Harareans braved the soaring temperatures to attend the highly anticipated Coca-Cola Unplugged Food Fest at the First Capital Bank Sports Club on Saturday.
Despite the heat that had many seeking refuge indoors, the festival’s vibrant atmosphere drew crowds eager to celebrate Zimbabwean flavours and festive vibes.
Fans of the festival found solace in the cool tents set up throughout the venue, where refreshing Coca-Cola beverages helped to beat the heat.
But for others, they decided to wait for the sun to set before making their way to the last Coca-Cola Unplugged Food Fest of the year.
As guests explored the culinary offerings, they were treated to a delightful array of local and international dishes, showcasing the best of Zimbabwean cuisine.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the Amapiano first lady, Shasha whose electrifying performance had the crowd dancing under the lights.
Supporting acts, including Nutty O and SAINTFLOEW, also delivered stellar performances, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.
Each artist brought their unique flair to the stage, creating a festive atmosphere that complemented the culinary delights on offer.
The combination of great music and delicious food made for an unforgettable experience, as families and friends gathered to enjoy the last Coca-Cola Unplugged Food Fest of 2024.
We managed to speak to a few people who were clearly having a great time at the Food Fest.
“I had such a fantastic time at the Food Fest! The atmosphere was electric, and the food was absolutely delicious. I loved hanging out in the cool tents, enjoying a cold Coca-Cola while listening to Shasha perform. It was the perfect way to unwind with friends,” said Varaidzo from Vainona.
For Ruwa resident Daka who is a fan of Nutty O his 2024 has already concluded the way he wanted it.
“The Coca-Cola Unplugged Food Fest was an amazing experience! The performances were top-notch, and I especially loved Nutty O’s set. The variety of food options was incredible too; I tried so many new dishes. I can’t wait to come back next year,” said Daka.
Many people are already making plans for Christmas. They should not forget to include taking steps to ensure their property is safe and secure, particularly if they are going away, Safeguard Security has pointed out.
“The time to think about the security of your home and business premises during the festive period is now,” Safeguard Security customer services manager Lol Ribeiro said.
“We recommend that businesses and householders take the necessary steps now to secure their premises and the property inside them, especially if they are going to travel during the holidays.
“Homes and offices are particularly vulnerable during the festive season, when thieves and robbers know that many people will be going to visit family or friends or going to their rural homes or to a holiday resort,” he said.
“Those who have security systems in place should ensure the measures they have in place are adequate and effective. They might want to expand or improve on what they already have in place. Those who do not have any security barriers or systems should seriously consider getting them,” Mr Ribeiro said.
He said an alarm system is most effective when linked to an emergency rapid response service. CCTV cameras linked to the alarm system and rapid response service further enhanced its effectiveness and the effectiveness of the rapid response team. This should be considered essential for commercial premises, he said.
He pointed out that Safeguard has more rapid response vehicles deployed than any other service provider enabling its response teams, with the assistance of GPS mapped sites, to arrive rapidly at sites where an alarm has been triggered.
Those who already have alarm systems should test their batteries to ensure they were not likely to fail in the event of electricity loadshedding or a power failure. An additional back-up battery could be installed, if necessary.
The alarm system should be tested to ensure there were no problems. The radio link to the rapid response service should also be tested.
“Safeguard response clients can use the Safeguard app to test both the alarm system and the signals to the response centre,” Mr Ribeiro said.
Electric fences and outdoor beams should be inspected to ensure they were clean and clear of any obstruction, such as branches or leaves, that could cause them to malfunction.
“False alarms are irritating for neighbours and divert the response team from attending to real emergencies,” he said.
Whether going away for an extended period or just going out for a day or for a short period of time, it was important to activate the alarm before leaving the premises, he emphasised.
“You can also request a Safeguard team to visit your premises while you are away just to make sure everything is alright,” he said.
If there is anyone staying on the premises, it is important that he or she has a mobile panic button for use if intruders are detected or suspected on the premises, he pointed out.
