Prominent writer, broadcaster and podcaster Larry Kwirirayi is joining the writing team for the second season of Invision Studios’s crime thriller ManHounds.
The news was confirmed by Invision Studios C0-founder Blessing Chinanga who said, “We are excited to be blessed with the amazing and talented writer Larry Kwirirayi. In this new season, we wanted to expand the scope of writing, so we included new voices.
“We are confident that out of this writers’ room, more stories will be explored with different complex characters we would like to present to our audience.”
Kwirirayi has boarded the project and signed up to write six episodes of the gripping drama, whose first season flighted on ZTN Prime (DStv Channel 294).
Other writers on the series are Denise Edwards, Chinanga, Charles Mugaviri and James Moyo.
Mugaviri Jr. will also direct this season. His work includes the award-winning Far From Yesterday (2015).
Kwirirayi, in speaking of joining the project, “I watched the first episodes of the series a screening pre-pandemic. And it was pretty interesting. So when Blessing called up and asked whether I was keen on lending my imagination to where the story could go, it was a no-brainer. I hope to do justice to what is a very interesting world.”
Of the new season, Chinanga said, “We are excited as Invision Studios to bring the second season of Manhounds to life. Season one marked a great success as it aired on ZTN Prime and many other international platforms. Our hope is that season two will be even better and bring a more complex story.”
Liz Dziva, Multichoice Zimbabwe’s PR and Marketing Manager said, “As Africa’s leading entertainment platform and most loved storyteller, MultiChoice is excited about the launch of the series, Manhound onto the DStv platform.
“Viewers are in for a treat and will be kept glued to their seats when they tune in to watch this enthralling series.”
Dziva added that Invision has a great track record when it comes to DStv.
“Invision Studios has produced several TV show productions that have been distributed, and broadcast on DStv’s Zambezi Magic channel, as well as Showmax,” she said. “This includes Accidental Small House, a romantic comedy film. Our goal is to enhance our customer’s viewing experience even more by bringing great local and inspired content to Zimbabwean audiences.”
Chinanga expressed his delight at ZTN Prime being on DStv channel 294.
“We are excited that ZTN Prime is now on DStv, so hopefully, the reach for Manhounds is now wider,” Chinanga stated.
Production will kick off soon for Manhounds season 2
Deep house maestro Chymamusique emerged victorious at Sunday night’s #SAMA28. He picked up gongs in the hotly contested categories of Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for Musique.
This brings his tally to three after he also won Best Dance Album in the previous night’s event.
Zakes Bantwini and Kasango went into the night with multiple nominations and left with two trophies for SAMRO Highest Radio Airplay Composers Award for Osama and Best Collaboration for the same hit.
In the public voted categories, Haksul Muziq stunned viewers when he was announced as SAMPRA Artist of the Year, beating formidable competition in that category.
Makhadzi’s Ghanama featuring Prince Benza won the TECNO Music Video of the Year award, while Vula Mlomo by Musa Keys was voted TECNO Record of the Year.
In the inaugural TikTok Viral Song of the Year award, uMlando by 9umba, Mdoovar and Toss clinched a win.
Other notable winners were Khanyisile Mthetwa for White Star Newcomer of the Year for African Bird. Blxckie won Best Hip Hop Album for B4Now and Reece Madlisa and Zuma’s Ama Roto Vol.2 which scored the Duo/Group of the Year gong.
Mthetwa’s album also took home the Best Classical/Instrumental Album on Night 1 while Reece Madlisa and Zuma triumphed on Night 1 win in the Best Kwaito Album category.
Jimmy Dludlu, Joe Nina and McCoy Mrubata were presented with Lifetime Achievement awards in honour of their exceptional bodies of work throughout their careers and contribution to the industry as a whole.
International superstar Black Coffee was honoured with the International Achiever Award for his musical contributions which have extended far beyond South African borders.
The Night 2 of #SAMA28 proved to be an eclectic evening of moving tributes, adrenalin-fuelled performances and glorious wins.
