Home Blog Page 84

Actor Shaun Mundawarara joins the cast of Disney’s The Lion King UK & Ireland Tour

zimbuzz
-
0
Actor Shaun Mundawarara joins the cast of Disney’s The Lion King UK & Ireland Tour

Zimbabwean actor Shaun Mundawarara has been cast in the award-winning stage musical “The Lion King.”

Mundawarara will join the UK & Ireland Tour as a member of the ensemble as well as understudying the lead role of Simba.

The multi-talented actor attended an open casting call held last year in Cape Town, South Africa & was then called back for a 2nd round of auditions in February 2023 and was subsequently signed on as a cast member for the tour.

“Growing up, The Lion King was my favourite movie. It is the first script I ever knew off by heart. The stage show in London which I was lucky enough to go and see, was the first major theatre production I ever watched.

It was then I decided that my goal was to be a part of this amazing show. Getting this role is a full circle moment for me as now I get to live out one of my dreams,” stated Mundawarara.

Shaun Mundawarara

When asked what message he had for other young aspiring actors in Zimbabwe, Mundawarara stated: “If you are willing to put in the work, anything is possible. Landing this role has been a culmination of years of working on my craft from local theatre productions, taking vocal coaching and even taking ballet classes!

I knew that this type of role required a multi-talented performer & over the years I was very intentional in making sure I developed my skills to be ready for this type of opportunity”

Shaun Mundawarara is an actor in TV, Film and Theatre. He was the first Zimbabwean to win a Kenya Theatre award in the category of Best Performance By A Male Actor In A Lead Role (Musical) in 2022.

In the same year, he scooped up two REPS AFDIS Awards including “Best musical performance” and “Best Supporting Actor” for roles in “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Macbeth”.

Most recently he became only the 2nd person to be nominated for Outstanding Actor at the NAMA awards in both the film and theatre categories for the same year, walking away with the NAMA for Outstanding theatre actor at the 21st NAMA ceremony held in Harare on the 25th of February 2023.

The Lion King is a stage musical with music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, and a book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, with additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer.

It is based on the 1994 Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film of the same name.

Holy Ten’s Marriage Off to a Rocky start as Allegations of Secret Child Emerge

Michael Shoko
-
0
Holy Ten’s Marriage Off to a Rocky start as Allegations of Secret Child Emerge

It was meant to be the happiest day of his life, but barely 24 hours after Zimbabwean rapper Holy Ten announced that he had paid the bride price for his partner, Kimberly Richards, his marriage is already facing a major challenge.

Screenshots and pictures from Holy Ten’s alleged side girlfriend, Tariro Chelsea, have surfaced, suggesting that the rapper may have fathered a child with her.

Tariro has publicly called out the rapper, accusing him of neglecting his son and failing to provide even the most basic necessities for the child.

The alleged screenshots of conversations between Holy Ten and Tariro appear to confirm that the rapper had indeed accepted paternity of the child, with one message referring to the child as his “first son.”

Tariro Chelsea Picture from @Chelseahlo

The messages have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry in Zimbabwe, with many fans expressing mixed feelings on the matter.

Holy Ten has yet to publicly respond to the allegations, and it remains to be seen how this ‘scandal’ will affect his marriage and budding career.

Some fans have expressed their support for the rapper, while others have called for him to take responsibility for his actions and do right by his alleged son.

Others have however castigated the alleged girlfriend Tariro Chelsea for being a sore loser.

Meanwhile, Kimberly Richards, Holy Ten’s wife, has remained silent on the matter. It is unclear how she will react to the news, or whether she will stand by her partner in the face of these allegations.

One thing is for certain, however – Holy Ten’s marriage is off to a rocky start, and it remains to be seen how this drama will unfold.