He added that Safeguard response clients who are going away on holiday within Zimbabwe should ensure they have the Safeguard app downloaded on their phone.
“The Safeguard app includes a panic button that enables you to alert Safeguard in any security emergency wherever you may be within Zimbabwe, as long as you have an internet connection.
“It also has buttons that can be pressed in a medical emergency or if roadside assistance is required in the case of a breakdown,” he said.
“Try not to let people in the neighbourhood know you are going away. Ensure there are no valuables in easy sight of anyone who might look into your house. Do not keep large amounts of cash in the house, as cash is one of the major targets of robbers today.
“Wherever you are going, be security conscious. Take note of those around you. Do not leave your cellphone or handbag unattended or where it could easily be grabbed. Put any valuables in the boot of your car rather than on the seat, where they can be seen by passers-by.
Renowned hip hop artist Christabel Stembeni, popularly known as Kikky Badass, has been ordered to pay US$18,000 in defamation damages to prominent Masvingo lawyer Rodney Saratoga Makausi.
The High Court ruling, delivered by Justice Sunsley Zisengwe, stems from an Instagram post Kikky made in March 2023, where she accused Makausi of soliciting sexual favours from her.
According to Masvingo Mirror, Makausi, a respected legal practitioner and businessman, initially sued for US$500,000 after Kikky refused to delete the post shared with her 235,000 followers.
The case took a significant turn when Kikky failed to meet key court deadlines, including filing Pre-Trial Conference (PTC) issues and attending the October 1, 2024, hearing.
Consequently, Justice Garainesu Mawadze granted Makausi’s request for a default judgment.
Although Makausi later revised his damages claim to US$60,000, the court awarded him US$18,000 in compensation.
Masvingo Mirror reported that in his submission, Makausi argued that the post caused severe harm to his reputation as a lawyer, a devout Seventh-day Adventist, and a family man within the Masvingo community.
“As a devout Christian, professional man, respected legal practitioner, and officer of the court, in a fairly small city like Masvingo, my reputation and character are my currency. The respondent’s defamatory posts have caused irreparable harm to that fama.
“The embarrassment and ridicule that I have suffered as a result of her defamatory post is borne for no reason at all,” Makausi stated.
Kikky had earlier filed a plea to dismiss the case, arguing that Makausi’s demand for civil damages in US dollars was invalid since the currency is not the official legal tender.
However, the court rejected her argument.
Represented by Samuel Banda of Advocate’s Chambers in Harare, Makausi maintained that Kikky ignored multiple requests to retract her claims, which further compounded the damage to his reputation.
Cimas Health Group, on Friday, unveiled the highly anticipated iGo Recipe Book, an initiative that aims to promote healthy cooking and eating habits among community members, reflecting Cimas’ commitment to enhancing public health.
The iGo Recipe Book is a comprehensive guide designed for individuals of all cooking levels, featuring easy-to-follow recipes, step-by-step instructions, and informative guides.
Dr. Willmore Kapuyanyika, Head of iGo at Cimas Health Group emphasised the importance of nutrition in disease prevention, stating, “This recipe book is also important towards efforts to prevent noncommunicable diseases such as strokes, cancers, heart diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases.”
He also highlighted that the book serves as a tool for individuals seeking to make better dietary choices, stating, “Incorporating the healthy recipes in this book into daily meals helps individuals make better dietary choices, supporting long-term health and well-being.”
With a focus on nutrient-rich ingredients, the recipes aim to foster balanced eating habits that can significantly impact community health.
Dr. Willmore Kapuyanyika, Head of iGo at Cimas Health Group
In addition to the recipe book, Cimas is expanding its outreach with a state-of-the-art mobile kitchen, set to bring nutrition education directly to communities. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 3, which emphasises promoting health and well-being for all ages.
Here are Zimbuzz’ Top Picks from the 30 Recipes in the iGO Recipe Book
With its thoughtfully curated sections—Breakfast Bliss, Dine Right Dinner or Lunch, Saucy Sides & Snacks, and Deserving Desserts—this book offers an array of dishes that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
Let’s delve into some standout recipes that the team at Zimbuzz picked from each section that not only tantalise the palate but also inspire home cooks to embrace their culinary skills.
