Jiggaz with his suv

Showbiz Reporter
Zim Dancehall star Jiggaz has put his VW Touareg SUV for sale due to high maintenance costs.

The 34-year-old singer said he could not afford to service the SUV although he claimed everything was going on well for him.

“It’s just that due to high maintenance costs involved in servicing the car, I’ve decided to sell it.

“Most garages are failing to stock spare parts for the car due to foreign currency squeeze and that’s untenable for me,” he said.

The Touareq offers true 4×4 capabilities off-road, and a smooth, luxurious and powerful ride on it, thanks to its four wheel drive technology, ‘4MOTION’.

Besides being a musician, Jiggaz, born George Tanjani, is also a film actor of note.

“Of course I do not make much money through music so I’m also an actor. That’s where I get most of my money so things are looking pretty good for me,” Jiggaz explained.

He said he was putting final touches on a new single ‘Criminal Gyal’ which he hopes will put him on the international scene. He recently did a collabo with Guspy Warrior which is doing the rounds on some radio stations.

“I’ve shifted from just being a Zimbabwean artiste as I’ve my eyes set on penetrating the international market. I do a lot of English songs because I want to reach out to foreigners, the Chinese, Europeans, Indians and everybody else.”

Turning to the big screen, Jiggaz has been featured in a number of productions including television series ‘Pfuma’ and comedy ‘Decorder’.

“We’re working on a TV series called ‘Baobab Ridge’ that’ll be on television soon,” said Jiggaz.

Many will remember Jiggaz for his drubbing at the Chipaz Sting contest held in Harare where he brought a coffin intending to bury his rival Badman but unfortunately he lost the tune-fi-tune contest and was literally buried in his own coffin.

Khuliyo

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
A year ago, Nkululeko Nkala (pictured) decided to make a comeback to the music scene as a solo artiste after an eight-year hiatus from the music industry.

After releasing his debut album Amaphupho Amatsha (New Dreams) at a successful show at Bulawayo Theatre last year, Khuliyo was born.

The former Umdumo Wesizwe vocalist launched his career on February 27, 2016 with a nine-track album that had some of the industry’s renowned artistes such as Jeys Marabini, Sandra Ndebele and Cheryl Mabaya from Iyasa.

Now, a year later, Khuliyo believes lessons learnt in the previous year have spurred him to do more and dream bigger.

“This year, I’ve two dreams. The first one is to fill up a venue during a show that’ll have me as the headline act and I believe I can. The second one is to go international, tour here and there so that my music gets known out there,” said the ambitious Khuliyo.

He said looking back, he was happy to have started his musical career.

“The one year journey has been humbling and exciting at the same time as I learnt a lot. I started my career as Khuliyo for the wrong reasons as it was more of a protest after frustration from begging those that could sing to manage them. I always thought I could manage and write music so when these people turned me down, I decided to manage myself,” said Khuliyo.

In retrospect, Khuliyo said there was a lot of room for improvement in his career.

“I’d like to improve the videos that I produced last year. I think I can do better. In one year, I’ve had countless shows, collabos and festivals. Every other day I’m on stage I strive to be better and it’s a new challenge.”

Khuliyo however bemoaned the lack of support from the city’s residents.

“It’s difficult to monetise one’s art in Bulawayo. We as local artistes are not appreciated by our own people. It’s difficult to convince people to pay for a show or buy the album,” he said.

For now, Khuliyo is working on his second album.

“I’m back in studio for my second album which I hope will be bigger and better than the last one,” he said.

@bonganinkunzi

Ex Q

Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
Budding Victoria Falls hip-hop/kwaito singer – Criss Ozzy has collaborated with urban grooves artist Ex Q on a track titled Nomalanga.

Criss Ozzy, real name Owen Ndlovu, has completed work on the single which was recorded in Harare and produced by multi-award winning producer – Oskid.

The artiste said he met Oskid at the ZiFM Stereo studios in Harare and gave him demos for Nomalanga and another track, Kuzolunga.

“Oskid, after being impressed with my demos invited me to work with him on the two tracks. I decided to collaborate with Ex Q on Nomalanga, a love song done in IsiNdebele and Shona. Kuzolunga seeks to encourage people to be patient even when chips are down,” said Criss Ozzy.

He said the two singles would be released soon as he is waiting for the green light from his producers.

While in Harare, Ozzy had an opportunity to tour Jah Prayzah’s Military Touch Movement Studio which produces for Andy Muridzo, Ex Q and Nutty O among others.

His manager, Prince Moyo, said more exciting collaborations were in the pipeline hinting that they were working on an album.