Morgan Heritage Bridge Africa & Jamaica on Star-Studded LP ‘The Homeland’, Out April 21

zimbuzz
-
0
Morgan Heritage Bridge Africa & Jamaica on Star-Studded LP ‘The Homeland’, Out April 21

Three-time Grammy award-winning reggae group Morgan Heritage, currently composed of the Trinity: Peetah Morgan, Gramps Morgan, and Mr. Mojo Morgan, all the children of late reggae great and Father of A Nation, the Hon. Ras Denroy Morgan ––  announce their new studio album, The Homeland, out April 21.

The star-studded 21-track collection –– the group’s first since Denroy Morgan’s passing last year –– marks a new era for Morgan Heritage, as they expand their global reach from the Caribbean to the African Continent and beyond.

The collection comes with guest contributions from Popcaan, Youssou N’Dour, Shaggy, Beenie Man, Shatta Wale, Mádé Kuti, and more.

This album is a project of rebirth for the Morgan brothers, built upon a lineage that has lasted decades and one that will continue to forge forward.

Musically, they take the listener on a journey that not only reminds them of days past but the future ahead.

The Homeland kicks off a busy year for Morgan Heritage, who will also appear at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and tour the globe later this year.

You can pre-save the album here

To accompany the album announcement, Morgan Heritage has shared lead single “Who Deh Like U” feat Bounty Killer, Cham & Stonebwoy, which debuted at #1 on the US iTunes Afro-Beat chart.

“It’s hard to find anyone to compare to you. Even from a million miles away your value will never diminish because you are so unique…” says Mojo Morgan about the meaning of the track. “It will be hard to find another like you anywhere in the world.”

Watch the visualizer HERE

Listen to “Who Deh Like U” feat Bounty Killer, Cham & Stonebwoy HERE 

This announcement comes after a successful release of their first single and video “Just A Number,” which you can watch here.

The track serves as an awareness anthem, sparking conversation around cancel culture and the ephemeral nature of fame.

The accompanying music video was directed by Samo (Koffee, Chronixx, Protoje), and filmed at Independence Park (National Stadium) in Kingston, Jamaica.

At the end of the month, Morgan Heritage will be at the GRAMMY Museum (at L.A. Live) as guests for The Drop Series on March 28.

This is set to kickstart the culturally-iconic band’s global promotional tour, with planned stops in Los Angeles, New York, England, Germany, France, Uganda and Ghana. 

Show Dates

March 28, 2023 Los Angeles, CA Grammy Museum: The Drop

May 04, 2023 New Orleans, LA Jazz & Heritage Festival

May 06, 2023 Las Vegas, NV Reggae In The Desert

May 12, 2023 Cayman Islands Lover’s Rock Cayman 2023

May 27, 2023 Miami, FL Hot105 Hot Live

July 16, 2023 Martinique

July 29, 2023 Belize

How to enter for Africa’s next WWE Superstar

zimbuzz
-
0
How to enter for Africa’s next WWE Superstar

Are you the next Roman Reigns? Are you the next Undertaker? Will you follow in the steps of The Rock? African fans of the WWE are set to find out thanks to MultiChoice.

WWE is one of the most watched sporting programs in the world with supreme athletes, high drama, and explosive storylines…and they are looking for an African Superstar to join their organization.

WWE, in conjunction with its Sub-Saharan Africa broadcast partner SuperSport, launched a continent-wide talent search to find this African hero in November of 2022 with entries still open, and set to close this year on 30 April 2023.

The hunt is on, and the response has been breathtaking. But we are here to tell you to keep sending in your entries because you could be the next WWE Superstar!

“Zimbabwe has incredible potential to serve as the home to the next big WWE Superstar,” says  Liz Dziva Publicity and Public Relations Manager for MultiChoice Zimbabwe “we encourage hopefuls who think they have what it takes to enter and make their dreams come true.

This opportunity is one for the taking and we know our nation has what it takes to produce the next generation of Superstars through this program.”

