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Grammy Award-Winning Chris Stapleton Enters The Race With “Bad As I Used To Be” From F1 The Album 

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Grammy Award-Winning Chris Stapleton Enters The Race With “Bad As I Used To Be” From F1 The Album 

Atlantic Records has raised the flag on the latest track from F1 THE ALBUM, the supercharged and star-studded musical companion to Apple Original Films’ high-octane, action-packed film F1® THE MOVIE, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick).

 

11x Grammy Award-winning Chris Stapleton officially enters the race with “Bad As I Used To Be” out now.

F1 THE ALBUM is available now for pre-order HERE and arrives in stores and at all online retailers on Friday, June 27th in conjunction with the theatrical release of the feature film, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

“Bad As I Used To Be” was preceded by GRAMMY Award-nominated producer/DJ Dom Dolla’s powerful “No Room For A Saint (ft. Nathan Nicholson),” global pop icon ROSÉ’s captivating “Messy”

And the revved-up lead single “Lose My Mind” from multiplatinum Houston rapper, singer-songwriter, and Cactus Jack recording artist Don Toliver featuring GRAMMY Award-winning, multiplatinum star Doja Cat.

Marking his first-ever soundtrack release, “No Room For A Saint” was quickly praised by BILLBOARD as a “speed demon of a track…slick and muscular, giving an ‘80s vibe” in their “Best New Tracks” roundup.

“Messy” was immediately met with critical acclaim, with BILLBOARD calling it “a cinematic love ballad” in their “Must-Hear Releases” column.

Produced by Lostboy & Burns, the track premiered alongside an official music video starring ROSÉ and featuring F1® THE MOVIE stars Brad Pitt and Kerry Condon in exclusive footage from the film.

Watch the official video that shut down the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, HERE. Produced by Ryan Tedder, the hypnotic “Lose My Mind” – which samples the “F1 Movie Theme” by the Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer – arrived alongside an equally electrifying official music video – watch HERE.

Upon release, ROLLING STONE proclaimed, “With this new Don Toliver–Doja Cat joint, F1 might be gearing up for what might be the film soundtrack of the year,” and BILLBOARD described it as a “shimmering, synth-drenched club track that showcases Don Toliver’s silky melodic streak and Doja Cat’s chest-thumping rhyming.”

The three singles have already amassed an impressive 100M combined global audio streams and official video views.

Dom Dolla, ROSÉ, and Don Toliver were all among the soundtrack stars who attended the recent immersive F1 THE ALBUM activation at the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2025

Avondale and Borrowdale Food Lovers Outlets Set to Shut Down

Michael Shoko
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Avondale and Borrowdale Food Lovers Outlets Set to Shut Down

Food Lovers Market will close its Avondale and Borrowdale locations in Harare this month, the company announced today via social media.

 

The Avondale branch will cease operations on June 22, 2025, followed by the Borrowdale outlet on June 8, 2025.

The closures come nearly two years after OK Zimbabwe, the country’s largest retail group, acquired Food Lovers Market Zimbabwe in 2023.

The deal included outlets in Borrowdale, Avondale, and Bulawayo’s Bradfield area, as part of OK Zimbabwe’s push into premium food retailing.

Notably, the Greendale store was excluded from the transaction and remains under independent ownership.

The shutdowns align with OK Zimbabwe’s broader efforts to stabilise its finances.

In April 2025, the company revealed plans to raise US$30 million through a rights issue, private placements, and debt instruments to address stock shortages and mounting supplier debts.

Management cited “endogenous and exogenous factors” for the liquidity crunch, though specific details were not disclosed.

While the Avondale and Borrowdale closures mark a retreat from some premium retail spaces, OK Zimbabwe has not indicated whether Bulawayo’s Food Lovers Market will be affected.

ZC sends Women’s HPC side to Rwanda for Kwibuka T20 tournament

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ZC sends Women’s HPC side to Rwanda for Kwibuka T20 tournament

Zimbabwe Women’s High Performance Centre (HPC) squad will represent the country at the upcoming Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, set to run from 3 to 14 June 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, Zimbabwe Cricket has said.

 

The Zimbabwe Women’s HPC team will compete in the event alongside eight national women’s sides from Brazil, Cameroon, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Uganda.

The 15-member squad, coached by Stephen Mangongo, blends youthful promise with seasoned experience.