“This year, we’ll be doing a lot of collabos to market our music so that we reach a more diverse audience and we’ll definitely be releasing an album this year.”

Ozzy said he was grateful to United Children of Africa co-founder, Douglas Musiringofa who facilitated and sponsored his collaboration with Ex Q.

Musiringofa said he had assisted Ozzy to put Matabeleland North province artists on the national map.

“I saw him perform at our function in December and I fell in love with his music. This sponsorship isn’t a once off thing because I’ve noticed that he can relate with established artists who can coach and expose him,” said Musiringofa.

“I put $750 for the recording of the two tracks and all costs related to the collabo. Ex Q is willing to continue helping him and expose him to other artists. He’s also in contact with seasoned artists such as Andy Muridzo and Jah Prayzah who he met at their Military Touch Movement Studio. All this association puts Matabeleland North on the picture and it’s our wish that artists from this region can penetrate the local entertainment scene and the South African market.”

Criss Ozzy, whose music career was inspired by Teargas from South Africa has worked with now defunct groups Vibe and Set and MeJozy as well as Bulawayo’s hip hop king, Cal_Vin.

@ncubeleon

DJ Flevah

Showbiz Reporter
JUDGEMENT Yard’s DJ Flevah and Hartsfield Tshisanyama co-founder Eddie Toriro have decided to come together to celebrate their birthdays this weekend at the popular spot in Bulawayo.

The celebrations will kick off at 2PM at Tshisanyama tomorrow followed by an after party at Club Eden later in the evening. Guests will be expected to party clad in black and white which is the dress code.

The two personalities’ cake will be cut at Tshisanyama later on in the day with Babongile Sikhonjwa being the host. Rappers Cal_Vin and ASAPH will perform briefly with Tshisanyama resident DJs Liz, Ras Obido, Wellyonz, Nashon Eugene Mwase expected to rock the crowd. Flevah, the birthday boy will also take to the decks.

When the fun swings over to Club Eden, DJs Slimzar Wa Afrika, Nospa, Keezy AM-Deejay and DJ Smylie from Legendary Sounds will take over the entertainment.

Eddie, who recently customarily married his wife Theodora Mubaiwa, said he was grateful for another year added to his life.

Eddie Toriro

“I’m celebrating life. Last year was a good year and this year seems promising as well as I got married to a woman I love most.

“I’d like all my friends and those who like being at Tshisanyama to come and celebrate with us,” said Eddie.

His business partner Mduduzi Mdlongwa said those who would attend the party would be given access to the after party.

“We’ve started handing out invites which will give people access to the two party venues,” said Mdlongwa.

Showbiz Reporter
JAZZ musician Victor Kunonga will be travelling to Bulawayo today for a show at Backroom Shisha Bar.

Kunonga, who has made a name for himself as one of Zimbabwe’s finest jazz artistes, often commands a full house in the city with his trademark Chimurenga style of music.

The Backroom Shisha Bar, one of Bulawayo’s hip leisure centres situated at the Bradfield shopping centre, mainly attracts the mature crowd who like jazz and down tempo music.

Kunonga, speaking from his Harare base, said he would serenade revellers with hit tracks such as Murume Murume, Ikhotha Eyithandayo, Tinotenda, Wagadzirira, Kushanda and Cheuka among many others.

He said he was delighted that his music was gaining popularity in Bulawayo.

“Bulawayo is now like my second home. Whenever I play there, so many people tell me that they appreciate my music. I hope all those who love my music will attend and enjoy,” said Kunonga.

But before he takes to the Shisha stage, he will do a sound off outside the popular Liquor Hub in the city centre in the afternoon.

Backroom Shisha Lounge operations manager Rumbidzai Mafukidze said they had invited Kunonga as their bar wants to associate itself with jazz musicians and become a sought-after-joint for mature revellers.

She said this would be Kunonga’s second performance at the same spot after having performed there in December where he impressed.

“This is the second time that the jazz musician is gracing the place and our patrons really love his music. Kunonga’s music appeals to the kind of clientele that frequents Backroom Shisha Lounge and that’s why we’re hosting him again,” said Mafukidze.

Kunonga is a master story-teller and lyricist whose songs are derived from a profound sense of dignity and social awareness, confronting issues of poverty, dispossession and the rights of ordinary people.

Joel Tsvakwi, Showbiz Correspondent
RISING female gospel music sensation and founder of the Victory Sounds Band, Xolani Mlangeni aka Xoli says artistes need to get out of their comfort zones and stop limiting themselves to their music careers alone.

Basking in the glory of her debut album, Wethembekile, Xoli said she is carving a niche for herself in the minds of her fans through philanthropic activities.

