Sandra Ndebele and Mzoe7 perform at flash mob in Harare

Showbiz Reporter
SANDRA ‘Sandy’ Ndebele has proven that hard work pays as she has got the whole country talking about her new track — Ingoma whose video has garnered over 10 000 views within three days of its release.

But for people to be interested in her single which features Mzoe 7, Sandy had to go all out with marketing, including physically going to all local radio stations for interviews on the days she released the track.

Weeks before launching the single, the artiste was very active on social media networks sending posters and videos to tease people as a way of counting down to the track’s release. This got people excited as they anticipated the launch of the song.

And when the day — Wednesday, March 8, 2017 —finally arrived, the country was eager to listen to the song Sandy had been going to town about. Those in Bulawayo — her home town — were the first to listen to it as it was first launched on Skyz Metro FM before being taken to national radio stations.

Fortunately, the song did not disappoint as it was quite catchy.

She did not stop there because the same day she released the track in Bulawayo is the day she travelled to Harare to service the rest of the country. Upon arriving in Harare last Thursday, she was met with warmness as all radio stations played her track and interviewed her to give her more mileage.

It did not stop there as fellow artistes, Jah Prayzah and Ammara Brown endorsed the track by sharing videos of their renditions of Ingoma.

Riding on that wave, Sandy released the song’s video on YouTube a day after embarking on flash mobs at several bars and nightclubs in Harare to further promote the track.

Today, the Ingoma video which was shot in Harare and Bulawayo and produced by Andy Cutta, is sitting on more than 10 000 YouTube views in less than four days showing that Sandy hit the right chord.

BOFOZ 2014 winners with Ba Shupi

Showbiz Reporter
BLACK Opal Face of Zimbabwe (Bofoz) has changed its format for winners with the top three winners set to be awarded various amounts of money discarding the winner-takes-all format of previous years.

Bofoz spokesperson, Tanaka Ngorora, said the lady who would be crowned queen will get $5 000 while her first princess will walk away with $2 000. The second princess will be given $1 000.

He said the pageant’s theme “All Eyes on Me” was meant to transform the girl next door to being a household name after participating in the competition.

“The ‘All Eyes on Me’ theme has a “double entrendre. Participants, finalists and especially winners will all get a chance to be in the national spotlight; to shine and have visual and life transformations in the public arena,” said Ngorora.

The competition is once again open to any female over the age of 18.

“Those who want to enter should purchase any one of our Black Opal Eye products. This includes the newly launched and well received ‘Eye brow liner kit’, dual eye shadows, eye liner, mascara, and eye brow pencil.

“Once purchased, entrants must attach proof of purchase to a filled-out entry form along with an A6 face portrait. Alternatively they can WhatsApp a photo along with purchase details from the participating retail outlet,” said Ngorora.

The 2017 competition that launched last month will close on May 16 with SMS voting for January and February contenders already underway.

“Up to nine contestants will be published each month after vetting.

“The top three highest SMS vote tallying contestants will automatically qualify for one of the 12 finalist spots at the grand finale.

The selected contestants will converge in Harare for the final in September.

“When they come for boot camp, the finalists will have an action packed schedule including professional photo shoots, rigorous boot camp and training camp. All this will be available for public viewing on Bofoz social media platforms.”

According to the rules of the competition, the final score is 50 percent SMS score and 50 percent independent panel judges’ score so contestants need to get as many votes as they can and also excel on the ramp if they want to win.

Hazvineyi Chiota was crowned queen last year while Mazvita Chakawa and Robin Chivanga were capped first and second princesses respectively.

The pageant was headlined by Jamaican music star, Romain Virgo who staged his maiden performance in the country at the Glamis Arena in Harare.

Boom Beto

Showbiz Reporter
LOCAL chart-topper and Zimdancehall awards 2016 nominee, Boom Beto of the Munodonhedza Musika fame, is coming to Bulawayo.

The artiste, who rose to fame late last year with the release of that track, will be performing at Club 263 on March 24.

He will be joined on stage by POY at a show that will be hosted by Obama featuring the club’s resident DJs St Willz, FFF Molfy and Nash Abra Tribe.

Last week, Boom Beto was in Gweru where he performed alongside Winky D at a sold out show.