Among the rising stars to watch are all-rounder Kelly Ndiraya, batter Natasha Mthomba, off-spinner Lindokuhle Mabhera and wicketkeeper Vimbai Mutingwindu.

To complement the youthful core, six senior internationals have been named in the squad to lend their experience and leadership: Nomvelo Sibanda, who will captain the side, Christabel Chatonzwa, Loreen Tshuma, Nyasha Gwanzura, Chiedza Dhururu and Loryn Phiri.

The team’s participation in the Kwibuka tournament forms part of ZC’s long-term strategy to build depth in the women’s game, especially as Zimbabwe Women prepare to debut in the ICC Women’s Championship later this year.

Coach Mangongo has been leading high-performance camps in Bulawayo, focused on improving players’ fitness and sharpening their skills for elite-level competition.

The Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament was launched in 2014 and is held annually.

A youthful Zimbabwe ‘A’ Women’s side finished as runners-up last year.

ZIMBABWE WOMEN’S HPC SQUAD FOR KWIBUKA WOMEN’S T20 TOURNAMENT:

Nomvelo Sibanda (captain), Christabel Chatonzwa, Cathrine Chitombo, Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Lindokuhle Mabhera, Nokutenda Makaniwa, Mitchel Mavunga, Salem Museka, Natasha Mthomba, Passionate Munorwei, Vimbai Mutingwindu, Kelly Ndiraya, Loryn Phiri, Loreen Tshuma

Gospel Shows take over Harare: Travis Greene, Cece Winans, Nigerian Aces up this July & August

Trevor Makonyonga
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Gospel Shows take over Harare: Travis Greene, Cece Winans, Nigerian Aces up this July & August

Gospel music shows seem to have taken over Zimbabwe as worshippers are being treated to different international and local artists in every quarter of the year.

 

It’s as if there’s a conveyor belt releasing gospel artists, and the absolute truth is that fans love it.

Travis Greene, Grace Idowu, Kaestrings make their way to Zimbabwe this July on the 18th at the Celebration Centre in Harare.

Also, Cece Winans makes way to the same venue on August 13. What a befitting venue to potentially counter the cold!

There is a vibe that shows in closed arenas give. If the sound is well balanced, the echoes always fill the room with joy.

A good example is that anyone who attended the Limoblaze and Joe L Barnes show at the exhibition park will attest to this reality.

Off course, the open air shows have been a vibe too such that the rains could not deter fun at the recent Chandler Moore show.

It was raining and fans were dancing. Need there be a mention of the coincidence of Cleo Arie (her music is just obsessive) singing ‘Jah Jah naisa mablessings’ and the rain starting to pour?

And the blessings are potentially flowing overload to Zimbabwe as the shows keep coming too.

The promoters behind these shows, Events by GEC seem to be relentless and consistent at making sure that the word of God and the gospel reaches many through these shows.

Anything about God must carry God’s seed that is the only explanation of how these shows have been successful.

Off course there will be mention of good relationships and connections between the promoters and artists but ultimately it is the hand of The Most High that makes all things possible.

Pastor Lyncolin Kapswara of Events by GEC attributed their success to God’s favour saying that He has made it possible for his firm to be rightly connected to ensure successful events.

“It has just been, honestly speaking, favour. I do not say that lightly. We have been able to build very powerful and strong relationships in the music space that have opened doors for us to so many of the international artists,” he said.

“You will find that as big as the world is, it is actually very small especially the gospel space. We have been able to connect to the right relationships that have connected us to other relationships.

“Being able to do events well has given us credibility. Through that, we have been able to get more and more referrals. A lot of artists are doing tours so we have been able to bid for Zimbabwe and win the opportunity to host these events.”

Conquering challenges that were presented on the first Maverick City/ Kirk Franklin show in August 2024 is proof positive that God has been in control, such that even with the controversy that surrounded the artists, the show was super successful and served as a pedestal for all future shows.

Pastor Lyncolin also concurred that the show that paved way for them was the Maverick City/ Kirk Franklin show, although it had a lot of negative publicity.

He said, “The show that opened doors for us the most will have to be the Maverick City and Kirk Franklin one. Just because of the publicity and the drama around that event but it was able to really catapult us and give us a place where we can now be more consistent in terms of bringing some of the international artists.”

So far, Events by GEC have managed to host Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore (also came in as a solo act in April 2025) Todd Galberth, Kirk Franklin, Tim Godfrey, Joe L Barnes and Limoblaze.