The versatile Xoli made the remarks recently on the sidelines of an event — Live Talk Show — which she organised at Qinisani Orphanage and Day Care Centre in Nkulumane’s Sekusile suburb.

Themed “Education is Your Right” the event aimed at motivating and give confidence to children housed at the centre.

“I believe the sky is the limit; wide and accommodating to all sorts of stars of the universe. This motivates me to engage more with the less privileged so as to put smiles on their faces,” Xoli said.

She said artistes had a role to play in society instead of seeking attention.

“We’re the shining stars of the music industry and arts in general. There’s room for all to shine at any given time as long as one understands that he or she is of service to society.”

Xoli also urged artistes to be united.

“Artistes need to be united as we pursue our diverse goals. Let’s not thrive on jealously and outdoing each other,” she said.

DJ Zinhle and her baby

POPULAR DJ, Zinhle Jiyane has spoken out on why she decided to take her daughter Kairo Forbes off social media.

Like most moms, DJ Zinhle, AKA’s ex wife, is a mom and she is on Instagram. But unlike some moms, Zinhle is a well known public figure and that comes with its own disadvantages.

We recently noticed that Zinhle was not posting Kairo’s face on Instagram anymore and in an interview she had with Z’khiphani, the My name is hit singer explained why.

“I felt like my child was overexposed so I took her off social media because she is a baby and I thought she just needed time out,” said DJ Zinhle.

The DJ also shared how a couple once attacked her maid because she did not allow them to take a picture with Kairo as they took a walk.

“I just thought to myself that if people didn’t know how Kairo looked like, maybe the nanny could just take a walk in peace without being pestered.

“My nanny now has a fear of taking Kairo for a walk and my child needs to be taken for a walk,” explained Zinhle.

Most celebrity mothers seem not to like posting their children’s pictures on social media networks. Locally, Pokello Nare often teases people with not so clear pictures of her son, Tristen. Former Miss Zimbabwe, Vanessa Sibanda only posts pictures of her sons’ clothes.

Media personality Tino Katsande also rarely posts pictures of her miracle baby – Yambuko Nokutendaishe.

— DailySun/Chronicle Reporter

Remy Ma

If keeping tabs on Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj dominated most of your week, you are not alone.

Last Saturday, Remy dropped the track ShETHER, a near-seven minute obliteration aimed at Nicki Minaj. The song — taking both its title and beat from Nas’ 2001 Jay Z diss track Ether — runs through a list of claims against Nicki Minaj that extend from boardroom to bedroom.

From accusing her of sleeping with Lil Wayne, Drake, Trey Songz, Hot 97’s Ebro Darden and Gucci Mane, to having implants that prevented her from being intimate with her ex Meek Mill for three months, a lot was put on display.

Furthermore, there were remarks on Nicki Minaj supporting her brother who was reportedly arrested for the alleged sexual assault of a minor, along with suggesting Nicki’s empire was not as lucrative as it could be since her money is filtered through multiple label entities (Young Money, Cash Money, Republic Records) before reaching her hands.

There is even a shot that Nicki allegedly stole one of Remy Ma’s most classic lines “All these b****** is my sons” from a 2009 tweet that Remy Ma said she posted while in prison. The song arrived less than 48 hours following Minaj’s not-so-subtle jab on her recent Gucci Mane collaboration Make Love that Remy Ma’s comeback project with Fat Joe, Plato o Plomo, was met with disappointing sales.

And as if that was not enough, on Thursday Remy Ma took another swing at Nicki Minaj with another diss track Another One, which premiered on Funkmaster Flex’s Hot 97 show.

The track borrows some notes from Drake’s playbook, referencing his Meek Mill diss track Back to Back in style and flow. It opens with an audio clip of Mariah Carey — with whom Minaj beefed with originally during American Idol – before diving in on the target.

“I guess now you know who the head b**** is/ I’m a savage/ I be killin’ dead b******/ I bet you wish that you ain’t never said sh**/ Now they so busy shooting videos/ And I’m like nah, where the f*** is your song, I mean c’mon,” raps Remy, making reference to Minaj’s recent video shoot with Future.

Remy continues, further noting Minaj’s silence since ShETHER hit: “Waited four days, ma, where you been? I came here in the ‘Rari playing Lil’ Kim / Don’t know what made you think that you could f*** with Rem. But I guess this is what I gotta do to make ya spit.”

No official audio is out yet, but rips of the track are already up.

It is clear, the Internet has been sent into a frenzy yet the two artistes beef is far from new. Here is a war that is a decade deep, punctuated with small incidents (a tweet here, a bar there) that have snowballed into this. For rap, this is one of the most significant beefs in hip-hop history.

