Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
BULAWAYO’s premier arts fiesta, Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo, roars to life today with artistes from across the country and beyond converging in the city for six days of potentially memorable performances.

The 12th edition of the festival will run until October 1 under the theme, Expressions.

Local and regional artists, cultural activists and art lovers will converge to celebrate human diversity through dance, theatre, jazz, world music, visual arts, crafts, poetry, comedy, competitions and workshops.

Arts enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with more than 40 events lined up in five different venues across the city.

Unlike most years when the opening ceremony will be held at the beginning of the second day of the festival, this year because of limited resources the opening ceremony will be held on Friday.

The Large City hall car park will host the Ingwebu main stage for two days instead of the normal six because of financial constraints.

As a result the opening ceremony has been shelved and been replaced by an opening act by various artistes.

According to organisers it boiled down to limited resources because of a depressed economy that has forced corporates to cut spending on prioritising the arts.

“Whenever companies face financial constraints the world over their support to the arts is the one that they cut first. With us it’s the same. We’re however happy that the festival is on this year,” said festival director Raisedon Baya.

On the opening day pupils are expected to pack the Bulawayo Theatre to watch their set books The Sun will rise again and Master Harold & the Boys. In the evening an exhibition of Shakespeare’s works will be held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Tomorrow evening it’s the Women Wine and Words show at the same venue. It will feature performances from Nkwali, Eve Kawaza, Lady Tshawe, Charity Utete, Tinashe and female poet Nobuntu.

In the afternoon the Plan high schools drama competition will be held at the Bulawayo Theatre.

On Wednesday, a must-attend is the Spring Jazz show at Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel with Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Rute Mbangwa, Donna N, Lady Tshawe, Rudo Amor and the Outfit Band.

On Thursday evening the Comedy Night is the main attraction with UK comedian Viv Groskop, Babongile Sikhonjwa, Q the Boss, Ntando Van Moyo, Gonyeti and Doc Vikela.

Clement Magwaza will entertain revellers on the Ingwebu stage on Friday alongside Jah Prayzah’s protégé Andy Muridzo on Friday.

Shutting down the festival on Saturday is the Bulawayo Bayethe concert that will feature performances by Sandra Ndebele, Mzoe 7, Guluva 7, DJs Mzoe, Sweeto and Slamma, Iyasa, Asaph, POY, Ndux Junior and Ramsey.

@bonganinkunzi

AKA

Showbiz Reporter
SOUTH African rapper AKA’s camp has condemned Black Coffee calling him “ill-mannered and immature” after the DJ slapped their road manager Tshiamo Letshwene over the weekend.

A video of the smack during an argument between the pair at the DStv iRock Festival in Limpopo on Saturday evening went viral on Sunday.

In the video, the one handed Black Coffee gave Letshwene a slap that knocked off his cap.

According to Raphael Benza, AKA’s manager, Black Coffee must apologise to Letshwene for slapping him.

“It’s completely unacceptable for Black Coffee to have hit someone. We thought he was a gentleman and a professional. I’m sure he has something to say about his despicable and inexcusable action but in the meantime we anticipate an apology from Black Coffee to the young man,” said Benza in a statement.

“Tshiamo is more shocked than injured. We admire and hold Black Coffee in high regard but his actions on Saturday night have let us down especially for Tshiamo who is a fan and considers Black Coffee a role model.”

As of yesterday, Black Coffee’s camp had not sent out a message in response or to explain his actions over the weekend.

A video of the wheel spinner apologising during a set at a nightspot in Johannesburg called Kong is circulating on the internet.

Black Coffee paused while playing his set and said: “I’m sorry, I’m not that guy” before playing Mandoza’s hit track Nkalakatha.

Fans and celebrities took to social media to comment and poke fun at the incident using several trending hashtags.

After the incident, AKA went on a Twitter rant but from the looks of things, most fans are on Black Coffee’s side.

Benza gave his side of the story of what transpired and said the altercation was because of a performance slot change that was done by organisers of the event.

“AKA was not late for his performance at the DStv iRock Festival in Limpopo as media and event goers have reported. As an Agency, it is very important for us to be professional at all times with all our stakeholders. Three weeks ago we requested a performance time change for AKA to which the event organisers agreed and confirmed. We wanted to ensure that there was enough travel time for AKA and his band as they had another event prior to the DStv iRock Festival and a private jet was chartered to ensure they got to Limpopo at the quickest possible time,” said Benza.

He said if Black Coffee had a problem with the arrangement, he was supposed to confront show organisers and air his grievances.

“Disputes should be addressed directly with the event organisers to which they would have been able to confirm to Black Coffee that they advised AKA’s band to set up at that particular time. AKA and his band were willing to wait to perform after Black Coffee’s set but were instructed to go on as planned. We cannot attest to whether or not Black Coffee was informed prior to Saturday night about the changes with his timeslot, but he had no business arguing with and then slapping Tshiamo,” said Benza.

Peter and Sithembiso Nyoni at their 40th wedding annivesary ceremony

Yoliswa Dube, Showbiz Reporter
THE heart had no choice but to flutter and melt while they cut their wedding cake – baked 40 years ago – as Mthande by Musa featuring Robbie Malinga heightened the already romantic ambience.

They fed each other pieces of cake and with it exchanged an intimate kiss after which they personally moved around with cake trays to share with their guests who had come to help celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

On the day, they were just Peter and Sithembiso and not Minister of Small to Medium Enterprises and Co-operative Development and the Reverend.

They held hands; hugged and kissed countless times as they celebrated a love they have shared and cherished among friends and family at Busters Sports Club in Bulawayo at the weekend.

After so many years of marriage – through the valleys and the storms, the sunny days and rainbow moments – their love and happiness remains infectious.

One looks at them and can’t help but smile at themselves and think, “I want this too”, because 40 years later – they’re still happy and glowing.