Breakfast Bliss: ‘Creamy Oats with Cinnamon & Banana’
Starting the day with a nourishing breakfast sets the tone for a productive day ahead. The Creamy Oats with Cinnamon & Banana is a delightful dish that embodies comfort and nutrition. This recipe combines uncooked oats with water, low-fat milk, a pinch of salt, and the sweet notes of ripe bananas, almonds and ground cinnamon.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. By simmering the oats until creamy, the dish transforms into a warm and inviting bowl of goodness. Topped with toasted almonds and a drizzle of peanut butter, it caters to both health-conscious eaters and those with a sweet tooth.
Dine Right Dinner or Lunch: ‘Cajun Fried Tilapia’
For a lunch or dinner that excites the senses, the Cajun Fried Tilapia with Roasted Sweet Chilli Vegetables is a showstopper. This recipe features tilapia fillets seasoned with a vibrant spice mix, including paprika and garlic powder, creating a dish that is both flavourful and visually appealing.
The frying technique ensures a crispy exterior while maintaining the fish’s delicate texture. Paired with marinated sweet chili vegetables, this dish achieves a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Saucy Sides & Snacks: ‘Lentil Tabouleh’
Elevating the side dish game, Lentil Tabouleh presents a refreshing twist on a classic. This recipe incorporates green lentils, fresh herbs, and vibrant vegetables, creating a colourful and nutritious addition to any meal.
Not only is this dish visually stunning, but it also packs a protein punch thanks to the lentils. The combination of parsley, mint, and lemon juice brings brightness and freshness, appealing to those seeking lighter fare. Serving it as a side or a standalone snack makes it incredibly versatile, perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
Finally, we indulge our sweet cravings with Zucchini Brownies. This innovative dessert cleverly incorporates zucchini, making it a guilt-free treat that doesn’t compromise on flavour.
The integration of zucchini adds moisture and a subtle earthiness to the brownies, while cocoa powder and a touch of sweetness create a rich, chocolaty experience. This recipe is particularly appealing to those looking to sneak in some vegetables without sacrificing dessert. The brownies can be enjoyed warm or cooled, and they are perfect for sharing at potlucks or enjoying as an after-dinner delight.
This weekend, the Coca-Cola Unplugged Food Fest returns to Harare for its 2024 grand finale, promising an unforgettable fusion of food and music.
Scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the First Capital Bank Sports Club, the festival will run from 2 PM to 10 PM, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of culinary delights and electrifying performances.
With highlights including “Zimbabwe on a Plate,” showcasing the nation’s best local flavours, and live sets by renowned artists, the festival is set to create a sensory feast that complements the festive atmosphere.
The festival not only celebrates Zimbabwean cuisine but also features a stellar lineup of musical talent, including the sensational Shasha, Nutty O, and Saintfloew, among others.
As festival-goers savour innovative dishes crafted by top chefs and culinary influencers, the rhythmic beats and engaging performances will provide the perfect soundtrack to their experience.
Barry Otieno, Coca-Cola Marketing and Franchise Manager, encapsulated the spirit of the event: “The Coca-Cola Food Fest is about more than just delicious delicacies; it’s about bringing people together and celebrating creativity through shared experiences.”
Festival goers can look forward to interactive experiences, food demonstrations, and opportunities to meet food content creators, making it a family-friendly event designed to wind down the year in style.
The Coca-Cola Food Fest aligns with the brand’s global “A Recipe for Magic” campaign, celebrating the joy of shared meals and moments, reinforcing the idea that magic happens when people unite over food, music, and drinks.
The captains of two Premier League teams are in the spotlight for their choices as the competition celebrates LGBTQ+ inclusion in its campaign to promote equality and diversity.
Rainbow-colored captain armbands were issued to the 20 clubs for matches last weekend and the current midweek round.