To loosely quote, two female MCs can’t occupy the same space at the time. That’s far from new news, which in and of itself reflects the graduated value of this war. Stand on any point on an American map, and the most prominent rapper in that region will more than likely be A) a male and B) crowned “king.”
When beef occurs, it is usually over turf wars. Cut to Jay Z and Nas fighting over the “King of New York” title. Or, perhaps, it’s a novice attempting to swing overhead at a legend — Canibus and LL Cool J and Nelly and KRS One to name a few.

Nicki Minaj was the first female rapper to penetrate the mainstream since Lauryn Hill, and she has arguably surpassed her. In six years, she has released three solo albums, and is a multi-platinum recording artist beyond the rap landscape. Nicki Minaj is a greater mainstream success than most of her male rap contemporaries.

What Remy is arguing on ShETHER, however, is that if she had not served a near-decade prison bid, she would be in Nicki Minaj’s place. That is up for debate, but her return — despite the lacklustre sales of her Plata O Plomo — was still a warm welcome. Her collaboration with Fat Joe and French Montana

All The Way Up is hit No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and that is nothing to scoff at when hip-hop’s attention span does not always permit an extended hiatus.

Remy Ma is no stranger to feuds, having had wars with Lady Luck and even Lil’ Kim, but they were lyrically-driven and on a much smaller scale.

As on Jay Z’s Nas diss “Takeover,” Hova always suggests he is too busy making money and being successful to dedicate a song to anyone. For the most part, Nicki has done the same. Her response to Remy thus far has included now-deleted screenshots of Plato o Plomo album sales and a voice note posted on her Instagram where Beyoncé sings a cappella that Nicki is the “rap queen”.

— Billboard

BB Naija housemates, Jon and Ese

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
So far, it has been a month since Big Brother Naija dubbed “See Gobbe” launched but there seems to be little or no interest among DStv viewers outside of Nigeria.

What is it about watching a house full of ordinary people that so ignites viewers’ imagination?

Could it be that the reality show comprises only Nigerian housemates? Could it be that there is no “Shower Hour” where viewers get to see housemate take a shower?

Or is it because there are several other reality shows competing for the same viewership?

Whichever way you look at it, there is no entertainment in the world like a mirror — and no feeling more comforting than judging the actions and emotions of real people, in the safety of our own space, with all the self-righteousness we are unable to express in other situations.

The housemates, among them Uriel, Bally, Gifty, Efe, Bisola, Kemen, Thin Tall Tony, T Boss and Debbie Rise, are hoping to win the N25 million up for grabs.

In southern Africa, DStv viewing audiences have found BBNaija not compelling enough to follow it. Whether it is social media or mainstream media, there is little hype about BBNaija.

Imagine, it has been just four weeks and already Big Brother has introduced a number of twists. Firstly, we had a fake eviction then secondly, we had fake housemates — Ese and Jon and now there is what is known as the High Stakes game where housemates join the presenter of the show — Ebuka Obi-Chinedu during the live Eviction Show to answer a few questions. Whoever gets the answers correct stands a chance to win cash prizes of up to N200 000 as well as immunity from eviction and shopping vouchers courtesy of sponsors — PayPorte.

Already, Big Brother has introduced so many twists to try and excite the audiences, but is getting the same response.

Only last week, Ebuka pleaded with the housemates to relax and enjoy themselves without thinking “too much about what viewers want to/do not want to see”.

It was clear from the outset that the housemates were fully aware of the cameras and whatever they were doing in the house was not real, but just a show.

This is one of the biggest challenges facing this latest edition of BBNaija. Housemates are not being themselves and are acting for the cameras.

The fact that they spend time discussing about what to do and what not to do in the house is nothing but a shame. Of course, Big Brother reality shows have rule variations depending on which country the show is being held.

However, the most important or rather exciting rule is the shower hour where viewers get to see their favourite housemates bathing. That is the most daring thing that any housemate would have to endure, but surprisingly that is not the case with BBNaija.

While the show is voyeuristic in nature, the absence of the shower hour makes everything perfectly easy for any Jack and Jill to participate in the show.

Like in the case of BBNaija, apart from the Pidgin English and quarrels in the house, there is really nothing outstanding about the show.

The other thing is that Nigerians are conservative and nudity is really unheard of. But such is the nature of Big Brother, you cannot do the show if certain elements or aspects that make up the show are missing. It is like having break without tea, what if one chokes up.