How to enter:

–          Submit a video highlighting your potential to become a WWE Superstar

–          Go to supersport.com/wweafricasuperstar

–          Fill in the entry form and submit your video with the below details:

Name, age and country where you are based

Weight in kilograms and height in centimetres

Tell us why you should be considered

Show us the character you would be as a WWE Superstar

Make it entertaining, with no physical demonstration required

 

Restrictions:

–          Open to all residents from African Countries

–          Applicants must be between the age of 20-39

–          Applicants must have a valid passport, one which is valid until January 2024 and                 have three blank pages

–          Applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID with a WHO-approved vaccine

–          Entries close on 30 April 2023

–          Ts and Cs apply

 

What happens next:

  • Applicants will be shortlisted and notified in May 2023
  • The successful applicants will be invited to a tryout in Lagos, Nigeria which will take place in June 2023
  • Tryouts will take a maximum of three days and all costs (travel, visa charges, accommodation and meals) will be covered
  • A select number of tryout participants could then win an all-expenses-paid trip to a tryout organized by the WWE at a later date to be confirmed
  • Following that, a full-time WWE developmental contract may be offered to the top-performing participants who would then begin their new career at the world-class WWE Performance Centre in Orlando, Florida, USA

Star FM’s Boom Baby ready to bring back the boom on Party Radio Slot !

zimbuzz
-
0
Star FM’s Boom Baby ready to bring back the boom on Party Radio Slot !

Star FM Zimbabwe today announced the most anticipated return of presenter and producer, Boom Baby aka Rufaro Chakanyuka, to the extreme weekend lineup roster!

The gorgeous and energetic presenter will host two radio slots on Party Radio weekend, every Friday night from 7 pm to 8 pm and every Saturday night from 8 pm to 9 pm.

All the action starts today the 17th of March 2023. Boom Baby’s Block Party is ready to shift gears for 2023 promising a rejuvenating experience for music-loving fans stuck at home or work.

Listeners can start their own dancefloor wherever they are whilst enjoying positive vibes, booming music, and various surprises weekly!

Dj Clive will feature on  Friday nights and Dj Spunj will feature on Saturday nights respectively. The boys pledge to keep the party going!

Boom Baby aka Rufaro Chakanyuka

“So excited as we count down. This one is definitely for the books! I am inviting all joy seekers to tune in and stream live on the station’s social media online pages.

The motto is always #Mufarokunemunhuwese, and I am ready to host the biggest dance floor nationwide over the airwaves. Friend don’t miss it,” says Boom Baby.

“Party Radio is going up a gear”, said Star FM Head of Programming Steve Vickers. “We know that Boom Baby knows how to party, there is much fun ahead.”

Set the alarms, and get ready for exciting weekends ahead this 2023 with Star FM Zimbabwe.

In honour of starting this chapter, look out for a five-part digital Q&A series hashtagged #23QuestionsFor2023WithBoomBaby, so that you can know more about the budding star.

Hip Hop Artist Draze Blends African Melodies with Raw Energy in New Single “Mazvita”

Michael Shoko
-
0
Hip Hop Artist Draze Blends African Melodies with Raw Energy in New Single “Mazvita”

Hip-hop artist Draze, known for his Emmy Award-winning songwriting and rapping skills, is back with a new single that fuses African melodies with the raw energy of hip-hop.

The song, titled “Mazvita,” which means “thank you” in the Shona language of Zimbabwe, dropped on March 10, 2023, alongside its music video.

According to Draze, “Mazvita” is a personal tribute to his mother, father, grandparents, and the communities that raised him in Africa and America.

The track is a fusion of cultures, transporting listeners from a typical hood in America to a typical village in Zimbabwe.

Draze’s unique sound, which he calls Ancestral Arts, is heavily influenced by his parents.

He physically plays the marimba, a traditional Zimbabwean instrument and the predecessor to the xylophone, on the track as a way to honour his late father, who was a world-renowned marimba player.

In the music video, Draze cleverly showcases the duality of being African and American, inspiring black people around the world to see themselves as African and to view one another as family.

For “Mazvita,” Draze collaborated with producer Vitamin D, who has worked with artists like Lil Wayne, Torey Lanes, and 50 Cent.