For all these artists to come, Pastor Lyncolin Kapswara said that the public are involved in pointing out who they would want to see.

“We always engage people on our Instagram asking them who they would want to see in Zimbabwe. We love to hear from the public and they give us recommendations.” he said.

Some of the best performing acts like Vokal Ex at the Maverick City Show, Cleo Arie at the Chandler Moore show at Belgravia Sports Club and The Boys of Thunder were all voted for by the public as has been Kaestrings.

Seeing that Events by GEC listens to the public, maybe this could be an opportunity to footnote a request calling for Rorisang and Sumisola Agbebi to grace any of the future shows.

Until the next show!

Victoria Falls’ Imvimbi and Zvimba’s Katawa off to the Chibuku Neshamwari finals

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Victoria Falls’ Imvimbi and Zvimba’s Katawa off to the Chibuku Neshamwari finals

The 2025 Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival reached new heights this weekend as Matabeleland North and Mashonaland West crowned their provincial champions in a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwean culture.

 

 Matabeleland North: Umzansi Dancers Reign Supreme 

At Hwange’s Lwendulu Beerhall, Imvimbi from Victoria Falls electrified the stage with their Umzansi dance, claiming the top prize of US$2,500.

The group outperformed stiff competition from Amakhosikazi (Victoria Falls) and Ingugama (Tsholotsho), who took second (US$1,500) and third (US$1,000) places, respectively, with their dynamic Isitshikitsha performances.

 

Mashonaland West: Mhande Magic Secures Victory 

Meanwhile, at Banket’s EMM Leisure Sports Bar, the Katawa Dance Group from Zvimba District wowed judges with their spirited Mhande routine, earning a ticket to the national finals and the US$2,500 top prize.

Close behind were Zhandu Kunyandu (Chegutu, Dinhe) in second place and Rimuka Stars (Sanyati, Zambia Nyau) in third, taking home US$1,500 and US$1,000, respectively.

The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival continues to showcase Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity while rewarding talent with lucrative cash prizes.

Sweet Revenge: MWOS Coach Mutasa Savours Victory Over Rivals Scottland

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Sweet Revenge: MWOS Coach Mutasa Savours Victory Over Rivals Scottland

MWOS FC head coach Lloyd Mutasa described his team’s 1-0 win over arch-rivals Scottland as a “sweet victory” in an emotionally charged Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Ngoni Stadium on Saturday.

 

The match carried extra significance for Mutasa, who revealed he had considered quitting coaching after last season’s bitter encounters between the two sides during their Northern Region Division One campaign.

Billy Vheremu’s 51st-minute strike proved decisive, not only securing three crucial points but also extending his impressive season tally to nine goals.

The victory maintains MWOS’s unbeaten run to 14 matches, with the league leaders now sitting comfortably on 30 points.

“This win is so sweet,” an elated Mutasa told reporters. “There was a time I wanted to give up coaching because of what happened last year. This was a massive game – losing here could have undone all our hard work from the first match to game thirteen.”

The coach emphasised the importance of making the Norton community proud: “I’m extremely pleased we have managed to bring joy to the people of Norton, if not the entire country.”

Watch Lloyd Mutasa’s post-match press conference below

@zimbuzz

We have made the whole country happy – Lloyd Mutasa Full time MWOS 1-0 SCOTTLAND

♬ original sound – Zimbuzz

Nathi Set To Headline Music In The Snow 2025

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Nathi Set To Headline Music In The Snow 2025

Music In The Snow returns to the mystical Hogsback mountain from 18-20 July 2025. This highly anticipated event promises to surpass its previous successes, with an exciting new format that showcases the best of Hogsback’s natural beauty and attractions.

 

Singer Nathi Mankayi, the soulful music sensation behind the uplifting hit ‘Silwa Nemimoya’ is set to make his debut at the festival as this years headliner.

Nathi will be joined by Langa Mavuso, Zuko SA, Lwah Ndlunkulu, and Dumza Maswana who are also on the line up.

Now in its fourth year, Music In The Snow has consistently sold out its shows, attracting visitors from across the country. Founder Mlindi Ntloko attributes this success to the event’s unique blend of music, nature, and adventure.

“We’re thrilled to build on this momentum in 2025, with an expanded program that offers something for everyone,” says Ntloko.

This year’s event kicks off on Friday with a cocktail party and whiskey tasting experience at a separate venue, offering attendees a range of styles to enjoy.