Ipswich’s Sam Morsy has been the only captain in action who didn’t wear the rainbow armband, in games against Nottingham Forest on Saturday and Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
Ipswich said after the Forest game that Morsy made the decision “due to his religious beliefs.”
Morsy, a British-born Egypt midfielder, is a practicing Muslim.
Ipswich said it “respect(s) the decision” of Morsy but is “committed to being a fully inclusive club.”
“We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch,” Ipswich said.
Palace captain Marc Guehi wore a rainbow armband bearing the words “I love Jesus” on it during the match against Newcastle on Saturday. A heart was used instead of the word “love.”
The England defender, who is a devout Christian, and Palace were contacted by the Football Association reminding them that the appearance on, or incorporation in, any item of clothing, soccer boots or other equipment of any religious message is prohibited under Rule A4 of the governing body’s regulations, Britain’s PA news agency reported Tuesday.
Crystal Palace’s Captain Marc Guehi displays a ‘Jesus Loves You’ message on the rainbow armband
For the game against Ipswich, Guehi’s message on the rainbow armband read, “Jesus loves you” — again using a heart sign. It raises the prospect of the player being sanctioned by the FA for defying its rules.
Addressing the issue after the match, Palace manager Oliver Glasner said: “We respect every player and especially Marc. He is our captain. Everyone knows he is a great guy, very humble, and I don’t think we should make it bigger than it is. In football we are all against discrimination and it’s a great campaign.
“We spoke about it. He’s no child, he’s an adult, he has his opinion and we respect it.”
The league’s Rainbow Laces campaign, introduced in 2013, is in partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall and includes a range of activities to “highlight community and education initiatives designed to encourage discussion and promote allyship with LGBTQ+ communities,” the competition said.
Rainbow Laces branding is widely visible within stadiums on things like corner flags and ball plinths.
It is not mandatory for captains to wear the rainbow armband and it is deemed a personal choice. Last season, Anel Ahmedhodzic, the then-Sheffield United captain, wore a standard armband instead of the rainbow version.
In France, Nantes fined striker Mostafa Mohamed for refusing to play against Toulouse last year on the weekend teams wore rainbow-colored numbers on their jerseys to support the fight against homophobia.
In May, Monaco midfielder Mohamed Camara was given a four-game suspension by the league for covering up an anti-homophobia message on the team’s shirt during the club’s final league game of the season.
A credit clerk passing credits worth US$83 000 to ghost clients, a general manager obtaining bulk fuel through a fake proof or payment and fake doctors stealing from a general hospital are just some of the alleged fraud and theft cases reported in the course of the year.
Currently there are cases before the courts where fake documents are alleged to have been provided in tender applications.
Fraud and theft seem to have become endemic, though it is generally only the most sensational cases that are reported in newspapers.
According to Zimstat there were 38 042 cases of theft in Zimbabwe reported in the first quarter of this year, 3 455 cases of fraud and 83 cases of corruption.
Potential theft or fraud is a concern that most businesses have. However, detecting such dishonesty is far from easy, particularly where there is collusion among employees or managerial staff or where such dishonesty has become accepted as normal among employees.
It is unlikely that even honest workers will report the dishonesty of colleagues. Often the only way to discover what is going on is to have an undercover agent among the employees, according to Safeguard senior investigations manager Nelson Zimunya.
The undercover investigators carry out normal employee duties but keep an eye open for any type of dishonesty or any conduct or weaknesses in the company’s systems that could adversely affect its profitability.
“The undercover operatives are carefully selected and vetted and undergo a Truth Verification Test prior to their deployment,” Mr Zimunya said. “They undergo intensive undercover operations training to ensure their effectiveness.”
Their brief is to observe and report on a variety of issues. Apart from reporting any theft or dishonesty that they become aware of, they observe and report to their supervisors at Safeguard on any misconduct they have observed. The agent’s briefing will be in line with the customer’s concerns.