Last but not least, BBNaija is not making up for interesting viewing simply because it is almost reading like a script. Already, there are several other reality shows to watch that do not necessarily involve voting. For instance — The Black Ink Crew, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Rob and Chyna, Wags, Come Dine with Me, Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta and Little Women of LA.

It appears that the phenomenon of watching people living in the same room waiting for instructions from the elusive character of Biggie is fast losing its lustre.

Imagine, since the first Big Brother show was held in 1999 in Holland, there have been subsequent shows around the globe in countries like Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia and France. Not all the shows have allowed sexual intercourse and nudity. Hungary and Poland, for example, have specifically banned actual intercourse in the house, while Nigeria has ruled out Shower Hour as being potentially offensive to viewers.

Cal_vin

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
Rapper Cal_Vin is a man on a mission. The artiste has had no rest in the past two weeks as he is busy selling his new album — Uthando  — on the streets of Bulawayo.

That Luveve boy as Cal_Vin is affectionately known, has started a movement, #iBoughtUthando, where he vigorously markets and sells his CD on the streets and takes pictures with those who will have bought the album. Using the #iBoughtUthando hash tag, the pictures are then posted on social media networking sites as a way of enticing others to also buy copies.

The album is being sold for $2.

Other than selling the album on the streets, Cal_Vin has been marketing the album on his social media pages where he provides a number for people to call so that he delivers the album to them.

The passionate artiste has been spotted moving around town with a satchel full of CDs and he has set a target of selling at least 1 000 copies by the end of this month.

“So far, I’ve managed to sell over 500 CDs. I’m not sure how many I’ve sold online as I’m still to sit down and calculate how much I’ve sold in total,” said Cal_Vin.

“Every day I’m selling over 20 CDs and it’s very possible that I’ll reach my 1 000 target.”

Cal_Vin said he hoped that by selling his album this way, it would motivate other musicians to do the same.

“I hope this will inspire others to sell their CDs. Even though we don’t live in a CD era, I’ve realised that people are willing to buy the CDs and keep them at home. The reason people don’t want to buy our music is because it’s not availed to them,” he said.

“There’s a market for anything, one just has to present themselves to people and sell their idea of their art.”

Cal_Vin said personally selling his music had actually connected him to his followers.

“Uthando has been the most interesting project for me as it has introduced me to a new market especially the elderly. It has given me a new meaning of music and the word hustle.

“There’s a beauty behind having a one on one conversation with fans and followers, especially when we take pictures. I get to explain the album to them so that they won’t have a hard time figuring it out.”

Trevor Noah

Robert Mukondiwa
Trevor Noah’s new pad in New York’s Manhattan “Hell’s Kitchen” area, whose purchase he finalised on Monday, has left more than a few people in South Africa jelly.

Many “green” envious people have harped on about how he ought to have invested back home or given money to the poor after it was reported by The Wall Street Journal that the pad cost a cool $10 million (R130 million). Located in Stella Tower, Hell’s Kitchen, the swanky duplex apartment has stunning views of Midtown and Downtown NYC.

But Trevor Noah is not Father Africa, has never grown a beard to be Father Christmas and should feather his nest, however, he likes no matter what the cost.

And even if he were Father Christmas, it is not December yet. The pad, from which one has a pretty view of the Empire State Building from one of the bathrooms, has been linked to the comedian with reports it has been one of the priciest exchanges of property in that neck of the woods.

And Trevor Noah is good at his job and certainly is a funny man. Even God in his infinite knowledge of every joke even before Trevor cracks it cannot help but chuckle once in a while when the Daily Show’s host is on a roll.

Surely Africa should let him reward himself when he splurges his ching-ching on his need for comfort and class after the on-stage tummy tickling yada-yada.

But while other South Africans behaved as if they had voted Trevor Noah onto the Daily Show and his newfound fortune, others went pretty colourful on social media networks particularly Twitter:

“Next time (it is reported): Trevor Noah is dating Rihanna. South Africans (will say): There are lots of broke yellow bones in SA, why doesn’t he date them,” tweeted David Makobake in jest.

Call_Me_Steve tweeted: “South Africans; Trevor Noah buys R130m house with his money people complain, Zuma builds R260m Nkandla with their money they are quiet.”

And @Supernova tweeted: “No guys. Trevor Noah is not your father. Let him spend his money however he pleases. Hawu.”

Whatever the case, the story of Trevor Noahs’ new pad certainly has started to trend.

Perhaps he should Christian it Noah’s Ark. He has sailed off in it because he listened to the voice of facing into the future and having discipline to dream and build his life and everyone else back home has drowned in the flood of procrastination.