The proudly South African evening was hosted by Nandi Madida and Lawrence Maleka who did an exceptional job keeping audiences engaged and introducing performers like Stogie T, A Reece and Tshego who performed an emotive tribute to the late Riky Rick.
Other performers to deliver incredibly performances include Makhadzi, Takie Ndou, Shekinah, Musa Keys, Konke, Da Capo and Lloyiso.
Night 1 hosts Mpho Popps and RobotBoii made cameo appearances throughout the show. Some leading South Africans from various fields such as TV personalities LootLove, Zola Nombona, Linda Mtoba; radio presenter Lethabo Lejoy Mathato; fashion designer David Tlale, North West premier Bushy Maape and minister of transport Fikile Mbalula were guest presenters.
RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi commented: “Our 28th instalment has certainly set the highest standard for live awards shows. We are grateful to our hosts Nandi Madida and Lawrence Maleka, all the guest presenters and performers for making this a memorable night.
We are proud of all the #SAMA28 winners. We had an unforgettable experience in Sun City and look forward to SAMA29 and the milestone SAMA30.”
Full list of winners Night 2 (Sunday 28 August 2022)
Samro Highest Radio Airplay Composers AwardOsama by Zakes Bantwini
White Star Newcomer of the YearAfrican Bird by Khanyisile Mthetwa
Capasso Most Streamed Song Of The YearAbalele by Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa feat. Ami Faku
Best CollaborationOsama by Zakes Bantwini
Best Duo/Group of the YearAma Roto Vol.2 by Reece Madlisa and Zuma
Best Hip Hop AlbumB4Now by Blxckie
International Achiever AwardBlack Coffee
Lifetime Achiever AwardJoe Nina, Jimmy Dludlu and McCoy Mrubata
Best Amapiano AlbumNotumato by Young Stunna
TECNO Music Video of the Year Ghanama byMakhadzi featuring Prince Benza
TikTok Most Viral Song uMlandoby 9umba, Mdoovar and Toss
SAMPRA Artist of the YearHaksul Muziq
Male Artist of the YearMusique by Chymamusique
Female Artist of the YearPlatinumb Heart Open by Msaki
Album of the YearMusique by Chymamusique
TECNO Record of the YearVula Mlomo by Musa Keys featuring Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi
Here is the full list of winners from Night 1 (Saturday 27 August 2022)
Best Classical/Instrumental AlbumAfrican Bird by Khanyisile Mthetwa
Best Adult Contemporary AlbumPlatinumb Heart Open by Msaki
Best African Adult Contemporary AlbumCwaka by Mandisi Dyantyis
Beste Kontemporere Musiek AlbumVolume by Die Heuwels Fantasties
Best Traditional AlbumTshihwilili Tshanga by Dr Mercy Masekona Madzivhandila
Best Reggae AlbumTrailblazer by Reign Africa
Best Jazz AlbumHistory in a Frame by Jimmy Dludlu
Best Contemporary Faith Music AlbumSacrificial Worship (Live) by Pulane Maphari
Best Traditional Faith Music AlbumVela Nkosi by Jumbo
Best African Indigenous Faith Music AlbumSiilapha Nkosi by NUZ Voices of Joy
Best Maskandi AlbumIdayimani by Thokozani Langa
Best Alternative AlbumGlow by Alice Phoebe Lou
Best Rock AlbumPartypocalpypse by Springbok Nude Girls
Best R&B/Soul AlbumIt’s All You by Brian Temba
Best Pop AlbumTrouble in Paradise by Shekhinah
Beste Pop AlbumNiks Vergelyk by Posduif
Best Produced Album of the yearThetha Mama By The One Who Sings -Sean, Keanan Leroy & Arthur
Best Afropop AlbumAmagama by Nomfundo Moh
Best Produced Music VideoWhen House was House by Mobi Dixon feat. Mariechan and Jnr SA
Best Engineered Album of The YearIt Takes Three by Charl du Plessis Trio
Best Selling ArtistNotumato by Young Stunna
Rest Of Africa AwardIf Orange Was a Place by Tems
Chairman’s AwardYvonne Chaka Chaka
Remix Of the YearUhuru by Sun-El Musician and Azana
Best Kwaito AlbumAma Roto Vol.2 by Amaroto
Best Gqom AlbumUmshunqo Reloaded by Dladla Mshunqisi
India clinched the One Day International series with an impressive 5 wicket win over Zimbabwe Saturday at Harare sports club.