Club 263 spokesperson DJ Nash said Boom Beto was expected to arrive on the day of the show.

“He’ll be here next Friday, but before hitting the Club 263 stage, Boom Beto will do flash mobs at some other clubs in Bulawayo including Club Connect and Private Lounge,” said DJ Nash.

He said they were hosting Boom Beto mainly because he was the man of the moment in Zimdancehall circles whom they want to inspire other up-and-coming Zimdancehall artistes in Bulawayo.

“There’s a Bulawayo Zimdancehall Association (BZAM) that was recently formed in Bulawayo so Boom Beto is expected to meet members from this association to share notes.

“We want artistes here to blend with those in Harare so that we have a strong Zimdancehall movement,” DJ Nash said.

The BZAM, which includes artistes, DJs, MCs, Recording Studios and promoters aims to uplift Bulawayo Zimdancehall.

“The Zimdancehall genre has really grown in Bulawayo and we’ll continue supporting it so that artistes specialising in that genre here like Centre Party and DJ Tawaz can also be known and recognised at various awards held nationally,” said DJ Nash.

Mampintsha, DJ Tira and Danger

RUMOURS that Mampintsha is distancing himself from Big Nuz and Afrotainment are spreading like a wildfire.

“Mampintsha”, real name Mandla Mamphumulo, is said to have lost interest in the plans of the kwaito group and DJ Tira’s record label.

Sources claim he wants to focus only on West Ink projects, which include his shop, Original Shandis, and West Ink’s “Queen of Gqom” Babes Wodumo.

One source alleged: “Mampintsha has a lot on his plate, including managing the company and his shop. He wants to build his brand as a businessman in the music industry.

“So, he found it difficult to be involved in Afrotainment and Big Nuz’s activities. So much so that his Big Nuz co-member, Danger, feels let down and left out!”

Another source claimed Big Nuz can split anytime soon, and added: “Mampintsha is doing his own thing and Danger has realised he must do his own thing as well. This is not good for the group. I think R Mashesha (the Big Nuz member who died in 2015) is turning in his grave because he always preached unity in the group.”

Danger’s birthday bash was held at Chief Nqoko’s place in Port Elizabeth last Sunday — without Mampintsha. His absence became noticeable to Big Nuz fans after a party photo of Durban artistes was posted by DJ Tira on his Instagram page.

The smiling faces were Tira, DJ Bongz, Danger, L’vovo and DJ Sox.

So, Big Nuz fans were wondering if Mampintsha had stepped out of the picture, or gave the party a miss.

Tira captioned the picture: “celebrating @dangergevaar birthday at Chief Nqoko with #The Squad2003infinity.” Daglas_danger asked: Where’s Mampintsha @djtira.

Others who commented such as Samukelisiwe Biyela, Jaa7657, Zama22, Mdletshemgcini and others asked the same question. And Eudy_mkhize accused DJ Tira of being jealous. He said: @real_mampintsha-westink ever since you did your own thing with @babes_wodumo I feel @djtira started treating you like an outsider…nomona lendoda yakwakhathi…(This Khathi man is jealous).”

Danger confirmed that Mampintsha was not at his birthday party. He said: “He’s not distancing himself from Big Nuz. It’s just that he’s scared of flying.”

Afrotainment spokesperson, Lawrencia Mqwebu, refused to comment on the allegations. She said the media was out to cause the group to split.

DJ Tira and Mampintsha could not be reached for comment. — DailySun

Bulawayo Fusion Music Festival will be held at the Waterfront at Hillside Dams and will be similar to Unplugged held in Harare

Showbiz Reporter
A NEW family friendly festival to promote the performance of live music and boost entertainment in Bulawayo is on the cards.

Dubbed the Bulawayo Fusion Music Festival, the fete will be a first of its kind for the city.

The one-day event is set to be held at the Waterfront at Hillside Dams on April 8 with a host of musicians including Djembe Monks, ASAPH, Carlos Jiri, Outfit Band, Jase and Mandi Mash set to perform. Other than music, people will experience the beautiful scenery at Hillside Dams while braaing meat among many other activities which have been lined up for the day.