Draze describes the single as a teaser for his upcoming album, “African American,” which features sick lyrical abilities, storytelling, cultural vibes, and raw 808 drums.

Draze’s music is a true fusion of cultures and sounds, and “Mazvita” is a perfect example of his unique talent. Stay tuned for his upcoming album, which is sure to be a hit.

Watch and share ‘Mazvita’ below

John Cole: Dancing His Way into the Hearts of the UK

Michael Shoko
-
0
John Cole: Dancing His Way into the Hearts of the UK

With his electrifying moves and contagious energy, John Cole is taking the UK by storm as he prepares to embark on his very first tour across the country.

As a multi-award-winning dance choreographer and performing artist, Cole has been captivating audiences for years with his passionate performances.

“I am beyond excited to take my dance performances to the UK,” says Cole. “It has always been a dream of mine to bring my love for dance to new audiences, and I cannot wait to share my passion with everyone.”

Cole’s maiden UK tour promises to be an experience like no other. Fans can expect to see him performing at seven shows, including the prestigious annual SAMA Festival UK from 7 to 9 April presented by Y2K Entertainment Promotions.

“I feel incredibly honoured to be part of such an amazing festival, and I am looking forward to sharing the stage with other incredible artists from Zimbabwe,” Cole exclaims.

The ‘Dance with John Cole’ events will take place at Stellah Entertainment Studios Royston on April 1st, 15th, and 29th.

John Cole

Cole promises to bring his signature passion and energy to every performance, and he cannot wait to share his love for dance with the local communities.

“I am thrilled to bring the ‘Dance with John Cole’ experience to Royston,” Cole says. “It is my goal to share my love for dance with everyone, regardless of age or skill level. I want everyone to feel the joy and freedom that dance can bring.”

The tour will also take him to the Zimbabwe Heritage Festival in Milton Keynes on April 22nd, where Cole will be showcasing his impressive dance skills and spreading the love for Zimbabwean culture.

“I am looking forward to the performance at the Zimbabwe Heritage Festival. It is an excellent opportunity for me to showcase my dance skills and to represent my country,” Cole says.

As a force to be reckoned with in the dance world, Cole has received numerous awards and accolades for his work. His performances are known to leave audiences in awe and wanting more.

“Don’t miss the chance to see John Cole in action on his first-ever UK tour,” Cole says. “I promise to bring the heat, the energy, and the passion that I am known for. So get your tickets now and join me for a dance party like no other!”

NAMA Celebrate Zimbabwe’s Top Artists and Style Stars in Spectacular Night of Art and Glamour

Michael Shoko
-
0
NAMA Celebrate Zimbabwe’s Top Artists and Style Stars in Spectacular Night of Art and Glamour

The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) took place on Saturday night at the Harare International Conference Center (HICC), where the who’s who of the art world, celebrities, social media stars, fashionistas, and fans of award ceremonies gathered to celebrate the best of the best in Zimbabwean arts.

The evening was filled with breathtaking performances from some of the most talented artists in the country, including ExQ, Ammara Brown, Juntal, Freeman, Leo Magozz, Holy Ten, Voltz JT, and Saintfloew, who delivered a splendid show that left everyone in awe.

While the performances stole the show, some of the personalities who graced the red carpet still have a lot to learn when it comes to Red Carpet etiquette and dressing up to such shows.

However, for others, it was an opportunity to show off their impeccable style and taste in fashion.

KVG in a Ivhu Tribe design

Mai Titi, KVG, Malaika Mushandu, Bakari, Faith Candy,Hope Masike, and Ivhu Tribe models were just a few of the many stars who turned heads with their show-stopping outfits.

As the awards ceremony unfolded, there was an air of excitement and anticipation in the room as each category was announced, and the winners took the stage to accept their well-deserved awards.

Mai Tt in a Tapfumanei Munenge (coco) design

From visual arts to music, drama, film, and literary arts, each winner was recognized for their outstanding contribution to the industry and exceptional talent.

The NAMA awards ceremony was not only a celebration of art but a celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, and the people who make it come alive.