As the sun set, Peter took the love of his life by her hand, gently placed his hands around her waist as they slowly danced to the rhythm of Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud in what would become their “first” dance.

Soon, other couples began joining them on the dance floor and saw it as the perfect opportunity to steal a kiss, stare into their lover’s eyes and remind them just how much they are loved and appreciated.

The aura was captivating, love permeated the air as they danced the night away.

But, in a world where people can no longer sustain romantic relationships let alone marriages for long, Minister Nyoni and her husband had a few notes to share.

“We’ve been together for so long because we’ve put God first. We’ve put values first. We’ve made talking to each other and not allowing grudges and the past to ruin the present and the future a priority. The secret is really talking to each other and not let anything rust – deal with it while it’s still fresh,” said Minister Nyoni.

She said although marriage is a two way street and both parties have to play their part – a lot rests on the shoulders of the man.

“To be honest, we’ve been very happy. Everything depends on the man. The Bible says the man must love his wife. Women don’t want to submit to cruelty. When the man is loving – even when he’s not providing – the woman will submit. Women submit to love. They don’t submit to material things; they’re some people who’ve divorced leaving wealth behind,” said Minister Nyoni.

Rushing and coercing someone into a marriage is never a good idea, she said.

“I want to encourage young people to pray about their marriages and to wait. God has a plan for all of us. Let’s not hurry. Sometimes we get into marriages through clandestine ways – trying to trick the other person to marry you. It doesn’t work, it has to be genuine love and God has to bless that marriage,” said Minister Nyoni.

Sharing some pearls of wisdom, Reverend Nyoni said God has been at the centre of their marriage.

“It’s about knowing and understanding each other. You have to believe in each other. Our marriage is Christian based – we’ve tried to follow the precepts of Christian teachings and that’s what distinguishes Christian marriages from other marriages. It’s not a contract for us – it’s a marriage under Christ and we always turn to Him for inspiration and guidance. We’ve found that it’s adequate for us; it’s never let us down. As a result, we respect and trust each other. There’re no rear rules between us,” said Reverend Nyoni.

He said the marriage has been blissful so much that it doesn’t feel like they got married 40 years ago.

“If you’re under Christ, you’re mature, and respect her judgment – you won’t go wrong. We don’t see the 40 years; it feels like just yesterday that we got married. The children have been massively supportive – they’ve put this together for us. They just asked us for a guest list and organised everything,” said Reverend Nyoni.

The reception, which was preceded by a closed family gathering at their home where the love birds renewed their marriage vows, was organised by the couple’s children.

“We’re very grateful to our children, their cousins and some of their friends for doing this for us. We’re very touched – we didn’t even have to contribute a cent. We only just had to show up.”

Minister Nyoni and her husband have four children and three grandchildren. They met in 1976 in the United Kingdom while they were at university.

Artistes performing a play at Bulawayo Theatre

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
THE Intwasa Festival koBulawayo kicked off yesterday with a pupils congregating at the Bulawayo Theatre to watch two set books enacted.

Themed “Expressions”, the annual fete will run until Saturday with 50 activities to be held over the six days.

The books Master & the Boys and The Sun will Rise Again are both O-Level set books and teachers have commended the Centre For Talent Development, producers of the plays for bringing characters in the book to life on stage.

“It makes teaching the books easy when a pupil sees how characters relate when they are on stage. Explaining plots, sub plots, themes and how these relate is difficult when you’re reading in class,” said a teacher who declined to be named for professional reasons.

According to festival organisers, the purpose of having set books enacted on stage was to make learning easier.

“Most of the students who watched the various performances said the experience was fun, exciting and made school work more enjoyable – which is essentially what this is all about. Making learning fun and enjoyable for the students,” said Raisedon Baya, the festival director.

After the plays at the Bulawayo Theatre in the evening, all roads led to the Shakespeare Exhibition at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

Today it’s the Plan High School drama competition that will start in the morning with over 10 schools vying for the top prize. The winners will be announced at the end of the day.

In the evening, those who want to watch women speak while sipping wine in an open air atmosphere then the Women, Words and Wine show is for you. It will be held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in the evening with Nkwali, Lady Tshawe, Eve Kawaza, Charity Utete, Tinashe and female poet Nobuntu.

Meanwhile, fashion enthusiasts will be disappointed this year as there will be no Intwasa Fashion show because of lack of funds.

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
ASPIRING models in Bulawayo are being presented with an opportunity to gain national fame as the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe team will be in the city today to scout for models for the inaugural pageant.

The auditions kick off in the morning at the Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel with the pageant expected to take place on November 26 at the Harare International Conference Centre.

To be part of the contest, aspiring models must be holders of an ‘A’ level certificate with a diploma or degree being an added advantage. The girls must be between 18 and 24 years, single and have no criminal record.

Miss Tourism Zimbabwe spokesperson Vimbai Chikomo said before auditioning, the girls would need to fill application forms.

“From 10AM to 11AM, we’ll take applications from the aspiring models. Thereafter, we’ll start conducting auditions,” said Chikomo.

“We hope to find two contestants from each province. However, this will depend on the quality of the contestants in each city. You’ll find that there might be more contestants from Harare than, say Zvishavane,”

Once shortlisted, the girls will travel to Harare early next month for boot camp ahead of the finale in November.

Gweru will hold its auditions tomorrow at the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority offices followed by Zvishavane on Friday at the Shabanie Mine Club.

Jah Prayzah

Robert Mukondiwa
IT is something that has gotten the nation and perhaps the world talking about the artiste who is arguably Zimbabwe’s man of the moment; Jah Prayzah.

It was always a long time coming.

The spittle on the mouth of his erstwhile Third Generation Band dancer and vocalist, Pamela Zulu, popularly known as Gonyeti, over the past few weeks, showed that she had an axe to grind with her former master.

