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An Unforgettable Evening of Music and Culture: Mokoomba’s Intimate Concert at Alliance Française

In a captivating blend of rhythm, culture, and intimacy, Mokoomba, the acclaimed tribal touring band, made a triumphant return to Harare’s Alliance Francaise in the Avenues area.

 

By Jeffrey Murimbechi

Fresh from their international tour, the band delighted local fans with a mesmerising performance that showcased their musical prowess and cultural richness.

The evening began with an opening act by the award-winning band Fusion 5 Mangwiro. Their performance set the stage on fire, raising the crowd from their seats and setting the tone for an unforgettable night of music and artistry.

As Mokoomba took to the stage, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The band’s infectious energy and charismatic stage presence drew the audience in, creating an intimate connection between the musicians and the crowd.

Mokoomba – Picture by Grindstone Africa

Hits like “Nzara Hapana” and “Kumkanda” had the audience on their feet, dancing and singing along to the tunes.

What set this concert apart was its intimate setting, with limited seating allowing for a more personal and immersive experience.

The audience of mature and discerning fans hungry for culture and the arts, were treated to a night of music that touched their souls and ignited their spirits.

Mokoomba’s performance was a night that left a lasting impression on all those who were fortunate enough to be in attendance, a night that will be remembered for years to come.

DJ Mega T’s ‘Imali’ featuring Lala Martin & Slage Pro: An Amapiano Anthem on the Desire for Financial Success

The amapiano track “Imali” by DJ Mega T featuring Lala Martin and Slage Pro is a party and groove song that explores the theme of money and its impact on one’s life.

 

It’s a fun and energetic party song that effectively captures the desire for financial success

The vocalist, Lala Martin, expresses her desire for financial prosperity, highlighting the frustration she feels when neighbours mock her situation.

The lyrics touch on the idea that the lack of money can hinder one’s happiness, creating a relatable and poignant narrative.

The track begins with an energetic beat that immediately sets the party atmosphere. The infectious rhythm and pulsating bassline drive the song forward, creating a lively backdrop for Lala Martin’s vocals.

The production quality by DJ Mega T and Slage Pro is solid, with a well-balanced mix that allows each element to shine.

Lala Martin’s performance is captivating, showcasing her vocal prowess and charisma. Her delivery is filled with conviction, effectively conveying the emotions behind the lyrics.

The listener can feel the determination and longing in her voice, which adds an authentic touch to the overall composition.

One of the strengths of “Imali” lies in its ability to create a sense of joy and celebration. The infectious groove and catchy melodies make it a perfect fit for the dancefloor or any party setting.

Listen to “Imali” below

Harare Sports Club & Red Arrows Forge Stronger Ties Amidst Rugby Glory

Last Saturday, the rugby fraternity witnessed a momentous occasion as Harare Sports Club, recent champions of the Nedbank Challenge Cup, warmly welcomed Red Arrows, the reigning national champions of Zambia, to their hallowed grounds.

 

By Jeffrey Murimbechi

The visit, marked by a cordial facilities tour and mutual admiration, underscores the blossoming camaraderie between two powerhouse rugby clubs in the African continent.

Harare Sports Club’s recent Nedbank Challenge Cup victory has not only elevated their status within Zimbabwean rugby but has also positioned them as formidable contenders on the regional stage.

Similarly, Red Arrows’ dominance in Zambia’s rugby scene has solidified their reputation as national champions and served as a beacon of excellence within their country’s rugby landscape.

Chairman Osborne Muhambi of Harare Sports Club Rugby expressed his delight at the strengthening bond between the two clubs, stating, “Our recent triumph in the Nedbank Challenge Cup has invigorated our passion for the sport, and welcoming Red Arrows to our home turf is a testament to the enduring friendship and mutual respect we share.

As champions in our respective nations, we are united by a common goal: to elevate African rugby to new heights.”