One of the organisers of the event, Chrystal Mushonga, said they were hosting the event to bring a new fun vibe to Bulawayo while raising funds for those in need as some of the proceeds from the event will be channelled to various charity organisations in the city.

The Fusion will be similar to Unplugged, a successful family festival held in Harare monthly.

“The Fusion is more than just a concert, it’s a passionate blend of music, people and nature. Taking a leaf from Unplugged, Fusion will be an experience for the whole family as there’ll be family sporting tournaments such as touch rugby, five aside football and volleyball.

“There’ll also be arts and crafts stands, photo shoot booths, jumping castles and face painting,” said Mushonga.

The festival will be unique in that people will be allowed to bring in cooler boxes as well as their outdoor chairs and blankets for their comfort.

She said the event would be a great platform for up-and-coming artistes.

“Our main goal is to fill a void where many music lovers have been starved of events that indulge them. This is an opportunity for famous singers, unknown artistes and dancers on stage to perform for the crowd.

“The festival will be different from others because of its family friendly experience around live music, food and urban culture.”

Mushonga called on corporates to support the festival as they want to raise money for children who need prosthetics and orthotics.

“Our first event will see us giving some of the proceeds to Sikhulile Zenzele Trust that caters for children with disabilities. These children are in need of prosthetics and orthotics and we felt we needed to support them with the help of fellow citizens”.

K.O

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
SOUTH Africa’s Cash Time supremo K.O will hold a debut show in Bulawayo alongside Winky D at the Amphitheatre next month as part of the Ninja President’s 10 City Tour.

The show will be held on April 29 under the banner, #Bestofbothworlds with the two being joined on stage by hip hop artiste Cal­ Vin, POY and Mzoe 7 as well as up and coming rapper Thabbz of the Hey Wena fame, dance group Sungura Masters and DJ Whyte. Entrance to the event has been pegged at $10.

This is the first time K.O will perform as a solo artiste in Bulawayo after last performing with Teargas at Horizon night club five years ago.

Show organisers, award-winning promoters – 2 Kings Entertainment said they were glad to have finally secured Mr Cashtime and founder of Skanda rap to perform in Bulawayo.

“We’d planned to bring K.O to Bulawayo since his last show in Harare last year, but he wasn’t available at the times we wanted.

“But, we’re happy that he’ll be able to share the stage with Bulawayo and Harare’s finest artistes,” said DJ Dee Nosh, 2 Kings Entertainment spokesperson.

Born Ntokozo Mdluli, K.O – who now co-runs a music and entertainment company called “Cashtime Life”, gained prominence through hip hop trio        Teargas after releasing their critically acclaimed debut album K’shubile K’bovu in 2006, under Electromode Music.

Teargas, which then had three members, K.O, Ntukza and Ma-E, later released three other albums titled, Wafa Wafa (2008), Dark or Blue (2009) and Number Number (2012) (stylized as Num8er Num8er) which were all commercially successful.

When he went solo, K.O released singles Mission Statement, Son of a Gun, Caracara and Skhanda Love preceding the release of his debut studio album, Skhanda Republic which was released in 2014.

Cal_Vin

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
RAPPER Cal_Vin has taken his #IboughtUthando album promotion campaign to Harare and according to him, the reception has been overwhelming.

Having released the album titled Uthando three weeks ago, Cal_Vin — who has dropped the underscore from his name to make it simpler for fans to locate him on social media — earlier in the week took to the streets of the capital selling copies of his album.

Armed with a boom box (portable Bluetooth speaker) courtesy of local company Astrum Technology, Cal_Vin attracted a host of people who were keen to find out what he was up to.

“The reception in Harare was overwhelming. We had the boom box with us so we got an instant reaction. This one lady bought the album because she loves the sound and said she didn’t understand Ndebele but would try to learn a few things,” said Cal_Vin.

The rapper seems to have been inspired by Sandra Ndebele who was in the capital last week promoting her new single Ingoma by holding flash mobs at nightspots there.

Cal_Vin said he had travelled to Harare from Mutare where he had a show.