Kadder

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
BULAWAYO’s kwaito hip-hop sensation Khoikhoi, has decided to sing about the love affair he is having with fellow musician Kadder on the six track EP, Uthando.

Khoikhoi, born Mulgan Dalubuhle Sibanda, said his latest offering with the self titled single released two weeks ago, was inspired by his love for Kadder.

“I’m in love with Kadder and we’ve been dating for over three years now. She inspires me by the way she treats me and how our love has been for all this time.

So I decided to write six songs for her,” said Khoikhoi.

The title track Uthando which is laid on an Afro Fusion beat and driven by Congo drums, has a groovy beat and a catchy chorus sung by Khoikhoi.

Other tracks include, Ndiwe Wandinoda, Mr DJ, Superstar, Yes I am where he features his girlfriend Kadder and an instrumental for the title track to wrap up the EP.

Ntando Van Moyo

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
In his first performance ever since winning the Outstanding Comedian accolade at the National Arts Merit Awards last month, Q Dube proved why he is regarded as the top comedian in the country by many people.

Q Dube was performing at the Umahlekisa 4th Anniversary on Friday at Rainbow Hotel’s Sethule Bar, in front of a sizeable crowd. Beginning his set Q Dube said he was not going to repeat any jokes as he had heard the complaints of many fans that comedians tend to repeat jokes.

He said the jokes he told were new material and he had written them on the bus on his way to Bulawayo from his Harare base. During any Q Dube set your attention will be squarely fixed on stage and listening to him speak and waiting for each and every punch line to his jokes.

The punch lines come at the right moment drawing rapturous laughter. Q Dube is a story teller and with storytelling he leaves the juicy part towards the end or in the middle of his jokes. Real life scenarios that he has gone through are the basis of all his jokes.

Babongile Sikhonjwa

After the show, Q Dube said it was now back to the drawing board so that he organises a one man show.

“I was nervous at the beginning of the show because I was trying out new material on the crowd. I was happy with the response. Now it’s back to the drawing board for me. I’m working on a one man show and that’s shaping up,” said Q Dube.

During the celebrations, Ntando Van Moyo who was nominated for the same award that Q Dube won laid the foundation with a solid set as he did not hold back.

He was crude, offensive and shameless in a funny way a signature style to any Ntando Van Moyo show.

On her return after a long time on the sidelines, Lady D came back to the stage improved and now able to work the stage and crowd. Babongile Sikhonjwa has become more foul mouthed as ever, with most of his jokes making those used to making bar jokes to cringe.

After performing at Rainbow Hotel they took their party to Cubanna, Lagondola and Club 263.

Showbiz Reporter
There was a stampede at popular Bulawayo nightspot Club 263 on Friday after unknown people reportedly unleashed pepper spray which led to the door being broken down.

Scores of revellers were seen gasping for air, sneezing and coughing outside the club.

When all seemed well for the merry makers, someone at the dance floor unleashed pepper spray that gives a stinging sensation in the eyes and leaving one gasping for air.

Those who were on the dance floor started coughing and were teary eyed as they rushed to the door where a second canister of pepper spray was unleashed.

There was a stampede as revellers jostled to get out of the club and the door was broken down in the process.

Some of those affected were so desperate that they ended up washing their faces with beer.

One of the affected revellers was female comedian MsDee (Nomsa Muleya) who said she felt as if she was about to die.

“We were having fun with my friends and all of a sudden I felt something tingling and then started to sneeze and cough. Before we knew it, people started moving from the dance floor towards the door.

“I couldn’t breathe at that moment and I thought that I was about to die. After a struggle we made it outside with hundreds of others also sneezing, “ said MsDee.

This is not the first time that such a stunt has been played at the same venue as a similar incident happened in April last year when the joint was then Cloud 9.

DJ Dash and Nadia

Showbiz Reporter
BULAWAYO DJ Dash (real name Lyle Khamal-Bosch) on Saturday wedded his long time lover, Nadia Truter, at an intimate ceremony in Harare.

The ceremony was attended by their parents, close friends and relatives before the festivities moved to Mabelreign Country Club for the wedding reception.

Thereafter, the couple left for their honeymoon at Rainbow Towers.

DJ Dash said he felt he had made the right decision to marry a woman he loved most.

“It’s a great feeling. I’m excited to have done this and I think this is the best decision any man can ever make. I’m looking forward to a lifetime with my wife,” said DJ Dash.

He described the wedding as special and amazing.

“The wedding was wonderful and exceptional. From the ceremony to the reception, everything went well. The support we got from our families was great, making the day more special.”

The mix DJ said he beat the urge to entertain guests during his wedding because of friends DJs Jaybone, Tricx and Otis Fraser who did a sterling job.