Fashion designer Bakari – in a By_Bakari design

 

Here are the complete winners:

  1. DANCE AWARDS

Outstanding Female Dancer: Ndomupeishe Chipendo in Teleunga

Outstanding Male Dancer: Terrence Kapesa in A Kid from Bulawayo

Outstanding Dance Group: Elysium Magna Dance Theatre in Birth of Christ

Outstanding Dance Choreographer: Sean Mambwere in Silently Complicated

 

  1. VISUAL ARTS AWARDS

Outstanding 3-Dimensional Work: Celebrating Together by Taurai Chinofura

Outstanding Mixed Media: Mysterical Revealer by Terrence Musekiwa

Outstanding Exhibition: A Book that Cannot be Read by Allison Baker curated by Fadzai Muchemwa

 

  1. SPOKEN WORD AWARDS

Outstanding Poet: Obert Dube.

Outstanding Comedian: Mukudzei Kandoro Majoni aka King Kandoro.

Outstanding Social Media Skits: Theophilus Chigumira aka Mai Kirifodhi

 

  1. MEDIA AWARDS

Outstanding Journalist – Print: Nyadzombe Nyampenza – Newsday

Outstanding Journalist – Radio: Owen Madondo – Star FM

Outstanding Journalist – Television: Colette Musanyera – ZBC

Outstanding Online Media – Nash TV

 

  1. THEATRE AWARDS

Outstanding Actor: Shaun Mundawarara as Collymore in The Play that goes Wrong

Outstanding Actress: Min’enhle Mguni as Renee Stokes in Heartbreak Mafia

Outstanding Theatrical Production: Bayethe Nkosi by Umkhathi Theatre

Outstanding Director: Sue Bolt in The Play that Goes Wrong

 

  1. LITERARY AWARDS

Outstanding First Creative Published Work: The Madman on First Street and other stories by David Chasumba

Outstanding Children’s Book: Sloba and the Chameleonaire by Costa Chayambuka.

Outstanding Fiction Book: The Quality of Mercy by Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu

Outstanding Poetry Book: Starfish Blossoms by Samantha R. Vazhure

 

  1. FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS

Outstanding Actor: Searchmore Takavada as Husband in 3 days in March.

Outstanding Actress: Sylvia Mavezere as Wife in 3 days in March

Outstanding Music Video: Fight For Me by Mann Friday, Directed by Kalai Faye Barlow

Outstanding Screen Production (Television): Intab’enkulu Directed by Kuda Bryan Bwititi

Outstanding Screen Production (Short Length Film): 3 Days in March Directed by Kuda Bryan Bwititi

Outstanding Screen Production(Full-Length Film): Ngoda Directed by Joe Njagu and Eddie Sandifolo

 

  1. MUSIC AWARDS

Outstanding New Comer: Leo Magozz, Bling 4 and Brian Jeck.

Outstanding Female Musician: Dorcas Moyo

Outstanding Male Musician: Emegy Chizanga aka Freeman.

Outstanding Song: Fire Emoji by Tavonga Leo Magombedze (Leo Magozz), Farai. Gadzani (Bling 4) and Brian Kadyamarunga (Brian Jeck)

Outstanding Album: David and Goliath by Emegy Chizanga aka Freeman

 

  1. SPECIAL AWARDS

Promoter Of The Year: X-Mo Squad

Outstanding Artist In The Diaspora: Tafara Nyatsanza

Arts Service Award: Davidson S. Maruziva

Lifetime Achievement Award: Barbara Makhalisa Nkala

Arts Personality Award: Dominic Benhura

People’s Choice Award: Theophilus Chigumira aka Mai Kirifodhi

Gemma Dazzles with Delight Ahead of #NAMA21 Hosting Gig

Michael Shoko
-
0
Gemma Dazzles with Delight Ahead of #NAMA21 Hosting Gig

Zimbabwe’s Arts industry is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for one of the biggest nights of the year – the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) set to take place this Saturday 25 February at the HICC.