“From the show in Mutare, I decided to pass through Harare to try to sell some copies of the album. I sold a sizeable amount and this has spurred me to do a second round of album sales in the capital,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sandra Ndebele is back in Bulawayo from Harare and will this week hold flash mobs at various nightspots around the city to further promote Ingoma. Ndebele, who collaborated with Mzoe 7 on the single, said: “The idea is to market the song through an interactive experience with our audiences.

We want to introduce the song to the people with a memorable experience.

“Research has proven people will remember more what they see and hear than what they read. That’s why we used this approach because we wanted to leave an indelible mark.”

She said after the positive response in Harare, Sandra had decided to use a similar approach in Bulawayo.

“I’ll be doing the flash mobs at Hartsfield Tshisanyama, Club 263 and Club Connect among other clubs. People loved the song and the way we promoted it, that’s why we are doing the same for Bulawayo.”

@bonganinkunzi

Father Innocent Makawule Ndlovu

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
MANGWE-based Roman Catholic parish priest and writer, Father Innocent Makawule Ndlovu, has published his 10th book ‘The Memoirs of Monsignor Bernard Ndlovu’, a tribute to the first catholic priest who was appointed from the Matabeleland region.

Ndlovu, who is based at St Anne’s Brunapeg Mission, wrote the book to mark the first anniversary of Monsignor Ndlovu who died last year in January.

In the book, he highlights the life of Monsignor Ndlovu from his birth up to 2015 when he marked 57 years of ordination at the age of 90. He also narrates the works of the late priest who has been identified as an outstanding figure in the Roman Catholic Church.

“This book is a biography on the life of Monsignor Bernard Ndlovu. I decided to publish it now to mark the anniversary of his death as he died last year in January.

“I believe that this book will act as a source of inspiration mostly to youths in the Matabeleland Region as Monsignor Ndlovu went to South Africa in search of employment without any qualifications, but that didn’t work out for him just like many youngsters from the region,” Ndlovu said.

Monsignor Ndlovu was born in Shashane area in Matobo district but later moved to Mangwe District where he did his primary education at Gwangu School which is today known as Makorokoro Primary School. He was baptised at Empandeni Mission in 1943. He did philosophical and theological studies and was ordained a deacon in 1957.

Monsignor Ndlovu was further ordained as a priest on October 26 in 1958 at Empandeni Mission and was later appointed priest of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo which also covered Matabeleland Region. In 1961, he established the Solidarity for Ladies Association in Matabeleland Region which is an association for ladies of the Roman Catholic Church.

He also played an active role in translating the Bible into IsiNdebele and the production of a Ndebele prayer book and hymn book for the Roman Catholic Church. Monsignor Ndlovu, who held several positions in the Roman Catholic Church worldwide, also penned several books and was conferred Monsignor by the late Pope John Paul 11.

“Monsignor Ndlovu is an important figure especially to Matabeleland because he was the first person from the region who was appointed a priest.

“His life forms a great part of the history of the church and therefore should be celebrated,” Ndlovu said.

@DubeMatutu

Zahara

MULTI-award winning singer, Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkutukana has left DJ Sbu and Thembinkosi ‘TK’ Nciza’s TS Records to focus on bigger things.

Zahara said the parting was amicable and according to reports, she was let go in December.

Her first album Lolilwe sold over 20 000 copies and reached gold status within 72 hours of its release. Four weeks after it was released, the album sold 210 000 copies in South Africa. The album’s production was handled by Robbie Malinga and Mojalefa Thebe.

Said Zahara: “I’ll still work with TS Records whenever they need me or when I need them. It’s my second home. Bhuti TK always encouraged me to show that I’ve grown in the industry.  He’s like a father to me. I know he’s proud that I’ve left to stand on my own. I also realised that he’s busy since he became a full-time politician.”

Zahara has established her own company, Zahara Army. She also revealed that she is set to seal a partnership with Universal Records in London.

“They called me and even came to South Africa to see me. They’re interested in working with me and want to release my artists and me in London.” she said.

– DailySun

Showbiz Reporter
AMAGUGU Heritage Centre in Matobo district will hold the Traditional Food and Beverages Expo, where more than 20 women will share traditional recipes.

The event, which is the second edition of the expo, will be held on April 8 at the heritage site.

Dishes such as Umfahla, Isitshwala senyawuthi, amasi, idelele, amahewu and umqombothi will be on offer according to organiser of the event Butholezwe Nyathi.