“I didn’t DJ at my wedding. I gave that responsibility to my friends who didn’t disappoint. They kept everyone on the dance floor the whole day until we went home at around 11PM.”

Season 2 winner Leandra Makaya

Showbiz Reporter
SEASON three of popular cooking competition, Battle of the Chefs Harare, is back and will start being broadcast on ZBCtv next month.

Sixteen chefs will be in the running for the $10 000 prize money, starting April 6. The show, sponsored by TM Pick n Pay, will have 13 episodes which will air every Thursday from 7PM. It will be simultaneously made available on YouTube and Facebook.

The show’s executive producer, Joseph Bunga, said last year’s winner, Leandra Makaya, seemed to have inspired a gender upturn as there were a lot of female entrants this year.

“Season 3 is bursting with a sensational cast, an electrifying pace and delicious dishes from across the globe, sampling cuisines from countries such as America, Italy and China, as well as showcasing the best our local cuisine has to offer.

“The show, and this season in particular, celebrates a gastronomic diversity and innovation in the country. It celebrates the ability of Zimbabweans to overcome and compete on an international stage in quality of food.”

This year, the show will feature Chef Stephen Hyde as the chief judge accompanied by Innocent Masuku, Cherylyn Conlon, Karen Mutasa, Karl Eckard and Tafadzwa Anifasi.

“The beautiful and vivacious Zihlo will be the host of the third season continuing from the last one,” said Bunga.

The participants will be announced later this month.

“The contestants will be announced in a systematic fashion on our social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram starting this month,” said Bunga.

Colt Wentworth-Browne, Battle of the Chefs associate producer said the competition would have a more challenging format where the 16 chefs will be tested on their innovation and skill.

“Following the format set in place in Season 2, the chefs will battle it out across three challenges — the technical, innovation and the set recipe challenge. After each challenge, the judges will score their efforts and at the end of the episode, the chefs with the highest and lowest scores will be announced — with the losing chef being stripped of their chef’s jacket,” said Wentworth-Browne.

Selmor Mtukudzi

Showbiz Reporter
ONE ambassador, Selmor Mtukudzi, is in Canada for the International Women’s Day Celebrations tomorrow.

Her mission on behalf of the international campaigning and advocacy organisation is to meet Canadian dignitaries including Bob Hault — Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee, Mike Lake — MNCH opposition critic and MP, David Morrison — Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas, Julie Dzerowicz — MP for Devenport and Ahmed Hussen — Minister of Immigration, whom she will speak to about the importance of educating the girl child.

About 130 million girls around the world are being denied access to good education with Canada contributing two cents per Canadian per day to global education.

“Poverty hits harder on girls than boys and because poverty is sexist, most of those girls are in the world’s poorest countries,” said Selmor. “When we deny girls education, we deny our countries the leaders we need to grow and prosper. Getting girls in school is one of the most effective ways we can fight extreme poverty. Educating every girl is good for everyone.”

In 2015, Selmor collaborated with seven other African stars including Judith Sephuma, Vanessa Mdee, Omotola and Yemi Alade, to record the song Strong Girl for the ONE campaign #PovertyIsSexiest. This saw her attend the World Economic Forum, the Sadc conference and the UN conference to speak to world leaders about putting in place policies that support the empowerment of women and girls.

Later that year, she was joined by her male counterparts, Bono — U2 lead singer and founder of ONE, D’Banj, Diamond Platinumz and Banky W for a remix of Strong Girl showing that men were also in support of the campaign.

Other than that, Selmor was also instrumental in the passing of the “Electrify Africa” Bill in the US Senate in Washington DC, when she met US representatives, Congressman Ed Royce and Congressman Eliot Engel and added her voice encouraging the US government to partner with institutions in African countries to make electricity available easily.

This Bill states that it is US policy to partner with Sub Saharan African countries, international financial institutions and African regional economic committees, cooperatives and private sectors to promote access to power services to at least 50 million people in Sub Saharan Africa by 2020.

Napoleon ‘Napster’ Nyanhi

Showbiz Reporter
POPULAR Coke on the Beat television presenter and radio personality, Napoleon ‘Napster’ Nyanhi’s star continues to shine as his career keeps rising.

The former Star FM presenter and programmes manager who recently joined new Harare radio station – Capitalk 100.4FM as station manager – bade farewell to Coke on the Beat TV viewers on Saturday to focus on his new challenging role.

Speaking during his last episode of Coke on the Beat, Napster said he would not be frequenting the screens as he used to, but would be working behind the scenes.