And this year, the celebrations promise to be even more spectacular with the announcement that the talented and much-loved musician Gemma Griffiths will be co-hosting the event.

With her soulful voice, stunning looks, and undeniable stage presence, Gemma has captured the hearts of audiences both at home and abroad.

And now, as she takes on this new challenge, she is ready to bring her unique style and energy to what is sure to be an unforgettable night of music, art, and culture.

When asked how she landed the coveted gig, Gemma revealed that it was all thanks to her participation in last year’s Yamaha series “The Way Up House”.

After filming season 2 in New York, Gemma’s star power caught the attention of the NAMA team, who reached out to her about the co-hosting opportunity.

“When the series was released, someone from NAMA reached out to my team to see if I woud be up for co-hosting the NAMAs,” she explained.

bringing her infectious energy to the NAMA stage – Gemma

“I jumped at such an awesome opportunity to be a part of one of Zim’s most prestigious events. I think hosting is such a wonderful way to connect with the creatives who are nominated, as well as the crowd. I am excited to get to know another side of the awards and celebrate Zimbabwean talent.”

With the #NAMA21 shaping up to be an event to remember first-time co-host Gemma is also set to perform her favorite hit, “One Call Away,” alongside her close friend, Ishan.

When asked about her upcoming performance, Gemma said, “I am super excited for Nama 2023. Not only am I co-hosting, which will be a first for me, but I am performing ‘One Call Away’ alongside my wonderful friend Ishan.

The song is one of my favourites, and it’s going to be a wildly exciting show! Ishan has such a wonderful performance energy, so I know we will have so much fun on stage.”

ExQ, one of the pioneers and mainstays of Zimbabwean Urban pop, will be receiving a well-deserved achievement award at NAMA 2023. Gemma, who is a big fan of ExQ’s work, expressed her admiration for him and his contributions to the music industry.

“One of Zim’s top artists, and someone I look up to, ExQ, is being honoured this year,” Gemma said. “Not only his music and songwriting, but his calm energy and incredible air when performing is something so many artists can be inspired by. I can’t wait to see the ‘Verified Milestone’ writer be celebrated at Nama 2023.”

Yaba Buluku Boyz release the video for Wa Kula (Zacaria) featuring Jah Prayzah

zimbuzz
-
0
Yaba Buluku Boyz release the video for Wa Kula (Zacaria) featuring Jah Prayzah

DJ Tarico, Preck, and Nelson Tivane, collectively known as the Yaba Buluku Boyz, bring Maputo to life in captivating new visuals for their recent super dance anthem ‘Wa Kula (Zacaria)’ featuring Zimbabwean music heavyweight Jah Prayzah.

Pan-African indie label Geobek Records presents the first official music video from the Yaba Buluku Boyz’s upcoming studio project slated for later this year.

And it is just as imagined, stunning! Much so it provides the perfect snapshot of the African street dance experience.

Dance has long been the gold standard for expressing African culture in music, and Geobek Records maintains this standard exceptionally well.

Their newly produced visuals for ‘Wa Kula (Zacaria)’ is stylishly put together under the direction and supervision of ID Directions.

Thankfully, there is more to unpack beyond its top quality and feel, due to the intriguing choreography performed by tmGREATNESS, one of the best dance academies in Africa.

This pumps an extra dose of excitement into the vibrant Amapiano production from DJ Tarico to produce a 4-minute thrill that celebrates African music and dance.

The experience is captivating, yielding a row of colourful shots that fling the always-chill DJ Tarico, his livelier compatriots, and the vocals of an absent Jah Prayzah into a supercharged backdrop of dancers and chants in the heart of Maputo.

For their continuous contribution to African music culture, the Yaba Buluku Boyz and DJ Tarico were handed a good start to the year.

The two received their first Soundcity MVP Awards nominations for “Best Group” and “African DJ of the Year”, respectively, highlighting their continent-wide appeal once again.

You can watch the video here:

1...838485...243Page 84 of 243

Like us on Facebook