Interactive entertainment has also been arranged which involves a mountain top drumming session by Drums of Peace.  “April and May are the harvest months hence the decision to hold the expo in April which will also be part of celebrating the expected bumper harvest this cropping season,” said Nyathi.

He said women were raring to showcase various traditional dishes during the expo. Nyathi said women will be afforded an opportunity to exhibit  their produce during the expo. On display will be watermelons, pumpkins, maize, sorghum and millet.

Nkululeko Nkala

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
THE much anticipated inaugural Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) have been launched with the awards ceremony set for June 30 at the Large City Hall.

The BAAs to honour the efforts of artistes from Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South, were launched on Wednesday night at a city hotel with organisers saying $40 000 is needed to stage the ceremony.

Fortunately, the who’s who of the local business and arts industry were in attendance and pledged to sponsor the awards show. Among those who offered to sponsor various awards were United Refineries Limited (URL) chief executive officer, Busisa Moyo, who pledged to get three companies to sponsor.

CNC pledged $200, studio time; one music video, 100 CDs, 100 DVDs and a photo shoot for one of the winners in the music award category.

The steering team of the awards comprises of Saimon Mambazo, Raisedon Baya, Reason “Rizzla” Sibanda, Nkululeko Nkala, Vusumuzi Siqalaba and Mvuselelo Huni.

Spokesperson, Nkala said: “We’ve structured partnership categories for people and organisations and companies willing to share the vision with us. It’s our hope that each and every award carries a prize.”

There will be 38 awards in 10 categories namely, Special Awards, DJ Awards, Music Awards, Visual Arts Awards, Dance Awards, Theatre Awards, Spoken Word Awards, Fashion and Lifestyle Awards, Film Awards and Art in Schools Awards.

Nominations for the various awards were opened on Wednesday with entry forms already available at Boom City offices in Bulawayo. Alternatively, one can access the entry form online from the website www.byoarts-awards.org <http://www.byoarts-awards.org>. The deadline for submissions is May 15.

Nominees will be announced on or before June 7, a few days before the awards ceremony on June 30.

“All works submitted must have been performed more than once or in the case of music, released and played on radio and other public platforms. All works must have been seen or consumed by the public and 25% of the vote in all awards will be from the public. The other 75 percent will be by qualified and reputable judges, who include industry professionals and journalists,” said Nkala.

Here is the list of Categories (Awards)

Art in Schools Awards

1.    Arts & Culture Teacher of the Year

2.    Arts effort School of the year

Media Awards

1.Arts Journalist of the Year

2.    Arts Photographer of the Year

3.    Media House of the Year (Print media, Online and Electronic media)

Film Awards

1.Best Film ( Across board)

2.Film Actress of the Year

3.Film Actor of the Year

Fashion and Lifestyle Awards

1.    Fashion Designer of the Year

2.    Most Visible Arts Socialite of the Year

3.    Model of the Year ( Catwalk and Fashion)

Spoken Word Awards

1.Comedian of the Year

2.Poet of the Year

Theatre Awards

1.    Theatrical Actress of the Year

2.Theatrical Actor of the Year

3.    Theatrical Production of the Year

Dance Awards

1.Male Dancer of the Year

2.Female Dancer of the Year

3.    Traditional Dance Ensemble of the Year

4.    Contemporary Dance Ensemble of the Year

Visual Arts Awards

1.Visual Artist of The Year

Music Awards

2.    Outstanding Music duo/group (Tshibilika / Rhumba).

3.    Outstanding Music Group (Imbube/Acapella).

4.    Outstanding Gospel Artiste of the year.

5.    Outstanding Music Group (Choral Music).

6.    Outstanding Artist/duo/ Group (House and Kwaito).

7.    Outstanding Artist/ duo/ Group (Hip Hop/Rap).

8.    Outstanding Alternative Music (Any Other Music).

9.Song of the Year

DJ Awards

1.DJ of the Year

Special Awards

2.    New comer of the year Across Genres

3.    Bulawayo Ambassadors Award based in South Africa

4.    Bulawayo Ambassadors Award rest of the World

5.People’s Choice Award

6.    Lifetime Achievement Award

7.     Arts Supporter of the Year (Corporate World)

8.Arts Promoter of The Year

—@bonganinkunzi

THREE weeks ago, my application for a US visa was rejected and yes, I blamed Trump. I am not from the Sudan and neither do I belong to a bloodline that runs from an Islamic State. There are many who feel the same in many parts of the world.