She wasn’t done speaking.

Although she keenly insisted she had no hard feelings against ‘mukoma’ Jah, affectionately relating to him as a big brother, something suggested there was just one little story whose skirt was just a few fits of anger away, a breeze even, from being raised and exposed.

It is an emotive issue.

Jah Prayzah is the working class hero of middle Zimbabwe who is riding the crest of a wave. Having managed to recycle very monotone typical Jah Prayazh tunes to supposedly ‘create’ a ‘new’ album, he had every right to bask in the fresh wave of success coming from the Mudhara Vachauya release.

And Gonyeti has decided to rain on Jah’s parade as she recently made startling revelations of alleged sexual abuse by Jah Prayzah, including that she had to sleep with the music ace to get a job with the group.

Many people will definitely not like that. It seems the emotive thing in Zimbabwe that there are a handful of ‘anointed’ people who should not face criticism and Gonyeti will have to bear the brunt of facing a name calling group of critics.

Jah Prayzah is a darling, but that should not be a distraction from the very serious issue at hand which will have big implications.

Similarly, some will be at the other side of the fence calling for women to be respected, especially in the arts, where tales of sexual abuse are rampant.

For the record, Jah Prayzah remains innocent until proven guilty-or otherwise in spite of Pamela alleging she had to give the boss ‘some’ to get a job. However, there is already one thing for which he is terribly culpable and should redress in the ‘female’ department of his band-either directly or indirectly.

An interesting look at his group reveals how the women in Third Generation Band are seen for perhaps their sexuality as opposed to their talent. Gonyeti, a big framed luscious sensual ‘typical’ African woman, who also can sing and dance. Generator, whom Gonyeti replaced, also large, ignites a fire and guarantees electricity. Oh, and she too can sing and dance.

And the replacement for Gonyeti is, wait for it, Excavator. A big earth mover that digs deep into the warm burrow of the earth and shakes the ground while it is at it. It’s a trait.

It seems the talent is an afterthought. They are not called Nightingale, or The Voice or Blackbird, anything that suggests an ability to sing.

While Jah Prayzah may not have directly been head of the naming ceremony of these women who are interestingly all ‘built’ the same, allowing them to be identified by names with sexual connotations as opposed to their true talents – their voices – makes him culpable.

He should have learnt from the best. Oliver Mtukudzi is not a clean man. But ‘his’ women have always been identified with dignity in the Black Spirits.

Mwendakanyi ‘Mwendy’ Chibindi, Cecelia Ndlovu, Namatayi Mubariki. They have been voices that have passed through his hands. Certainly he could have also called them anything else.

‘Chikendikeke’. MaScones. Chitima. Instead, he devoted suggestive name-calling to his lyrics when he dedicates his music to Daisy-Svovi Yangu.

Jah should never allow sexually explicit naming of his artistes under his watch because it exposes him to scrutiny. Because his generation is no longer the old generation of people who used to be actresses hired for the tantalising physical traits but for their talent.

Is it not the reason after all, why his band is called the Third Generation Band?

@zimrobbie

Umkhathi theatre production perfoming

Bruce Ndlovu
CLAD in a simple t-shirt and shorts with his entire body covered in mysterious white paint, National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo director Voti Thebe held the crowd under a bewitching spell.

The man on stage seemed a far cry from the swaggering, well manicured gentleman who a while before, had delivered short opening remarks at the start of the exhibition to celebrate the life of erstwhile English playwright, William Shakespeare.

Thebe, a visual artiste by trade, was in the middle of a one-man exhibition titled, Macbeth and the Three Witches.

His bit of artistic voodoo had begun with him putting the finishing touches on three portraits that the audience had assumed were the witches Shakespeare has so dramatically portrayed in his play, Macbeth. As what had begun as nothing more than three painted smudges transformed into works of magical art, the modest crowd ignited in applause as they acknowledged a master craftsman at work.

The fireworks did not stop there as Thebe delivered the coup de grâce by setting the edges of his main piece on fire, before dashing off stage with the swagger of a Hollywood star leaving a burning car wreck in his background.

Those with an interest would have noticed that long after he had left the stage, the visage of the portrait had been left untouched by the fire, peering stubbornly and hauntingly at the empty seats deserted by the crowd that had left to indulge in some beverages.

Thebe’s display was perhaps the highlight of the first day of the Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo, with the arts fete combining with the British Embassy in its celebration of the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death.

After the display, MC Kgosi Nyathi remarked: “What Voti Thebe was doing on stage has nothing on what he does with witches during the night. I hope that is what they did back in the day because it justifies what we do today.”

The comment was apt on an evening when the supernatural was touched on by Bulawayo artiste’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s centuries old texts, which were dominated by witchcraft and magic.

Before Thebe’s bewitching piece, Umkhathi Theatre Works had shown a uniquely Bulawayo take on Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a comedy written by William Shakespeare between 1590 and 1597. It portrays the events surrounding the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta. These include the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of six amateur actors who are controlled and manipulated by the magical fairies that inhabit the forest in which most of the play is set.

The group, through the simple and practical sorcery of well executed theatre, showed that Shakespeare’s world can be adapted to the tastes of local audiences. While when reading Shakespeare’s plays, the ordinary Zimbabwean in their mind’s ear hears the voices of the characters with their Victorian accents, Umkhathi’s Zimbabwean pronunciations added it’s own unique humour to the play.

If one was expecting ballads and musicians strumming on harps they were to be disappointed, as Umkhathi’s African drums intermingled brilliantly with the Victorian mood and themes of the play. The group sealed the deal by singing Ndebele songs as part of the play’s much anticipated wedding, expertly finishing its job of dragging Shakespeare from the Victorian age into 21st Century Bulawayo.