Colonel Gilbert Sinkamba, representing Red Arrows Ltd, echoed Muhambi’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the visit in fostering greater collaboration and growth within the African rugby community.

“Our journey to Harare Sports Club is not merely a courtesy visit; it is a celebration of our shared love for the game and a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence,” he remarked.

“As national champions in Zambia, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Zimbabwean counterparts, united in our pursuit of rugby greatness.”

Kudzai Zisengwe, Chairman of Harare Rugby Province, hailed the visit as a momentous occasion with far-reaching implications for the future of rugby in both countries.

“The convergence of two rugby powerhouses—Harare Sports Club and Red Arrows—signifies a new era of collaboration and growth within African rugby,” he proclaimed.

“Together, we will scale new heights, inspire future generations, and cement our rightful place on the global rugby stage.”

Amidst the camaraderie, sportsmanship, and shared aspirations for rugby excellence, the visit of Red Arrows to Harare Sports Club serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of sport in uniting nations, bridging cultures, and igniting the human spirit.

As champions on and off the field, both clubs stand poised to leave an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of African rugby history.

Tickets Now On Sale for Maverick City & Kirk Franklin’s Kingdom World Tour in Zimbabwe

Gospel music lovers in Zimbabwe are in for a real treat as Grammy award-winning acts Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin announce they will be bringing their acclaimed Kingdom World Tour to Harare.

 

The Kingdom World Tour will see them travel across Africa, Europe and Asia in 2024.

And the tour will make a stop at the Glamis Arena in Harare on August 12, 2024.

Tickets are now available starting at the affordable price of $25 for general admission (Limited Offer), For VIP tickets the price has been pegged at $65.

The Meet & Greet passes are going for $100 which will afford attendees a chance to meet Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin after the concert.

Tickets can be purchased in person at Innovative Technologies locations in Harare, at their Eastgate and Sam Levy’s Village branches.

Innovative Technologies shops in the CBD can be found at the Eastgate Shopping Mall, Shop 21, Ground Floor (Opposite Econet Shop).

They can also be found at the Innovative Technologies Sam Levy’s Village branch in Borrowdale at EP02 (Opposite Manhattan Interiors).

Maverick City Zimbabwe Tour

For those further afield, tickets are also available online through the official Kingdom World Tour website at WWW.KINGDOMWORLDTOUR.COM

With tickets expected to sell out fast, attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets quickly to avoid disappointment.

Maverick City Music has amassed a huge following across Africa in recent times, with their songs of faith and inspiration resonating deeply with listeners on the continent.

In Zimbabwe specifically, they command a significant fanbase, especially among young Christian audiences.

Legendary artist Kirk Franklin has had a career spanning over 30 years and is widely credited with helping to shape modern gospel music.

Amazon launches in South Africa

US e-commerce giant Amazon has launched its South African online shop offering free delivery for subsequent orders above R500.

 

Amazon hopes to wrestle the market share from Takealot which Naspers own.

“We are excited to launch Amazon.co.za, along with thousands of independent sellers in South Africa. We provide customers with great value, broad selection—including international and local products—and a convenient delivery experience,” said Robert Koen, managing director of Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon.

“From today, customers can count on Amazon.co.za for a stress-free shopping experience, fast and reliable delivery, access to 3,000 pickup points, 24/7 customer support, and easy returns. Customers will also enjoy free delivery on their first order.”

Amazon.co.za features a wide range of products across categories such as Consumer Electronics, Sporting Equipment, Toys, Home.

Small Kitchen Appliances, including international brands such as Apple, Sony, HP, LEGO, Chicco, Maybelline, Pampers, Neutrogena, and Johnson’s.

The store will also include popular local brands from independent South African sellers, including Amanda-Jayne, King Kong Leather, Masodi, and Tiger Lily.

More than 60% of the items sold in Amazon’s stores globally are from independent sellers—most of which are small- and medium-sized businesses—providing a vast selection of products, competitive prices, and great convenience for shoppers.