The visitors won the toss again and elected to bowl first on a wicket that seemed to offer some form of assistance for seam bowlers in the morning.
Zimbabwe’s top order cancer of collapsing continued to unravel as it failed once again to put meaningful runs on the board with the team stranded at 31-4.
Sean Williams tried to reconstruct the host’s innings with a knock of 42 runs of 42 balls but lost his wicket playing one shot too many.
Zimbabwe was bowled out for 161 in 38.1 overs.
Indian bowler Shardul Thakur was the pick of the crop, picking up 3 wickets for 38 runs.
Despite the fact that the target was set at 162 runs it was not an easy chase for India as they were a few nervy moments losing some wickets upfront.
Luke Jongwe picked up 2 wickets for 33 runs, before Sanju Samson steered them with his unbeaten 43 runs and was named man of the match
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced the Zimbabwe Women’s central contracts for the 2022/23 season.
A total of 19 contracts have been awarded, with national women’s team captain Mary-Anne Musonda and her vice Josephine Nkomo as well as Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano in the Grade A+ category.
“As part of our commitment to the growth and development of our women’s game, we are pleased to confirm the awarding of central contracts to a talented group of 19 players,” ZC Director of Cricket Hamilton Masakadza said.
“We believe this will not only boost the morale of our players but will also allow them to fully focus on their game ahead of a crucial period for our national team, which includes participation at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2022 to be held in the United Arab Emirates in September.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Women’s squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2022 to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 18-25 September has been named.
Josephine Nkomo and Modester Mupachikwa, who missed an 18-day training camp in India last month as they are currently playing club cricket in England, have been included in the squad of 15.
Zimbabwe Women are in Group B alongside Thailand Women, Papua New Guinea Women and UAE Women.
The two teams that make it to the final will qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 to be held in South Africa.
ZIMBABWE WOMEN SQUAD FOR ICC WOMEN’S T20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER 2022:
India got their tour to Zimbabwe off to a flyer beating Zimbabwe by 10 wickets at Harare sports club.
The visitors won the toss and chose to bowl first, the decision paid off heavily as they made light work of Zimbabwe’s top order.
The chief destroyers were Deepak Chahar and Prasidh Krishna who picked 3 wickets each.
Zimbabwean top order woes seem to continue as Innocent Kaia, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wessly Madhevere and Sean Williams all failed to score double figures
For the Chevrons the only form of resistance came from the tail with the 9th wicket partnership of Brad Jones and Richard Ngarava scoring 69 runs. Jones registered his career-best score of 33 runs as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 189 runs.
India’s opening batsmen of Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill put a sterling job with the bat as they chased the total comfortably. Gill top scoring with 82 runs and Dhawan scoring 81 runs.
Award-winning South African based femcee Precious Herschneider Frank popularly known as Phreshy in the hip hop circles has released her debut album titled “Camouflage the Transcend” where she opens up about her personal life experiences.
Phreshy revealed that the album was a blend of different genres which will attract a diversified audience.
“Camouflage the Transcend talks about my story of adaptation to any situation in my life. Like the Camo I blend in, be it good times or in the midst of a war, I soldier on till I pull through”, said Phreshy.
The artist managed to give an insight into some tracks in the album.
She said: The Camouflage album consists of 13 tracks with different storylines, sounds and emotions. One of the tracks is titled Roverei which talks about how I grew up in a toxic environment and how Gender Based Violence affected me. I have never shared this part of my life before and I felt like the Camo season will be the right time,”, revealed Phreshy.