The mood was best summed up by Nama winning poet and actor, Philani Nyoni who remarked that he has an ongoing rivalry with Shakespeare, and that in his mind, “Shakespeare was a Dynamos supporter.”

The exhibition was capped in the lower gallery, where some of the country’s best artistes had pieces inspired and dedicated to the great writer.

While it was a relatively low-key main event for the start of Intwasa’s annual festivities, the exhibition proved that Shakespeare 400 years after his death still walks, talks and performs through various creative individuals and Bulawayo’s artistes are as good a mouthpiece as any in the world for his work.

Nkosilesisa Ncube, Showbiz Reporter
The Gifford High School Drama Club, for the third time in a row, bagged the first prize at the Intwasa Plan High Schools Drama competition.

The competition which is part of the ongoing Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo was held at Bulawayo Theatre on Tuesday.

The Gifford boys beat 11 drama clubs and were awarded a floating trophy. In second place was Eveline Girls High while Mzilikazi High School managed to secure third place. Awards were also given for best cameo, best supporting male and female roles and best actor and actress. Bridget Sayers, the Gifford Drama Club patron could not contain her excitement.

“I didn’t expect us to win first place again this year. I’m excited by the win,” said Sayers.

She said their passion had helped them to retain first position for three years in a row.

“Determination and time investment are our secret. The boys dedicate themselves time to rehearse and they’re very passionate about what they do. They understand that in order to win, they need to go an extra mile and they’re always willing to go that extra mile.”

Sayers said the team’s passion had seen them executing different roles well.

“It’s not always easy coming up with a drama, especially considering that this is an all boys team. Very often we need female roles. However, the boys have so much passion which sees them transform into sometimes female roles, then they go back to being themselves afterwards.”

The participating teams were required to come up with plays in accordance with this year’s theme, Absentee Parents and the winning team presented one about a family torn apart by abuse.

@nkocykay

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

SA music legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka is grateful to be alive. This is after the star was caught in the crossfire of a shooting between cops and hijackers in Midrand that left one person dead and another injured.

Soon after the incident, the singer tweeted a picture of the scene which she captioned: “Wow this is what I survived. Thank you Lord”.

In another tweet Mama Yvonne said: “Thank you all, it was very close. Never seen a thing like this, except at the movies. Wow!”

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said: “The men were being chased by police at the time. The two suspects were shot, one died at the scene and another was wounded and airlifted to the hospital under police guard.”

After she announced the news of her near death experience on Twitter yesterday, Chaka Chaka received overwhelming messages of well wishes and gratitude.

Ledwaba Maila tweeted: “Glad you were unscathed! This year has been a shock with everything.”

Tshitshi25: “Thank God you survived Ma, God is great all the times. Love you Ma, our Queen…”

Tweeted Shambare Yaasmin: “Thank you God and the angels for protecting you our Princess of Africa. Much love sis, sending prayers to you.” – DailySun

Zoey and Bev

Showbiz Reporter
SULTRY dancers Bev and Zoey make a date with Bulawayo fans at Club 263 on Sunday as they hold a farewell show for the former who is going on tour in South Africa next month.

The show dubbed Double Trouble will be their first meeting at the new joint. It promises to be sizzling as they seek to outmatch each other on the dancefloor after Bev broke off from Zoey’s Red Angels and formed her own Sexy Angels a few years ago.

Bev’s manager Harpers Mapimhidze said Bev was hard at work preparing for the face off with Zoey as well as her SA tour.

“Bev has a creative mind, she always has something up her sleeve so fans should come prepared to see new dances on stage,” said Mapimhidze.

“Bev has fans all over the region and the Bulawayo show is the last before we go to South Africa for a two-week tour. We’re looking forward to performing in Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town.”

Fellow dancer Zoey said she was happy to be back in the city to square off with her archrival Bev. The last time the two squared off in Bulawayo was in June and Zoey was schooled by her protégé.

“Like a python which changes its stripes with every outing, this won’t be different. I’ve new dance moves and songs that I’ll introduce to my fans in Bulawayo. They (fans) and Bev should be ready for an unforgettable night,” said Zoey.

But before their performance on Sunday, Bev performs at Stop Over on Saturday while Zoey stages a show at Jabula Inn in Esigodini.

Charity Hutete

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
For women, drinking wine is a small, sophisticated rebellion that opens the doors of intimacy for a glimpse into their hearts.

According to artistes who attended the Intwasa Women, Wine and Words show in Bulawayo on Tuesday night, every drop of wine sipped brings insight into their world.

The show held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe was a perfect platform for female artistes Eve Kawadza, Lady T, Nkwali, Tinashe and Charity Hutete to connect with the crowd as they, in their artistic way, brought people into the world of women.

It seems when women gather over a bottle of wine, they tend to talk about men, love, life, aspirations, their fears and marriage. This ritual is enjoyed as a benefit to the soul.

Kicking off the show was poet Hutete who brought about a relaxed, yet sensual insight into how she views men as she wittingly compared them to different types of alcohol. Hutete in her unique and alluring voice said there were some men who leave a bitter taste in one’s mouth while others were compared to a tall glass of wine which with one small dose, relaxes one’s body and mind. This drew laughter from women as some identified with examples from her poem.

After Hutete had enthused the crowd, another poet, Tinashe shared her story. She spoke about women abuse. The abuse women suffer at the hands of men, according to Tinashe, cuts deep emotionally and the scars leave a lasting resentment with little room for forgiveness.

Afro jazz singer Eve Kawadza, in her music showed how women were motherly and loving saying all they need was to be loved, through being given attention, appreciated and showered with gifts. This was Kawadza’s first time at the festival and her sweet, silvery voice left a lasting impression on the crowd.

Not to be left out was Lady Tshawe who blended poetry and singing to explain how women regard themselves. The artiste who recently got engaged said women needed to be viewed with high social standing as they are dignified with a dash of beauty.