As part of its commitment to connect customers with businesses throughout the country, Amazon.co.za offers independent sellers an opportunity to rapidly launch, grow, and scale, while leveraging the innovative capabilities, valuable tools, and educational content provided by Amazon.

“The heartbeat of our small business enterprises measures the health of our country’s economy. If they are pumping, the nation is growing.

We welcome companies that provide opportunities for local sellers and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses,” said Minister of Small Business Development of South Africa, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.

“We are counting on Amazon to provide such opportunities to our small enterprises, and look forward to working together to unlock these opportunities.

This will create jobs and contribute to government’s objective of repairing the legacy of poverty and inequality. This is the heartbeat we want to hear.”

Manica Diamonds’ Remarkable Turnaround

After the dismal start to this campaign, it seemed Jairos Tapera’s days as Manica Diamonds coach may have been numbered.

 

However, the savvy manager has demonstrated why his bosses at the Mutare-based side didn’t press the panic button.

Coach Tapera has turned Manica Diamonds season around in spectacular fashion. After finishing as runners-up to Ngezi Platinum Stars in 2023, Tapera faced an uphill battle to start the new campaign.

Managing just one point in their first four matches, many doubted his ability to get results with the Gem Boys.

He suffered defeats to Simba Bhora, TelOne, and Ngezi Platinum, while drawing 0-0 against Chegutu Pirates.

However, the veteran coach has silenced all critics in the past month and a half.

Manica Diamonds are now on a sizzling six-game unbeaten streak in the Castle Larger Premier Soccer League, making them the first team to accomplish this feat in 2024.

During this run, they have conceded a mere one goal while maintaining an impressive five clean sheets.

Tapera has his defence in peak form, making Manica Diamonds an extremely tough nut to crack.

The victories keep piling up for the resurgent Gem Boys. They have beaten top sides like Chicken Inn and FC Platinum, Herentals College, Caps United, Arenel Movers, and most recently ZPC Kariba.

Under Tapera’s guidance, Manica Diamonds are flying high with confidence and their impressive title challenge last season appears to be no fluke.

Lion Lager Bash set to light up Mbare this Saturday

The township of Mbare is set for a big celebration this coming Saturday as Delta Beverages, through their Lion Lager brand, launches the first Lion Lager Bash.

 

Under their ‘Pride in the Hood’ campaign, Lion Lager looks to celebrate artists who have excelled in music while coming from the communities and townships they call home.

This Saturday, May 4th 2024, Mbare will play host to the inaugural Lion Lager Bash, which promises to be ‘a celebration like no other’ according to the organisers.

Headlining the free live show, which runs from 5pm to 9pm, will be some of Zimbabwe’s most exciting artists today.

Fantan, Ribhe and Levels, all part of the famed Chill Spot collective, will be firing up the crowd with their high-energy performances.

Lion Lager Bash

Lion Lager has also partnered with Delta Corporation’s MAD campaign, the City of Harare and EMA for a clean-up of the communal shops and surrounding dump sites in Mbare.

Kicking off in the morning, the clean-up aims to spruce up the area ahead of what is sure to be a massive party come Saturday evening.

Residents can also look forward to activations around Mbare at local bars and bottle stores throughout the day as the pride and spirit of the community is well and truly embraced.

The first of what is sure to be many more Lion Lager Bashes, Saturday is set to be a momentous occasion for the residents and artists of Mbare as their hood takes centre stage.

Tamba Tione, Gida Sibone! Chibuku Neshamwari Festival Returns in 2024

The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival is back for its 2024 edition to celebrate Zimbabwean culture through dance.

 

Presented in collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association, the festival will run from May 11th to July 27th, building up to the provincial and national finals.

Following the massive success of last year’s Diamond Jubilee festival which was awarded the Diamond Winner for Best Corporate Event of the Year at the National Exceptional Marketing Awards hosted by MAZ, the 2024 edition is set to continue connecting audiences to Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.