“Spakwa Neni is a party song with some Caribbean Dancehall vibe, then a switch to RnB for the Ndipe track which I recently dropped visuals for.
“Basically this album is a blend of different genres, RnB, Caribbean, Drill, Afro Pop and Electro and will attract a diversified audience”, said Phreshy.
Camouflage the Transcend was produced by Vic Enlisted, Afrow Zenda, Sokowe MG, Dj States and Ashmaz.
It features artists like Dough Major, The Ammartian, Natasha Muz, Afrow Zenda, Tshaka, Kanter the Janter, Monzon and Shian, Dancehall Keddha, Malcolm Mafunde and Uziboy from Nigeria.
Phreshy got into the hip-hop industry in 2014 when she started writing and recording her own tracks and got most of her inspiration from her music-loving family and friends who support her up to date.
She scooped the best female accolade at the 2019 ZimHipHop awards and got nominated again for the same category last year.
Multiple award-winning choreographer John Cole and his dancers took revellers at the Mighty Zambezi Bonfire Ignite through dance motions that elicited a rapturous response from the crowd at Donnybrook Park.
The physical work of John Cole and his accompanying dancers showed precision, guided by some technically challenging movements flowing through their bodies naturally.
It was something befitting of a Bon Fire as their reflective attire brought out the intricacies of the choreography giving an illusion of something beyond the mechanics.
Of note was how the dancers came with a live band and we could easily see how they were feeling the emotions in the songs and the music and the energy was transmitted even to those that were watching.
Winter came with its cold temperatures as usual and The Mighty Zambezi Bonfire Ignite was just the perfect way to welcome summer and Donny Brooke Park was ready to serve some heat.
Team John Cole danced to a live band
DJ Naida came through setting up the tempo with her hard-hitting playlist which kept early bird vibe lovers on their feet to and from the bar to wash down the good music.
Spectators had an array of points to fill up their big mugs on their favourite brew for non-alcoholic people the party accommodated their quench with assorted beverages from Delta as they awaited the live performances and the lighting of the majestic bonfire.
Soon after John Cole’s set, the countdown was set for the memorable Bonfire lighting in which every reveller found themselves grabbing their video gargets to capture the moment.
Within a few moments, the atmosphere had been electrified as the country’s largest 10 x 10m bonfire set the grounds ablaze.
The most talked about hip hop star Holy Ten proved a point with his energetic and captivating performances dishing up his well-known tracks.
Djembe Monks and songbird Tammy Moyo also ignited the stage as did DJs Masty, Reverb 7, Shanku Chante and Ryan Synth
The Mighty Zambezi Bonfire Ignite proved to be one of many festivities which bring people together through good music, good food and good drinks as summer was given a good welcome.
Harare gardens gathered Saturday afternoon as lovers of dance rekindled their romance with the country’s most elite dance competition; the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival.
Dance groups from the country’s 10 provinces took turns to show each other what had made them regional winners as they wrestled for the national championship.
After numerous attempts, Mutare-based mbakumba dance group Dapurahunanzva finally dished the right dance as they were crowned the best of them all.
Seasoned performers Guruve Marimba Arts Ensemble from Mashonaland Central came second while nyau dancers Dedza Chitandidzo from Harare took third position.
Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival winners – Dapurahunanzva. Picture by Plot Mhako
Speaking to Zimbuzz after the win, Dapurahunanzva leader, Keaven Simomondo said the group had gone through some rigorous preparations hence the win.
“It has been two months of real hard work, dancers coming to rehearsals in the morning and leaving in the afternoon. We thank the people of Mutare for their support,” he said.
Second position -Guruve Arts Ensemble. Picture by Plot Mhako
On what’s next for the winners, Simomondo said they are setting their sight on the international stage.
“We are targeting international festivals, continuing with our youth dance training so that we cultivate the culture of dancing in our children,” he added.
The Harare Province Paramount Garments Invitational tournament is set to start on August 20 to September 10 this year.