Which is why I sat there numb with anger, made worse by the flickering TV screen in front of me showing the places where I should be today. God played me a through pass, but some officer at the US embassy fouled me as I faced the goal.

Yes, they denied me a visa that would have opened innumerable doors of opportunity! I wallowed in that funny, frustrated feeling that one gets after being pickpocketed. I am not sure how that really feels, but it must have felt the same. I really felt robbed.

Bad enough as it felt, something or someone from 2008 inspired me then to write a column entitled ‘Whatever happens, choose to be positive.’ In fact, the working title was; ‘Whatever happens, make a plan.’

Now that resonates better given the state of mind I was in a couple of weeks back, it was time I got a grip on life.

Stoic heroism or abject dejection, what is your choice? I wrote; ‘We cannot afford the luxury of negative thoughts. That does not mean being realistic because REALISTIC SUCKS! Being realistic is not a way to live your life. There is no value being realistic. Our miserable lives are a sum of our negative thoughts.’

So, the best way out is to deliberately choose to be positive, no matter how bad the situation around you.

It is so easy to be moved by the situation. Yet the question remains, why choose to be in a rut when the BS hits the fan? You must take control and determine the direction you wish to take your life.

Are you going to be the perennial victim of this or that circumstance, complaining to anybody who can hear or read? Or are you going to pick yourself up, start all over, if you had hit a hump in life.  How does this happen when ‘the environment is not conducive?’

First, get rid of the tendency of thinking in flowery language. That is fodder for high school debates. The setting is the same for everyone including those you hate. The difference between you and those that are successful no matter the circumstance is that they chose not to be dictated to by those circumstances.

The toxic situation in this: this country like I said before is the sum of our collective negative thoughts. We have become excellent political and economic analysts but very short on solutions. The world out there is not drawn in straight lines and utopia has always remained an illusion.

Words such as integrity ring hollow in today’s world. After all, we are all human beings, dishonest, cruel and unreliable at best. It’s a matter of choice to move away from this construct, a spiritual effort in a way because here on earth realism rules. I agree that we are here on planet earth and not in heaven.

Whatever choice you make, strive to maintain your credibility. God only blesses where his reputation, as the creator, is safe. Be truthful to yourself, and develop credibility through character.

It should reflect who you truly are when no one is looking. If you have lost that credibility then look for it, face it, replace it and erase it. Move to the next level and be the change you want to see in others.

Let the political drama around pass over you. Just keep your head screwed on straight, firmly focused in the direction of where you want to go as an individual. You shape your own destiny by the choices you make.

Are they going to be part of what builds or what destroys? Pause, take a deep breath and be honest to yourself. Focus on your ‘why.’ Why am I here? The answer that you give to that question, will give you an idea to what you should be doing with yourself.

Do I make any sense? Let me put it this way. John Maxwell, the guru, says there are three things that a follower asks of a leader. Does he or she care for me? That is compassion. Can I trust him or her? That’s character. And, can he or she help me? That’s competence.

Great people never win the race, Maxwell says. When they cross the finish line they never cross alone, so should you!

Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
FLYING Bantu, a newly formed afro fusion band from Victoria Falls, has produced its debut album set for release later this month.

The group, formed in Chinotimba last year, plays an eclectic mix of Afro-fusion sounding tracks infused with elements of Funk, Jazz, Reggae and Rock overlaid                 with a distinct traditional Zimbabwean flavour.

It has four members, Tinashe Moaneni (vocals), Amkela Moyo (lead guitar), Bongani Ngema (bass guitar) and Sam Gulubane (drums).With only a year in music, the band has toured a number of Southern African countries including Botswana, Zambia and South Africa performing at various festivals there and locally.

Band manager, Guy Cockroft, said the four-track album titled, Cruising Attitude, would be released online within the next two weeks. The album will be launched in Harare and Victoria Falls in May.