Songstress Nkwali closed the show with her melodious, yet powerful voice. Her act showed that women, although beautiful and meek, are strong with characters that are the glue that keeps society together.

Lorraine Maphala-Phiri with Barbara Mzembi

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
MISS Tourism Zimbabwe (MTZ) patron – Barbara Mzembi has declared that a model from Bulawayo will make top three in the competition.

Over the past two weeks, the Miss Tourism Trust has been conducting auditions around the country. They stopped by in Bulawayo on Wednesday to conduct auditions at the Rainbow Hotel ahead of the finale slated for November 25 in Harare.  Though the turnout was low as only 15 models attended, Mzembi was impressed by the quality.

“I’m impressed with the quality of girls in Bulawayo. I really think that if one of the girls isn’t the winner, she’ll make top three at the finale,” she said after the auditions.

“I won’t say names, but when we were with the scouting team, we saw one who really impressed us.”

Among those who were auditioned were Ashley Morgan, Sibusisiwe Falala, Dorothy Mathe, Merylin Ngwenya, Nokulunga Nyathi, Tendayi Sibanda, Zandile Ncube, Memory Chapinduka, Mary Anne Ncube, Confidence Musiiwa, Rebecca Ndebele and Nomaqhu Ncube.

The scouting team comprised Mzembi, former Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Lorraine Maphala-Phiri and Benjamin Chimutengo.

Mzembi also heaped praises on Maphala-Phiri who is now a businesswoman, saying she was a great example of a beauty queen.

“Lorraine was Miss Tourism Zimbabwe in 2005 and she’s an example of what pageants can do for a girl. She has started her own business and has been nominated for a business award. This shows that pageants aren’t about beauty alone, but can enhance the girl child,” said Mzembi.

She said the girls who will be selected to represent Bulawayo at the finale will be contacted next month, about two weeks before boot camp.

“We’ve auditioned over 60 girls who’ll be trimmed down to 18,” she said.

“During boot camp, we’ll trim the girls to 15 for the finale on November 25.”

She said those who may have missed regional auditions should not despair as they have a national audition that will be held in Harare on a date to be advised.

Today, the Miss Tourism Zimbabwe scouting team will be in Gweru for auditions at the ZTA offices with aspiring models from Zvishavane and the City of Progress being invited to attend. – @bonganinkunzi

New hit … Stiff with Oskido. L-R Sbu, Oskido, Mgijimi and Diliza

Showbiz Reporter
STIFF frontman Diliza has been speaking about their new single, Umcimbi, which is due for release later this month.

The Bulawayo-born singer, who is based in Johannesburg, also spoke of his group’s disappointment after material for their new album was stolen by robbers who ransacked their producer – DJ Clap’s studio.

Diliza, real name Delaney Dondo, is a third of the Kalawa Jazmee – signed kwaito group Stiff, whose other members are Nhlanhla ‘Mgijimi’ Dlamini and Sibusiso ‘Sbu’ Masondo.

Umcimbi, which has a thumping kwaito baseline, is guaranteed to fight for rotation in nightclubs and car stereos this summer. The track was produced by Trademark, who brought us the Durban Nyts smash hit, Shumaya.

Speaking on the new track, Diliza said: “We were privileged to work with Professor. Many people don’t know what a genius he is.

“He doesn’t write lyrics – unless he’s helping another artist featuring on his track. He’ll listen to the beat a couple of times and the next time, he’s laying down his part with impeccable flourish.

“It was a big thing for us (featuring Professor) because he’s a standard in our industry – he’s what we all aspire to be. I’ve been involved in a few projects with him, but it was a first for Sbu and Mgijimi.”

Diliza said Professor – a stablemate at Kalawa Jazmee – heard the beat for the single and with some urging from DJ Bobstar, decided to work on a collaboration.

The result was a super rocking hit in which Professor warns that, “Wabhek’intombi yam’ waphel’umcimbi/Wathint’umuntu wam’ uyaphel’umcimbi.”

Kalawa Jazmee boss DJ Oskido told Chronicle Showbiz he had ordered a video for Umcimbi adding that Diliza would join Professor at the Queens Sports Club stage in Bulawayo on December 28 for the annual Kalawa Homecoming concert.

Stiff was formed two years ago after Mgijimi and Sbu left DJ Clock’s AMPM where they were members of the foursome, Tot-Tot. While one of the quartet Cebo joined Durban Nyts, Sbu and Mgijimi approached DJ Bobstar – young brother to Oskido – in the hope of recording as a duo. But when Diliza featured on one of their tracks, Kalawa Jazmee kingpin Spikiri and DJ Bobstar convinced them to form a group and Bobstar gave them the name, Stiff.

“In South Africa, a stiff is a tot. Iyababa (it’s bitter). So Stiff to us is something hard, something tough,” said Diliza.

Stiff were due to release an album this year but the project has been pushed back after thieves raided DJ Clap’s studio – a member of Uhuru – who was producing it.They stole laptops and external hard drives which not only contained Stiff’s material, but new tracks for the new Uhuru album which is in the works after the group reunited following a brief split.

DJ Tick Tock

Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya, Showbiz Correspondent
THIRTEEN DJs have come together to produce a disc jockeying music series — “Hot Mix Sessions” as part of efforts to promote local music.

A pilot episode of the series will be filmed at BAC Leisure Centre in Bulawayo on October 2. There, the DJs including Tick Tock, Slimza, Skaiva, Liz, Prince, Kead Wikead, Masty, Nospa and Teezy from Harare will play 70 percent local music and 30 percent African beats.

DJ Tick Tock, co-founder of the Hot Mix sessions, said the series would have 13 episodes with each DJ taking to the turntables for an hour. They will show off their expertise by belting out music from different genres.

With a tagline — “The amazing audible Journey”, the series is set to be produced annually.