Originally earmarked to be a provincial tournament, the organisers seem to have taken the competitiveness route as the dominant sides in both the women’s and men’s divisions have been included on the roster.
This decision, as seemingly straightforward as it is, has drawn a lot of controversy, especially in the women’s division with regards to why only FS Raiders is the only club that is included among provincial sides.
Harare Province Secretary Shingi Vere said that they went for competitiveness and not just numbers.
Vere said, “FS Raiders are strong enough to compete against provinces. If anyone sees the kind of scorelines FS Raiders have been posting and the calibre of players that they have we cannot beat around the bush and try to disband them that will unfortunately not serve anyone.
It’s up to everyone else to put together stronger teams that can give them competition.
“To be frank every other team has got to step up. Even in the men’s division, outside of Old Georgians, Old Hararians and Harare Sports Club all the other teams were being given basketball scores so we shouldn’t beat around the bush, we cannot play rugby for the sake of playing rugby we have to be competitive as well.”
However, one of the women’s rugby pioneers Lindiwe Munerenyu registered her concerns about the inclusion of only one team and how disheartening it is for other teams.
She said, “Zimbabwe women’s rugby has demonstrated potential to be a powerhouse in Africa. It has held its own against the best in the continent and proudly raised the national flag. Sadly potential is not good enough until and unless there is a concerted effort from the players, clubs and national team to address some governance issues that might throttle development.
“There is one team which seemingly is dominating women’s rugby at tournaments and caps in the national team. Talented players are trekking to this team, thereby bolstering it at the expense of other teams who will be weakened by the exodus. The other teams are struggling and lacking a competitive edge that is the driving force behind the development of players and the game itself.
“By extension, this gives an unfair advantage to this team during competitions as they have become massively dominant.
“This same team also dominates the calls to the national team thereby depriving those in weaker teams an opportunity to get exposure and develop.
“Inadvertently, this stunts growth of women’s rugby development in Zimbabwe. Furthermore, it threatens the future of players’ ability to reach their fullest potential as opportunities to play at national and international arenas will be scarce.”
She insinuated that even if it was any other club aside from FS Raiders she would still not have agreed with the decision to add only one club.
She also added, “This has come to light with the introduction of provincial teams which, ordinarily, should be comprised of talent from clubs in the respective provinces.
“Curiously, a decision has been made for one club to compete at provincial level, outside the provincial team. Structurally, this is irregular. The same team competed in South Africa but under the banner of the national team.
“Furthermore, this team’s technical department is also dominant at the national team level. In that regard, the selection process is likely to be compromised.”
Munerenyu also said that there is a risk of losing current talented players from other teams because it would seem as if they are meant to simply train that one team which is considered competitive.
She said, “There is a risk that a generation of women’s rugby players that has worked hard to prove its mettle, might fall on the wayside and disappear from the arena unnoticed.
“It will be a travesty to lose latent talent that isn’t granted a fair playing field to showcase their gift. These retrogressive dynamics need to be arrested for the good of women’s rugby in Zimbabwe.
“The need for stewards: to foster a fair environment that builds equity in our local teams; merited rewards’ and a culture of discipline into teams cannot be overemphasised.”
With the differences in opinion, it is healthy to consider every point of view going forward. Only honest and non-toxic conversations will make the sport go forward.
There’s something special about Zimfest Live. Whether it was your first time attending or you’ve been to every single one since its inception, the one thing that stands out is how it has continued to evolve over the years.
This year’s event was ‘revolutionary’ – the atmosphere was electric, and the organisers continue to set a new standard every year. Just when you think you’ve settled into a new space that feels like home, the team keeps us on our toes with fresh formats and great venues.
Hertfordshire County Showgrounds was a cut above the rest and a testament to the hard work and commitment of a group of visionaries whose aim is to, not only showcase the undeniable talent that Southern Africa has to offer, but to connect communities who have a common interest – an appreciation of music, good music!