“This is my last, ultimate show but I’ll still be available on Coke on the Beat. You won’t be seeing my face regularly as you used to as I’ll be more of a behind the scenes person on the show,” Napster told his fans.

Napster joined Coke on the Beat in 2014 when the programme re-launched on ZBCtv. His arrival with co-presenter KVG brought a fresh look to the show which was adored by many viewers.

The presenter, who often left viewers with their ribs cracking with his jokes and presentation skills, said he was grateful for the time he spent on Coke on the Beat.

“I’ve been on Coke on the Beat for close to two years and I’ll forever cherish every moment I spent on set. This is a lifetime opportunity that many will never have and I’d like to thank Coca-Cola and everyone behind the scenes.

“The viewers were amazing and I’d like to thank them for their support as they kept glued to one of Zimbabwe’s most popular musical shows.”

Born in February 1984, Napster rose to fame as a Star FM radio presenter, hosting programmes such as the Break Fast Club and Gospel Greats before making himself a household name on the popular Coke on the Beat.

“We’re happy to see Napster grow to an executive role at Capitalk 100.4 FM radio and Coca-Cola wishes him well.

“He was an asset as a presenter on our programme and will be equally valuable as a behind the scenes person for the programme,” said Vee Chibanda, Coca-Cola market activations manager.

Kemen

Showbiz Reporter
ONE of the most talked about housemates of the Big Brother Naija show, Kemen, has been disqualified from the game.

Kemen was evicted from the house for fondling a female housemate — Tboss without her consent while she was sleeping on Saturday evening.

Payporte, the official partners of the reality TV show confirmed Kemen sexually harassed Tboss and had to be disqualified.

“Based on the footage of Kemen making sexual moves on Tboss which sparked a large outrage, we’d like to make our stance known on this matter.

“PayPorte is strongly against sexual harassment and perversion and we strongly condemn Kemen’s actions. We believe individuals, whether under the influence of alcohol or being sober, should have high morals.”

It was the first of its kind since the show began and as expected, Kemen’s fellow housemates who were ignorant of the incident could not hold back their shock as they received the news with screams of ‘what happened?’ ‘What did you do?’

After Kemen’s departure, Big Brother announced that there would be no eviction this Sunday leaving five housemates — Efe, Debie-Rise, Bassey, TBoss, and Marvis in the running for the N25million prize money.

Ishmael Shudza Maseko

Joel Tsvakwi, Showbiz Correspondent
MARTIN Sibanda’s Ndolwane Super Sounds has received a spicy battle ahead of the outfit’s second album launch as one of the trusted bassists has deserted the band.

The Big Boss as Martin is fondly known might be writhing in agony as his trusted veteran bassist, Ishmael Shudza Maseko, has ditched him at the 11th hour.

Maseko said he had always expressed his intention to go solo despite being highly indebted to the mentoring he got from the Amajongosi leader.

“Working with Martin was a blessing as I learnt a lot from him. He’s such an experienced musician and I respect him for what he taught me.

“But, like a child, one cannot be young forever, you need to grow and become an adult. I feel that I’ve grown and I’m now ready to take my own chances in the music industry,” he said.

Having been instrumental to Martin’s Ndolwane Super Sounds as well as the recording of their second album in six years, Maseko is not moved by the likely effects of his departure. He has since formed his own band named Mthutha Express and is doubling up as a guitarist and lead vocalist.

The artiste, who believes Mthutha Express will be a force to reckon with, promised a fast paced, IsiNdebele, seven-track album titled Isigangi Sendoda.

They will start recording the album next month.

“At the moment, I’ve six band members. We’ve managed to do quite a number of songs, some of which we’re already playing at shows in the high density suburbs as we want to perfect our skills and garner confidence before we hit the big stage.”

He said he would not be part of the Ndolwane album launch as he has already parted ways with the band and needs to focus on his own.

“It was my wish to be part of the band (Ndolwane) as they launch their second album which we worked hard to produce. I feel it’s a good album but as I indicated, I’d like to be independent.

“My contract with the band ran from 2004 till end of 2016 and I decided not to renew it, which I feel is a step in the right direction.”

His former boss’ upcoming album, Konke Sizolungisa, was recorded in South Africa and is set to be launched on April 29 at Hillbrow Theatre in Johannesburg before being launched in Zimbabwe on May 6 at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre.

Speaking on behalf of Ndolwane Super Sounds, Thandazani Nyoni — the band’s manager — said their band would not be affected by Maseko’s departure before wishing the former member well in his endeavours.

“His contract expired at the end of 2016 and he didn’t renew it. He’s now doing his own project and this is not going to disturb our plans as we knew we were not going to have him on board,” he said.