Tick Tock said the show, which they hope to take to ZBCtv for consideration, was inspired by the need to expose DJs to those who may not necessarily patronise nightclubs.

“Most people, especially those who don’t go clubbing, are rarely exposed to DJs who mostly play at nightclubs and a few gigs. This show is meant to expose them to a wider audience while giving them a platform to showcase their talents in other environments,” said DJ Tick Tock.

“We’ve a lot of great local music which is not given enough exposure. As DJs, we want to change that, that’s why we’re going to be playing 70 percent local music on our series.”

Filming for the series commences tomorrow at BAC Leisure Centre.

“We’ll be shooting our pilot project on Sunday and hope to release it next Sunday,” said DJ Tick Tock.

Once complete, the series will be released on the DJs website — www.hotmixsessions.com which has been created specifically for this project.

Meanwhile, the College Youth Art Club (CYAC) of Nust will tonight host the inaugural College Nite at BAC Leisure Centre.

The exclusive tertiary institution students’ College Nite event is expected to begin at 6PM.

Crispen Rateiwa, CYAC Nust chairperson said about 1 000 complimentary tickets had since been distributed to tertiary students in Bulawayo.

“College Youth Art Club organises exclusive universities and college events to ensure that students have lots of fun. These include College Nite and Going to the movies among others,” said Rateiwa.

Some of the goals CYAC include providing a variety of exciting, engaging and educational entertainment as well as providing low-cost entertainment to students throughout the semester.

“We intend to organise the College Nite and Going to the movies on a monthly basis as we want to promote cultural diversity and oneness. We also want to network through meeting new friends and entrepreneurial colleagues.”

Dino Mudondo

Raymond Jaravaza, Showbiz Correspondent
IN the music industry, change is inevitable and musicians that resist moving with the times run the risk of being left on the sidelines as the industry embraces technology to stay relevant in the digital world.

One artiste that is moving with the times is Dino Mudondo.

His 19th album Rasta Loving is due for release in November and the musician understands that gone are the days when artistes made money solely on album sales.

Due to piracy, the music industry is being forced to dig deeper for survival.

“Piracy is a cancer that is killing our livelihoods. We can complain and do nothing about it or take a stand as musicians and say enough is enough,” said Mudondo.

To remain relevant, Mudondo has partnered Jive Zimbabwe — an online music distributor which was also responsible for the promotion and distribution of Jah Prayzah’s latest offering — Mudhara Vachauya, to market and sell his new music.

But before launching Rasta Loving in Harare, Mudondo performs at Cape to Cairo pub in Bulawayo tonight.

“I’m always excited about performing in Bulawayo. The venue (Cape to Cairo Pub) is like a second home to me because I play there on a regular basis,” said Mudondo who last performed at that venue on the eve of Valentine’s Day this year.

“I’ll sample some tracks off the forthcoming album which has eight tracks in Bulawayo.”

The 38-year-old artiste started his music career in early 2000 and broke into the public domain in 2002 with the track Chirangano. He did backing vocals for the late musicians Tendai Mupfurutsa and Fortune Muparutsa before going solo. Since then, numerous albums have followed.

Yoliswa Dube

MY mornings are very thoughtful.

I think about a lot of random things and make the most important decisions in the morning, for some reason.

As I was going through my regular morning routine the other day, I just wondered why people think it’s cool to wear sunglasses indoors or at night.

The thoughts were triggered by a conversation we’d had the previous day – of course we’d agreed sunglasses indoors are unacceptable.

But out of interest sake, I asked my brother whether or not he thought wearing sunglasses indoors; particularly at the club, is a thing.

I got a surprisingly passionate response! He even logged us onto Google to validate his assertions. Apparently, since the first mass-produced sunglasses were sold in Atlantic City, in the United States, by Sam Foster 85 years ago, darkened spectacles have been widely considered stylish.

In the early days, wearing sunglasses was a privilege limited to explorers, military heroes, and celebrities.

They’re considered the early 80s idea of sophistication. And now, someone wearing a good pair of sunglasses does seem sophisticated — they appear somewhat hotter.

Even when the sunglasses are hung on the front of their shirt or blouse or perched on the crown of their head — they just look more fashion savvy.

It’s a great accessory, that’s unquestionable. I recently got my first designer sunglasses by Marc Jacobs and I absolutely love them. They’ve mirrored lenses, which are trending right now.

Sunglasses make people look more attractive for a whole variety of reasons. They are a tease — they invite someone looking at you to speculate, to think about what might be going on underneath them. Are you looking back at them? They can’t tell. That means you might be looking right at them, or you might be totally uninterested in them.

They also cover up the emotional expression of the eyes, which makes a person look less anxious, less care-worn and less needy.

Now, of course, even children wear them for different reasons such as eye health.

Sunglasses do more than “dim” the light on sunny days. The primary reason anyone should wear sunglasses is to protect one’s eyes from harmful UV light.

UV light is damaging us on cloudy days and even more so on sunny days.

Polarised lenses that are used in most “good” sunglasses allow the user to see clearly even when it may not be very bright outside.

People wear sunglasses when they are hung-over or when they’ve been crying. They wear them so they can stare at hot men or women in them without being noticed.

Sometimes it’s because they didn’t notice it wasn’t quite as sunny as the previous day and are wearing them out of habit. The reason could be as simple as them thinking they look good in them.

The problem, for me, and many other like-minded people is when sunglasses are worn indoors, especially at night — at the club or anywhere else.

I personally think it’s absurd — why are you wearing sunglasses where the sun doesn’t shine? But my brother thinks I don’t know the half of it.
Sunglasses, especially at the club are a thing, he says. They “complete” a look and make you look fresher than fresh. He says sunglasses have a way of bringing the pizazz to any outfit. I agree, but must they REALLY be worn indoors?
Apparently lots of celebrities do it.