“If anything of urgent interest is uncovered that requires immediate attention, either I or the area controller communicate directly with the company,” Mr Zimunya said.
“Various forms of dishonesty and corruption have become common and cannot easily be detected except through the deployment of undercover operatives. Dishonesty has sadly become an accepted fact of life in which even those who condemn it often participate at one time or another.
“Collusion or the unwillingness of colleagues to betray one of their own makes detecting theft or fraud or even rudeness to customers difficult for senior managers to detect or be made aware of.
“However, infiltrating an agent whose mission is to observe and report on any malpractices he or she becomes aware of enables us to make a company’s top officials aware of what is going on, whether it be theft, fraud, misuse of company property or time, managerial abuse, rudeness to customers, labour unrest, gossip or comments about the employer, or any other issue the company wants to be made aware of,” Mr Zimunya said.
“When theft, fraud or any other criminal activity has been detected, our investigations enable us to collect and provide the evidence needed for a criminal conviction,” he added.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been accused in a new lawsuit of dangling a woman from the 17th-floor balcony of an apartment during an altercation.
The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles by fashion designer Bryana “Bana” Bongolan alleges the incident happened in 2016 while she was at the home of Mr Combs’ then-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura.
It is the latest in more than two dozen lawsuits accusing Mr Combs of several offences, including sexual assault, drugging people, threatening witnesses and causing physical harm.
The music mogul is also facing federal charges in a racketeering and sex trafficking scheme. He has denied all the allegations, including the latest claim.
A representative told the BBC on Tuesday that he “firmly denies these serious allegations” in the new lawsuit and “remains confident they will ultimately be proven baseless”.
Ms Bongolan says she was spending the night Ms Ventura’s apartment when Mr Combs started shouting and banging on the front door, the lawsuit states.
After coming inside the home, Mr Combs allegedly confronted Ms Bongolan, who was on the balcony at the time. The lawsuit states he allegedly grabbed and molested her.
He then lifted her up and started dangling her from the balcony of the unit, the lawsuit alleges.
At the time of the incident, Ms Bongolan weighed about 100lb (45.3 kg), according to the lawsuit.
It claims Ms Bongolan “attempted to resist him, throwing her weight back in a desperate struggle to avoid being thrown to the ground and likely to her death”, but Mr Combs “easily overpowered her”.
The lawsuit states that Ms Ventura came outside to intervene, and Mr Combs allegedly pulled Ms Bongolan back over the ledge by slamming her onto patio furniture.
A representative for the rapper denied the allegations in a statement to the BBC on Tuesday.
“Anyone has the right to file a lawsuit, regardless of the evidence they may or may not have,” the statement reads, adding Mr Combs “has unwavering faith in the facts and in the fairness of the judicial process”.
It continues: “In court, the truth will come to light, demonstrating that the claims against Mr Combs are without merit.”
Ms Bongolan claims she did not and still does not know what provoked the alleged incident, according to the suit. She is seeking $10m (£7.89m) in damages from the rapper.
In the lawsuit, Ms Bongolan alleged that it was a “culmination of a series of threats, intimidation and violence that coloured many of Ms Bongolan’s interactions with Mr Combs from the day she met him”.
The allegations echo an incident noted in a separate lawsuit filed by Ms Ventura against Mr Combs.
That lawsuit – which was filed in 2023 and settled the day after – alleged abuse, rape and sex trafficking. It noted an episode at Ms Ventura’s apartment when Mr Combs “picked up one of Ms Ventura’s friends like a child and dangled the friend over the balcony”.
Ms Bongolan also alleges that she endured “terror and abuse” from Combs throughout their professional relationship, which began when the music mogul approached her to collaborate on projects such as a clothing line and album cover art.
Mr Combs is being held in jail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, after being denied bail three times by a judge.
Christmas came early at the box office this year. Moana 2 brought in a tidal wave of moviegoers over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, setting records with $221m in ticket sales, according to studio estimates.
That, combined with Wicked and Gladiator II, made for an unprecedented weekend in cinemas.