The popular hiking excursions will also be expanded to include mountain biking trails, led by experienced guides.

“We’re committed to making Music In The Snow an inclusive and immersive experience that showcases the full range of Hogsback’s offerings,” says Ntloko.

“From music and nature to adventure and relaxation, we invite visitors to join us for an unforgettable weekend in one of South Africa’s most breathtaking destinations.”

As part of the Mandela 67 Minutes initiative, the festival will host a range of community-focused activities, including, painting of local schools, career expos to inspire and empower the youth, as well as distribution of food parcels to those in need within the community.

Celebrated Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong’o dies at 87

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Celebrated Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong’o dies at 87

Celebrated Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who championed African languages in literature, has died at 87.

 

The author’s daughter Wanjiku wa Ngugi said in a statement on Facebook on Wednesday that her father “lived a full life, fought a good fight.”

Wanjiku confirmed that Ngugi wa Thiong’o died on Wednesday morning, urging his fans worldwide to “celebrate his life and his work.”

Wanjiku, who did not disclose Ngugi’s cause of death or place of death, said the family spokesperson, Nducu wa Ngugi, “will announce details of his celebration of life soon.”

Ngugi wa Thiong’o died at the age of 87.

In recent years, the literary giant struggled with kidney problems.

Since the 1970s, Ngugi mostly lived overseas, emigrating to England and eventually settling in California, the United States.

In the US, he was a Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Irvine.

Ngugi published several literary works over the past decade, including the novel “The Perfect Nine” and the prison memoir “Wrestling with the Devil.”

He was nominated several times for Nobel Prize in Literature, but fell short of winning.

Zimbabwe Media Policy Targets 75% Local Content, Cultural Preservation, and Digital-Era Ethics

Michael Shoko
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Zimbabwe Media Policy Targets 75% Local Content, Cultural Preservation, and Digital-Era Ethics

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially launched the Zimbabwe Media Policy, a framework designed to guide the country’s media sector in an era of rapid technological change.

 

Speaking at State House in Harare on May 28, the President said the policy comes at a critical time when “Artificial Intelligence has reshaped information gathering, analysis, production, and dissemination,” noting that the media must now navigate new challenges of accuracy, ethics, and information overload.

Emphasising the policy’s role in upholding national values, President Mnangagwa stated, “Through the promulgation of the National Media Policy, my Government is strengthening and guaranteeing that our citizens will have access to factual, verified, accurate, and reliable information.”

He highlighted the importance of this initiative in countering the threats posed by global tech infrastructure, misinformation, and the erosion of cultural diversity.

The President added, “There must be ripple benefits from regulating Big-Tech services, including through taxation and fair payment.”

In his address, the President also reaffirmed the media’s role in national development and unity. “We are the custodians of our own stories and narratives,” he said.

“The time has come for the world to hear the authentic story of who we are and what we stand for, from our own eyes, from our own mouths and from our own media.”

He urged content creators to leverage digital platforms to promote Zimbabwe’s identity and attract investment, declaring the policy a bold step towards empowering a responsible and accountable media landscape.

Here is a summary of the Zimbabwe Media Policy document:

 

Policy Vision and Mission

  • Vision: A vibrant, diverse, and inclusive media sector that shapes national narratives, empowers citizens, and supports Zimbabwe’s goal of becoming an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
  • Mission: To foster a modern media industry that promotes national consciousness, upholds Zimbabwe’s interests globally, and showcases the country’s cultural heritage.

Core Objectives

  • Defend Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and national image.
  • Promote professionalism and ethics in journalism.
  • Develop and modernize media infrastructure.
  • Foster inclusive and multilingual access to information.
  • Ensure media viability, independence, and sustainability.
  • Advance national values, digital transformation, and media sovereignty.

Guiding Principles

  • Freedom of Expression & Media Pluralism
  • National Interest & Public Good
  • Access to Information
  • Media Ethics & Professionalism
  • Digital Transformation
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Whistleblower Protection
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Accountability & Transparency