The likes of Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham and Kanye West each rock tinted eyewear in all conditions. Only they know why they do it. Maybe it’s to evade camera flashes from paparazzi. But who’s flocking to take pictures of you?

Feedback from “Give it about seven days”

I’m the worst. I’m always repeating clothes several times during the same week thinking no one ever notices. It’s about time I made some changes.

Thanks for the article — Nancy.

Summer is officially here and I’m irritated by women who wear see-through blouses over bright coloured bras, do you think that’s acceptable? — Eve.

Learning the art of rotation could be the solution to solving a lot of people’s wardrobe crises. — Thandie

Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to catch up with me on Twitter handle @Yolisswa, visit my blog, www.stayera247.blogspot.com or like my Facebook page Pattern & Style.

Robert Mukondiwa, Album Review
It’s an assessment that some people have made. An argument. They say that Oliver Mtukudzi, like wine, gets better with age.

It’s a wrong assessment. Especially if you listen to his latest album Eheka! Nhai Yahwe (Enjoy, My Dear Friend). It’s perhaps much more appropriate to say WINE, like Oliver Mtukudzi, gets better with age!

It is a very scary feeling. Frightening. Creepy. Chilling. How does a man create something that perfect? Near-faultless? Flawless?

Is it even constitutional? Allowed? Legal? But Oliver does it anyway. And we have come to expect it of him.

The album, a 12 track release is Oliver’s 65th album.

And there’s a sad feeling one gets when you listen to it because it feels like Oliver isn’t going to release any more albums after this. It’s too perfect, too crisp and too undying that one can’t possibly have any more genius in him to create another similar masterpiece. Or can he?

It has a distinctly aged and mature feel to it, being more of a serving for the mature ear than the frivolous wet-behind-the-ears music connoisseur.

The track Chori Nevamwe may prove to be the up-tempo track that people will fall in love with. It’s significant in a million ways. In it, Tuku celebrates like he has not done before since March 15 of 2009 when he lost his only son Sam Mtukudzi. In it one can feel the Tuku Music mourning blanket has been ripped off. For the first time in his post 2009 music, one can hear Tuku’s voice tear through the instrumentation running unbridled like a wild horse.

There seem to be certain sections of his lungs and vocal chords that had been shut down for the five years of mourning that have been re-opened for celebration and business. Tuku can laugh again. Those crevices of his lungs that had become coy have a sudden light in them again. And that’s what his late son would like to see of him. A happy Tuku.

One imagines a celebratory mood in his Pakasimbwi rural home, where he invites people to come and partake of the party. Of the merry making and feasting. His mates —anaYahwe, should come and enjoy with him. It is Tuku at his fresh height.

In Bhiza Ramambo, Tuku brings a percussion gallop feel of conquest and military banner-men to his message. When you are down and out, kneel down and say a prayer, he implores the listener. A prayer is like Bhiza Ramambo, the king’s horse. A stallion that will help you gallop to heavenly soothing from the ultimate great physician — God — who will heal your suffering. It sounds like a battle victory scene out of Games of Thrones. And the horns by legendary trumpeter bra Hugh Masekela help cement the battle hymn of the Republic nature of heavenly horns. Masekela brings that wizardry on the track Kusateerera as well! The trumpeter, flugelhornist and cornetist is at his very best on the album.

And in Ndinecha, that cough is back. And so is a laugh which is playful in Dzivirira, a song about safety of workers in the workplace. The joy in him is palpable.

He unleashes the instrument he has swallowed, that gritty voice-box, on several instances in this album, letting his voice have a heart of its own.

He is thankful too. “Thank you for wishing me well and praying for me. God bless and protect you”, he sings in the track Ndinecha. What is a Tuku album without a bit of calm meditation to the Divine after all?

Overall the album is a lyrical didactic trip down the intellectual genius of a philosophical pen-master that is Oliver Mtukudzi.

But a sad hard truth is that owing to the beauty of the mild tempo throughout most of the effort, few of these songs have the stamina and energy to make it onto Tuku’s live show repertoire for the mass market. It is a genius more for the laid back listener. The cleavage he exposes into his words is enough to give the brilliant mind an orgasm without any physicality.

Yet Pabodzi (Together) may be a great track for the dance element. Don’t compete with me. I’m a master of my trade and a master at my talent. I have my gift and you have your gift he sings in Pabodzi. It’s probably a fitting message to the youth creating bubblegum music and trying to equal or ‘beat’ Tuku. “Calm down, we are different,” he tells the competition. We can all make it in the same space. Life is not a competition. He truly is inimitable. The track is accompanied by a percussive trance induced by the traditional Katekwe hide skin African drum which sweetens the madness of a magical danceable track and master by Chinembiri Chidodo.

The backing vocals aren’t the traditional strong Tuku voices we have grown accustomed to and often pale in the shadow of Tuku’s voice, which could annoy, but the beauty is that it makes the effort a truly Tuku album because his voice and its nuances then loom large. Colossal even.

But he strays a bit from traditional Tuku territory by deploring slavery openly in Hunhapwa (Slavery). In this case, he talks of the prevailing social and economic slavery induced by unfair labour and socio-political practices and systems.

Those in power say ‘work for me and my children while your scrawny little ones linger at the periphery, at the fringes, starving and naked’, he says.

When will this end he begs. It’s a question many in Zimbabwe find themselves asking as they work for an unfeeling oppressive elite. And the song cries along with him.

Masanga Bodo — not a coincidence, a track with his wife Daisy has made waves, but it was a labour of love for Tuku, having started work on that track over three years ago, which shows that the man creates quality not just songs to add onto an album. That is why his music has stood the test of time. Which explains why this album is sprinkled with retouched oldies, Dzikama Wakura (Pss-Pss Hello), Tamba Tamba Chidembo and Hadzivake.