“The EP album will have four songs plus one bonus track which will be released online only. We’ll spend the rest of the year recording and mixing the remainder of the songs with the aim of releasing a full album towards the end of the year,” said Cockcroft.

He said their producers in Harare were doing final touches to the songs adding that the album was a gift to all friends, family and strangers alike who have supported the group in the past year.

“Cruising Attitude is for all those who enjoy music and have a taste for something different. The songs we’ve picked dabble with concepts of love and war, peace and hope, jealousy and joy, without leaving out our friend and home, Africa.

“We’ve tried to share both light-hearted sentiments and the more emotional, heavier realities of our 21st century existence. We did our best to remain unpretentious and true to our musicality and poetry and we hope that the raw, ‘live sounding’ quirkiness of this production depicts our passion and love for what we do.”

The album will be released on the band’s Facebook fan page. Crockroft said the band was formed last year following a long creative process.

“We had our first show at the Cresta Sprayview Hotel in Vic Falls last year. From there, we’ve been invited to shows in Zambia, Botswana, Harare, as well as Cape Town where the group played on the Hemp Stage’s Rocking the Daisies show in October 2016,” he said.

“It’s been a year of hard work to come up with this debut EP which at its lowest level of engagement is aimed at giving listeners a snippet of what we’re trying to express, share and hopefully get better at.  Our quest is to find our sound and that crucial artistic landscape where we can meet and interact, dance, sing and reflect.”

— @ncubeleon

Pattern and Style, Yoliswa Dube

NOT too long ago, the dancehall igwe, Winky D (real name Wallace Chirumiko), sang about “bhachi nejean”.

He chanted, “usina bhachi nejean wakasara seTarino”. It was the in thing then, slapping on a blazer onto a pair of jeans.

Looking back, there was one problem with this trend. Men were wearing any sort of jacket with any kind of jeans and thought they were slaying.

In most instances, it was suit jackets over baggy jeans paired with a T-shirt even. The niggers were in too deep!

As time went on, the “bhachi nejean” Winky D chanted about turned into different colour jackets which in most instances had embroidery on the back. The embroidery could have been of any motif — an eagle, lion, pretty much anything!

Of course this was a big shift from the three-button oversized suit jackets which looked beyond weird but it still wasn’t quite coming together just right.

The trend got perfected over time and more men started to get the hang of it. But some got carried away. They’ll slap on a blazer onto pretty much anything; even when it’s not necessary.

The blazer manufacturers have come right and started manufacturing cutting edge stuff but more and more men have become confused about what should go into a blazer look.

There’s just so much on the market it has become increasingly difficult to determine what works and what doesn’t.

A blazer is a definite must have, but the cut will be determined by your body shape and height. Chubby cheeks wouldn’t look so handsome in a six-button blazer. It may add weight to your look as you try to keep it closed.

Rather go for a two-button with a vent at the back. It will have a slimming effect and give you the perfect silhouette. If you don’t already own any, you want to have your first blazer in a neutral colour and then go adventurous as your collection grows.

Start with the blacks, browns, navy blues, greys and then move over to the checkered and bolder colours. But if you’re charismatic — go for the bold colours and a single vent from the onset. Just remember not to wear it every other day. That’s the down side of elaborate pieces; they can’t be worn too often.

To pull off the blazer look well, invest in a crisp white shirt. Any woman worth her salt loves a man in a clean white shirt!

And guess what; you won’t need to wear a tie on a crisp white shirt and classic blazer. All you’ll need is a well-fitted pair of chinos, the perfect belt, good shoes and you’re good to go. The blazer look can be taken to different occasions — day or night. The secret is in your accessories.

For a polished evening look, wear your blazer with a pocket square and a lapel pin; those who know will appreciate your sense of style. Take it a notch higher and wear a bow tie or a cravat in a bold colour if you’re feeling a little fancy.

The secret is making sure your blazer, shirt and pants hug your body perfectly.

If you’re going to wear a brown belt, wear brown shoes and if it’s going to be black, let it be black waist and feet. Men generally don’t have much to accessorise with so the secret is getting maximum style from the few pieces you have. A watch is really nice to have.