Expectations had been high for Disney’s Moana 2, but the film’s five-day opening set a new record for Thanksgiving weekend. (The previous best was $125m for Frozen 2 in its second week of release in 2019.)
Moana 2 added $165.3m internationally; with $386m worldwide, it’s the second-best global launch of the year.
At the same time, Wicked showed no signs of slowing down. The Universal Pictures musical brought in $117.5m over the five-day weekend, pushing its two-week global total to $359.2m. Wicked is now the highest grossing Broadway adaptation over Grease.
(The latter film grossed $190m on its release in 1978, but factoring in inflation would put it past $900m.) Gladiator II also held well, dipping 44% from its opening weekend.
Ridley Scott’s sequel to his Oscar-winning original collected $44million in its second weekend. While its steep price tag of $250m will make profitability challenging, Gladiator II has made $320m worldwide.
Those three films drove the overall box office to a record $420m in overall Thanksgiving weekend ticket sales, according to Comscore – over $100m ahead of the previous best, $315m in 2018.
For an industry that has been battered in recent years by the pandemic, work stoppages and the upheaval caused by streaming, it was a triumphant weekend that showed the still-potent power of Hollywood’s blockbuster machine.
Before Wicked, Moana 2 and Gladiator II, ticket sales were running about 25% behind pre-pandemic levels.
Michael O’Leary, president and chief executive of the National Association of Theatre Owners, said: “We’re very optimistic that this weekend is the start of what we believe is a full-on charge into the future,” he said.
“The remaining quarter of this year looks very promising and then on into 2025 and 2026. We’re hoping next year is the first kind of normal year this industry has had in a long time.”
“For a long, long time in Hollywood, there’s been a belief that you don’t put big blockbuster movies up against each other,” O’Leary added. “But the truth of the matter is that competition is good.
It’s good for the movies. It’s good for the studios. It’s good for the theatre owners. But it’s particularly good for the movie-going public.”
Moana 2 was the nexus of a strategy shift for Disney. When it first began development, it was designed as a series for streaming.
But when Bob Iger returned as chief executive, he reconsidered the balance between theatrical and streaming and in February he announced the release of Moana 2, with Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson returning as the voices of Moana and Maui.
It has helped lead a resurgence for The Walt Disney Company, whose last two animated November releases – Strange World and Wish – fizzled in theatres. Moana 2 may become the third billion-grossing movie for the studio in 2024, after Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine.
Unplugged and Coca-Cola are wrapping up 2024 in spectacular fashion with the final edition of the Unplugged Coca-Cola Food Fest.
This electrifying fusion of music and food will take over the First Capital Bank Sports Club in Mount Pleasant, Harare, on Saturday, December 7th, 2024. With its vibrant mix of live performances, delicious food, this event promises to ignite the festive spirit.
Fans are in for an exclusive treat as Sha Sha performs her latest single, “Ndawana” a collaboration with Kelvin Momo, live in Zimbabwe for the very first time.
This track, a soulful Amapiano anthem, has been lighting up airwaves in South Africa and her live rendition is sure to be a highlight of the night.
Joining Sha Sha on stage is the legendary Ex-Q, a household name in Zimbabwean music, known for his ability to connect with fans through timeless hits.
Rising star Saintfloew, famed for his smash hit “Silas Mavende,” will be making his Unplugged debut, adding fresh energy to the mix. Completing the dynamic artist lineup are Tyree and Wowrae.
A trio of Zimbabwe’s top DJs DJ Rimo, DJ Fujee, and DJ TK Beats, are set to keep the crowd moving with their high-energy sets. From Amapiano to Afrobeats, the music will set the tone for an unforgettable festive season celebration.
As the “Food Fest” name suggests, the event isn’t just about music. Attendees will have access to variety of delicious dishes, from traditional Zimbabwean cuisine to global flavours. This festival is the ultimate spot for food lovers to indulge while enjoying great vibes.
Whether you are a longtime Unplugger or new to the scene, this is the perfect way to kick off your festive season.
