Saturday, 6.30am: WWE Raw (SS10 / Select 3 / SS10 / Maximo 2 / Maximo 360)
Saturday, 6pm: WWE Raw Replay (SS10 / Select 3 / SS10 / Maximo 360)
Sunday, 7.30am: WWE SmackDown LIVE (SS10 / Select 3/ SS10 / Maximo 2 / Maximo 360)
Sunday, 7pm: WWE Raw Highlights (SS10 / Select 3 / SS10 / Maximo 360)
Sunday, 8pm: WWE SmackDown LIVE Highlights (SS10 / Select 3 / SS10 / Maximo 360)
Additionally, there will be WWE broadcasts on several General Entertainment channels:
History was officially made last night at the inaugural DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards with over 1 million votes being cast for 50 nominees in 10 categories, as South Africa made her voice heard.
Thembisa Mdoda – Biggest winner
The glittering gala evening was the culmination of a legendary battle worthy of Mzansi’s entertainment history, as fans put their thumbs through the wringer voting for their favourites in the inaugural DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards.
The red carpet at the Sandton International Convention Centre was ruled by ladies in alluring gowns and men in elegant suits, as fans cheered their favourites in an unparalleled fashion and glamour frenzy.
Thespians, musicians, sports personalities and comedians were among those who put their best foot forward to be part of entertainment history in the making.
Bonang “Yo Girl B!” Matheba was beguiling as the evening’s MC, as she hosted guests and viewers in flawless style and boasting impeccable fashion. If this was a Night of the Stars, then Matheba was the brightest of all.
The DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards was beamed live to millions of households via Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161).
The show lit up all social media platforms and left the live audience at the ICC and those watching from the small screen in awe, as a parade of Mzansi’s finest entertainment talent walked off the stage clutching the coveted black and gold statuette.
Legendary jazz maestro, Hugh Masekela, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award handed to him by M-Net CEO, Yolisa Phahle.
However, the night was not just about the who’s who of the entertainment industry.
Anna Dithane walked off with R50 000 after being named the 1Life Life Changer for uplifting her community, proudly presented by 1Life Direct. Another R50 000 went to Eugene Dithane, who nominated his community warrior mother.
Viewers who voted also got a slice of the cake when one was rewarded with a brand-new Kia Picanto worth R150 000 after being randomly selected via an audited process.
Another lucky voter found themselves with a R100 000 Vodacom World Shopping Experience after predicting the Song of the Year. It sure is rewarding to a DStv Mzansi viewer, neh!
The top-notch entertainment was befitting a celebration of this magnitude. The ICC auditorium was transformed into a laser-and-tribal print cavern, with the stage hosting – among others – the likes of Lady Zamar, social media dance maven Zodwa Wabantu, the majestic Thandiswa Mazwai.
Lion of Judah power voice Lebo Sekgobela and the beautiful ratchetness of Gqom, led by seasoned industry pros DJ Cleo, Winnie Khumalo and Busiswa. Surprise special guest, Tshedi Mholi, made a throwback appearance wearing a ravishing and heavily-embellished fuchsia gown with a train worthy of bodyguards. Her stage partner
Surprise special guest, Tshedi Mholi, made a throwback appearance wearing a ravishing and heavily-embellished fuchsia gown with a train worthy of bodyguards. Her stage partner
Her stage partner Cassper Nyovest certainly “gave it away” on stage, and had the audience going wild. It was a sight to behold!
The charismatic gap-toothed Thembisa Mdoda was the belle of the ball as she scooped the gong not only for the Favourite Presenter category, but also the Ultimate Viewers’ Choice Award. It was the perfect ending to a perfect night!
FULL LIST OF THE DSTV MZANSI VIEWERS’ CHOICE AWARD
Having taken trash-talking to record levels of excess, top fighters Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Conor McGregor now must back up their wild boasts where it counts – in the ring.
Mayweather and McGregor
This weekend, the pair will do so amid a wave of hysteria and Las Vegas shtick, with DStv’s SuperSport broadcasting the action in the early hours of Sunday morning (from 3 am CAT) on SuperSport 2 and SS Maximo 1.
Mayweather will be aiming for a record 50th successive win as a professional. McGregor, for all the hype, will be engaging in just his first pro contest.
Yet this fight has more to do with marketing smoke and mirrors than boxing. Both will cash in like never before with their superstar status guaranteeing millions of eyeballs on televisions around the world.
Unlike many other broadcasters around the world, such as the US, where viewers must pay $99 to watch the fight, SuperSport’s Premium customers will receive it at no additional cost.
Mayweather is a slick operator who fights by the maxim of hitting and not getting hit. He has fast hands and the best defence in the game, qualities he’ll need against McGregor. The Irishman is bigger and stronger and will be unorthodox given his unfamiliarity with boxing.
He’s vowed to destroy Mayweather inside four rounds, although that is the sort of boast Mayweather has heard many times before. Forty-nine opponents have tried to beat him and 49 have failed.
With Hollywood stars scrambling for ringside tickets and regular fans trying to get their hands on tickets, which range in price from $500 to $10 000, it’s as big a fight as glitzy Las Vegas has ever seen.
The undercard offers more traditional fare with top fighters like Badou Jack and Gervonta Davis appearing. Big fight fans can watch via their decoders or on DStv Now, online or the app.
Highlights of the fight will also be available on DStv’s Catch Up service in the hours after the event. Catch Up Plus, available on connected Exploras, will carry the full fight later in the day.