Under the theme “Tamba Tione, Gida Sibone!” the festival invites dance enthusiasts and culture lovers to experience the vibrant display of traditional dances from all corners of the country.

Last year’s winners Sekunjalo Ma Africa-Mzansi from Bulawayo Province

As in previous years, provincial finals will be held across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces to select the top dance troupes to represent each region.

The finals will see intense competition among the provinces’ finest dancers, all hoping to walk away with cash prizes of USD2,500, USD1,500 and USD1,000 for first, second and third place respectively.

The national finals will then pit the top provincial teams against each other for an even bigger prize purse.

A massive USD15,000 awaits the winners, with USD10,000 and USD7,500 for the first and second runner-ups.

Participants are required to register their groups with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and ZNTDA to be able to participate.

Bling4 Tapped for Major Performance at the Castle Tankard

Hip Hop artist Bling4 has been announced as one of the performers at the Castle Tankard — Africa’s oldest horse race, to be held on Saturday 11 May 2024.

 

Bling4’s stock has been rising sharply buoyed by his new project which contains the hit song “Ama 2k” and for him to be announced as one of the main acts is a big deal for the artist.

Zimbuzz caught up with the soft-spoken rapper and he expressed his enthusiasm to perform at such an event.

“Performing at the Castle Tankard is a big thing for me and the hip-hop culture as a whole, last year there was no hip-hop artist on the line-up and this year I have been selected as a hip-hop artist, it speaks volumes to the growth of the genre,” he told Zimbuzz.

Last year the Castle Tankard attracted huge crowds, as is the norm, and Bling4 sees it as an opportunity to connect with fans who don’t typically attend his regular club shows.

2024 Castle Tankard line-up

“The Castle Tankard is set up in a family-friendly environment and this will allow me to perform in front of a diverse audience who don’t normally get the chance to see me on stage,” he added.

Bling4 will perform alongside sungura legend Alick Macheso, dancehall heavyweights Chillspot family, Freeman and Master H.

The show will kick off at 10 am with various horse races lined up before the musical showpiece which will run until 7:30 pm

Fungai Zvirawa Appointed As CEO of Zimbabwe Music Awards

The Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA) has announced the appointment of Fungai Zvirawa as its new Chief Executive Officer.

 

Fungai Zvirawa’s journey in the music industry has been marked by her passion for fostering artistic talent and creating memorable experiences.

Having managed artists and orchestrated successful events, she has become a respected figure in Zimbabwe’s music landscape.

“Fungai has a robust background spanning over a decade in the music industry, Ms. Zvirawa brings a wealth of experience in artist management, event organisation, and the creation of innovative campaigns that seamlessly blend the creative and corporate realms,” read a statement by ZIMA.

Ms. Zvirawa’s creative prowess extends beyond the music realm. As the founder of Rogue & Associates, an advertising agency in Zimbabwe, she has been instrumental in crafting imaginative campaigns for the financial and FMCG sectors.

Her ability to merge the creative and corporate spaces has garnered accolades and positioned her as a visionary leader.

In her role as CEO of ZIMA, she is poised to bring a fresh perspective, innovative strategies, and a commitment to elevating the Zimbabwean music scene.

Born in Zimbabwe, raised in South East London, Fungai Zvirawa has embraced her Zimbabwean heritage with authenticity and pride, having returned to Zimbabwe 13 years ago, she epitomises the spirit of diasporans contributing to the nation’s growth and cultural richness.

“I am honoured and excited to lead the Zimbabwe Music Awards into its next chapter. ZIMA plays a pivotal role in showcasing our nation’s musical talent, and I am committed to amplifying its impact on both local and international stages,” said Fungai Zvirawa, the new CEO of ZIMA.

ZIMA is the premier platform recognising and celebrating excellence in Zimbabwean music, with a commitment to showcasing diverse talents and genres.