Six Strategic Pillars

  1. Economic Sustainability
  • Establishes a Media Fund financed by annual levies.
  • Encourages alternative revenue models and strategic partnerships.
  • Supports content monetization and incentivizes digital migration.
  1. Digital Transformation & Innovation
  • Promotes digital migration, AI, 5G, and blockchain adoption.
  • Advocates for ICT training and reduction of data costs.
  • Supports co-regulation for combating misinformation.
  1. Media Development & Capacity Building
  • Strengthens community radio and freelance producers.
  • Supports skills development in business, content, and tech.
  • Updates copyright laws and increases ZBC’s national coverage capacity.
  1. Media Sovereignty & Regulation
  • Promotes local ownership and content control.
  • Enhances oversight of online broadcasters.
  • Supports ethical journalism through training and partnerships.
  1. Access to Information
  • Expands rural access to internet and information centers.
  • Introduces mobile-based information platforms.
  • Enhances media literacy across marginalised communities.
  1. Local Content Promotion
  • Enforces 75% local content quotas.
  • Incentivizes cultural storytelling and IP protection.
  • Counters foreign content dominance through regulation.

Implementation Framework

  • Led by Ministry of Information and supported by MCS-IMC and Media Sector Steering Committee.
  • Thematic Working Groups formed per strategic pillar.
  • Multi-stakeholder approach includes government, media bodies, academia, and civil society.

General Policy Issues

  • Codes of Conduct & Ethics: Enforced by ZMC; professional standards prioritized.
  • Sexual Harassment Policies: Mandatory in all media houses.
  • Penalties for Misconduct: Includes loss of license, legal actions, and fines.
  • Foreign Journalists: Must obtain local accreditation and clearances.
  • Regulatory Harmonization: Aligns media laws with telecoms and ICT sectors.

 

For the full document, you can find it on the Zimbuzz WhatsApp Channel

This One’s a Gem-ma: Griffiths Shatters the Clichés With a Bold New Sound

Trevor Makonyonga
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This One’s a Gem-ma: Griffiths Shatters the Clichés With a Bold New Sound

Gemma might have cooked a project that defies the cliché that she has been associated with for the longest, “just a white girl who sings Shona.”

 

For the longest, Gemma has managed to live up to this unfair judgement that no serious music pundit would rate her among the heavyweights.

From the time she did that piano version of Musarova Bigman (well that introduced her to fans in Zimbabwe and maybe she just felt she owed the Zimbabweans music fans Shona songs) to Maita Basa Baba, Gemma had not fully shown what a glamorous vocal powerhouse she is.

Off course, it will be totally unfair to downplay her collaborative involvement with Winky D on the banger Mugadheni.

Well, the first notion that would come mind is that this smash-hit only helped amplify the afore mentioned cliché.

BUT, this new Gemma project has certainly demystified and probably will put to rest the assertion that Gemma is a mid-card artist, she might actually be a powerhouse disguised in those stereotypical and generic Shona lyrics.

What is special about this new album is that Gemma’s vocal prowess is undeniably showcased.

Let’s first deal with the Shona thing, after listening to the collaborations with Nutty-O on Wandinoda and Feli Nandi on Tariro, the spark was very low that the prediction that immediately came to mind was that this was going to be just another overhyped underwhelming release.

For obvious reasons (with basic comprehension abilities, the assumption is that there is clarity) Ndichatarisa is being overlooked in this review.

The Eureka moment came through when Mjolo and MuHarare played, immediately this highly opinionated writer was frustrated by how this voice was getting wasted in generic Shona songs and screamed at the audio device, “She should stay away from those Shona songs and collaborations.”

Unbeknownst to the writer that the next song on his playlist would totally humble him. Usanetseke! What a jam! Then came Ndimi Mwari.

Then there was Alone, Holy and Thank God I know You (great song this!) and suddenly, the whole album has been played.

All the 16 tracks listened to, that is, from the intro to the last song.

The verdict passed is that Gemma Griffiths can sing. Her solo delivery of the songs Grace, Ndimi Mwari, Usanetseke and Yahweh will certainly  establish her in many households this 2025.

Hopefully, the project will do well also on the charts. And also (this could be very unpopular), Gemma doesn’t owe Zimbabwe Shona songs, her Afro beat songs in English with sporadic Shona lyric sprinkles are absolute bangers.

She has to be her own self now that this project is set to properly establish her (this is just a mere prophetic rant.)

The album is a complete gem. But it would not be fair if Voltz JT and Cleo Arie are spared of strays in this story of absolute bangers. Medzayi Fridge and Andondida are such good songs that they can easily dominate playlists in hip hop and gospel music respectively.

One day, we will talk about how a hugely unknown Cleo Arie is a potential gospel great.

Back to Gem-ma, now want to watch her live. She could be really energetic. Until next time, Thank God I know You!

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