In Masanga Bodo, Tuku says everything is predestined. It is not by coincidence that we are who we are, born where we were or born into our totems — nzou, elephant for example.

In this album, the elephant has regained his voice. Standing large and imposing on his rear legs, Tuku wheezes then explodes into a loud Bull Elephant’s trumpet.

This could have passed for the top of every music rack . . . except the top is not high enough! — @zimrobbie

Madluphuthu

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
SOUTH African comedian and actor, Vuyo Mgudlwa, popularly known as Madluphuthu, is expected in Plumtree next weekend for a family fun day.

The talented actor is also expected to grace an after party that will be held at 4Js Sports Bar next Saturday.

Event organiser Handsome Sibanda said the fun day would be held at Allan Redfern from 10AM till 5PM with the after party scheduled to begin at 7PM.

“We’ve realised that entertainment events in Plumtree cater for adults only hence our decision to have a family fun day. Madluphuthu will mingle and interact with fans of all age groups,” said Sibanda.

DJs Yugoe, Mabae, Widdy, Zbox, Pujah, Betso, Cooldread and Hilary will provide entertainment at the fun day.

Madluphuthu’s manager, Teddy Mlenzana, confirmed their visit to the border town saying it would be a great opportunity for the actor to interact with local fans.

Madluphuthu, who is as tall as a midget, sometimes with an irritating running nose, will likely be a hit in Plumtree as he is the personification of a township hero, celebrated for doing absolutely nothing but spreading his charm and silly jokes. Despite his protruding teeth, people have grown to love him though he plays the character of a retard.

Sibanda, who has hosted Israel Makoe, best known for his role as GP in Gaz’lam and Gunman (real name Christopher Khubheka) revealed plans to host more actors from South Africa. – @DubeMatutu

Barbara Mzembi

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
The minimum requirement of an A-level certificate for those intending to contest for Miss Tourism Zimbabwe seems to have irked many in the modelling industry.

Those against this minimum requirement are accusing the organisers of being overzealous but others are saying it’s a positive move.

Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, a new pageant, seeks to crown a tourism ambassador for the country next month. The organisers said they do not want an ordinary girl but a beauty with brains who will represent the country well when she competes at international pageants and globe trots on her various assignments.

This, according to the pageant’s patron – Barbara Mzembi is the reason why their minimum requirement is an A-Level certificate, with a diploma or degree being an added advantage for the hopefuls.

Mzembi during her visit in Bulawayo last week said a contestant who would have completed A-level studies is likely to be focused on pursuing a career, rather than dabbling in the world of beauty pageants.

But, close followers of pageantry have raised alarm saying the Miss Tourism organisers risked having a pageant with few or no beautiful girls.

“It’s no secret. Pageantry is all about fun and the truth is that most beautiful girls are not that intelligent so chances are high that they never did A Level,” said an avid pageant follower who declined to be named.

“Miss Tourism Zimbabwe will likely get educated, but not so beautiful girls. At times it’s not about what level you reached with education, but it’s about how you use your brain in the real world so these organisers need to reconsider or else they’ll shut out the beautiful girls who make pageants more interesting.”

A former model, Sharon Dube said some young models would be hoping to be crowned and use the money to pursue A-Level studies.

Research has however shown that most models crowned in different African countries in the past were university students vindicating Miss Tourism Zimbabwe organisers.

Mzembi said they set the minimum requirement after a series of consultations with players in the tourism sector.

“We approached players in the tourism sector and asked them what role they wanted Miss Tourism Zimbabwe to play. They were in unison saying they just didn’t want a beautiful girl, but one who could articulate herself well enough to market brand Zimbabwe to the world,” said Mzembi.

She said they would rather have quality than quantity adding that the response from various provinces has been encouraging.

“So far we’ve auditioned  more than 100 girls and that’s testimony that we have enough girls that meet the requirements that we’ve set.”

“Actually, it’ll be hard for the judges to trim the girls to 15 , the number that will compete for the crown. We’re spoilt for choice,” she said.

The girl who will be crowned Miss Tourism Zimbabwe will go on to represent the country at Miss Tourism International – a pageant Mzembi said was very particular about beauty and brains.

“Miss Tourism International is particular about both the beauty of the girls and the brains,” said Mzembi.    — @bonganinkunzi.

Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya, Showbiz Correspondent
The Intwasa Arts Festival shut down show Bayethe Bulawayo concert held on Saturday proved that the annual arts event is still a force to reckon with despite the low budget.

The show, held at the Large City Hall, brought a close to this year’s edition themed Expressions.

With sceptics and arts critics calling for the postponement of the event, the star studded line up for the final show was a buoyant point for the organisers as they proved they still have what it takes to run the event.

Several artistes that included the likes of, Sandra Ndebele, Iyasa, Sungura Masters,  DJ Mzoe, Khuliyo, DJ Slamma, Guluva 7, Mzoe 7, POY, Band with no name, Ashleigh, Asaph, Gugulethu, Carlos, Sweeto, Ndux Junior and Ramsey Kasawaya took to the stage much to the delight of the crowd.

The show started at 9pm instead of 6pm but the people waited.

Police had a torrid time trying to control the crowd as people jostled to get into the hall.

Zimbo music were first on stage and they sent the fans into a frenzy despite the sound system having a bit of glitches.

Ramsey Kasawaya despite performing several cover songs, proved to be a darling of the  fans as he reminded people of the old days of Lovemore Majaivana.

Chibuku Road to Fame Bulawayo winners Kupenya Stars did not waste any time with their energetic dances and won the hearts of many music lovers who could be seen dancing along.

Dance queen Sandra Ndebele also proved that she is still a pioneer of the arts in the city.

All artistes wanted to make a name for themselves hence their polished performance.

Meanwhile, people who paid $10 dollars for the VIP felt shortchanged because it was free for all due to lax security.