A representative from Redcliff Management said: “Zimfest Live has become more than just a music festival, it is a community affair that brings people from various parts of the UK together, to experience and celebrate the very best talent – musically, artistically and from a business standpoint.
“Creativity is one of our most valuable resources and when creative minds work together, we are able to innovate. We are proud to have collaborated with Mukuru and all our partners to deliver an exceptional experience for our attendees and we look forward to bringing another memorable event next year.”
Despite the absence of several artists who were scheduled to perform, the show went on and the lineup did not disappoint.
This year’s event featured top-tier international acts who covered a variety of genres that catered to one of the largest audiences to date.
Dendera star, Sulumani Chimbetu was a surprise addition to the lineup and returned to the Zimfest Live stage after headlining in 2018. Performing with his band, the Dendera Kings, he proved once again why he has become an international sensation.
Debut performances
Zimchild made his debut performance and for those who had a chance to witness this upcoming talent, his natural presence on stage set the tone for the rest of the event.
If there is one quality that makes rising artists standout at Zimfest Live, it’s a sense of adventure and passion for what they do, and Nutty O and Crooger are classic examples. Both artists drew their audience in, in different ways and left many of them wanting more.
Nutty O, who achieved critical acclaim with songs Boom Shelele and Dakufara Nhasi, has become a crowd-puller, both locally and on an international level, and proved why he is one to watch with an out-of-this-world performance. He is undoubtedly an entertainer who knows how to work the crowd.
A star blossoming
For those not familiar with gospel singer Sharon Manatsa, she’s grown into the artist many of us envisaged she would become.
This was her debut performance at Zimfest Live as a solo artist. She was originally part of Friends in Christ, a group she formed with her husband Zex Taku Manatsa in 2017. Sharon delivered a solid performance, including her popular single, Tinofamba.
ExQ, meanwhile, is no stranger to the Zimfest Live stage. There are ‘no airs and graces’ about him – a natural performer with the ability to make an audience go wild.
He has a rare performance style, and it is in those unique moments where every note has meaning, and every element of his act is more than just a musician on stage giving you a show because it is required – it comes from a place far deeper than that – it comes from an enthusiasm and dedication for producing music that resonates with the masses.
Amapiano duo Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke, popularly known as TxC created a transportive, feel-good atmosphere in the amapiano/afrobeats tent, giving the audience the best of both worlds.
Makhadzi was electric
Makhadzi
South African singer Makhadzi is known for never leaving her fans disappointed. A delay in her performance was well worth the wait and truly outstanding.
The Venda songbird went all out to give fans the full Makhadzi experience – her vocal range, energy, carefully choreographed routines, and chemistry between her dancers allowed everyone to absorb every song and dance move.
Winky D made us want to party
Then there was ‘Gaffa’, and in true style, they did save the best for last. Winky D is a music maestro – whether you understand what he is singing or not, he quickly draws you into his world of pure, unadulterated magic.
The creative music sensation showed his lyrical genius and phenomenal music craft, taking us on a journey that combined the old and the new.
Winky is not just a musician but a remarkable virtuoso who has built a stratospheric international presence purely from adopting a versatile approach.
His ability to understand his audience and artistry are vividly imagined, thrilling in their energy, and put him in line with some of the finest Zimbabwean musicians to make it internationally.
Hosted by comedienne, Madam Boss, and radio host Empress Trish, Zimfest Live was sponsored by Mukuru.
Other event sponsors this year include Nyaradzo Life Insurance, CBZ Holdings, Diaspora Insurance, My Hippostore, Honaidigital and Tann Law.
Speaking about the event, Oliver O’Brien, Group Executive Head of Strategy and Business Development at Mukuru, said: “Zimfest Live is a celebration of Southern Africa and a platform that not only spotlights the talent that Zimbabwe has to offer on a local level, but also what it has to offer on an international level.
“As a proud African company, and the headline sponsor of this year’s festival, we are delighted to have been part of an event that has become an integral feature on the UK’s summer calendar, showcasing the rich culture and talent of the African continent.”