It all comes together with a good fragrance. Nothing is as attractive as a man whose fragrance announces his presence. Many people don’t get this but investing in a good fragrance speaks volumes of your sense of style and how seriously you take your personal hygiene.

Make sure it’s not harsh and it doesn’t harass the next person’s nostrils — the scent has to be nothing but salutary. No woman wants to sit next to a man who stinks or one whose fragrance is overpowering. It has to be just right.

Ever met men whose fragrances linger after they’ve left? Now that’s hot!

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.

Thulani Munyandi

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
BOASTING of being able to speak, read and write in six indigenous languages, meet fast tongued National FM drive time radio presenter Thulani Munyandi who has the ambition to one day be a member of the House of Assembly for his home town of Hwange.

Munyandi, popularly known as the branch manager of entertainment, presents Abancane Qha on the station as well as music programme Sikhiph’amabatshi that airs on Wednesday from 10.30PM. He has over 15 years of experience on radio and apart from that, he is a television personality who reads news on Saturdays and Sundays in his native tongue of Nambya from Montrose Studios in Bulawayo.

With two children, Taboka (13) and Tamara (4) and married to Juliet Mutarisi, the talented 42-year-old personality who was mentored by the late Joe Panganayi said he stumbled upon being a radio presenter as he wanted to be a teacher.

“My Grade 7 teacher — Mr David Mnkandla liked me a lot. He’d come to the school during the holidays and encourage me to read a lot of novels. I listened and because of my relationship with him, I was inspired by him and wanted to follow in his footsteps,” said Munyandi.

However, as fate would have it, an advert by ZBC for indigenous language speakers got him curious. In 2002 when he was working at Mutare Board and Paper Mills, Munyandi saw an advert for vacancies for people who could speak Nambya and other indigenous languages. He applied and got the job.

But, it was not an easy road as his first day in studio was a daunting task.

“The studio was unfamiliar ground for me and I, at one point, thought it was better to pursue a teaching career. Thankfully, my advisor, Gideon Msipa, encouraged me not to be afraid and took me through in-house training.

“During that time, I was attached to the late Joe Panganayi who was to become my mentor. Gradually, I gained confidence.

He said under the watchful eye of Panganayi, he was ushered into the world of radio after three months.

“Back then, you’d broadcast under the tutelage of your mentor. On a certain day, my mentor didn’t pitch up and I was given a task to cue music as a way to kill time as I was waiting for the mentor.

“After some time, the station manager called and asked why we weren’t speaking on air and I told him it was because my mentor hadn’t come. He said I should give time check (telling listeners the time) every 10 minutes. After our shift, he informed me that I was going to do a greetings show on Radio Zimbabwe.”

Munyandi said his father, renowned Nambya books author, Paul, was his biggest influence in his media career as the knowledge he gained from him landed him his first job at ZBC.

“My father is the type of man whom when you pronounce a word incorrectly, he’ll correct you instantly. He’ll explain why you would’ve pronounced it wrong, which mostly is because of language contact.

“He assisted me a lot in sharing the history of the Nambya people. Through him, I’ve more knowledge of the Nambya people than an 80-year-old person.”

Growing up in Hwange was also fertile ground for Munyandi to develop and cultivate his interest in indigenous languages.

“I could speak Nambya and Ndebele. The good thing about Hwange is that there’re people who can speak Chichewa and Tonga so through interacting with them, you get to learn their languages. My close friend Lawrence Mukombwe was instrumental in teaching me Tonga. When we moved to Mutare, I learnt how to speak Shona which wasn’t that hard to do. These other languages I learnt when I was at ZBC. For example Kalanga is much like Nambya.”

Munyandi, who is working on learning Venda and Chikunda, said the moniker Branch Manager was derived from his surname.

“I used to use a nickname Soko Jena on radio as Munyandi is my grandfather’s name and our surname is Ncube which I translated to Nambya as Soko Jena. One day, a listener from Mutare suggested that I rebrand to branch manager as Soko means Monkey. From then onwards I called myself the branch manager of entertainment,” said Munyandi.

He hopes to one day try his hand in politics as he believes he has been representing Hwange district on radio and TV.

“I like to represent people and for these past years, I feel I’ve been representing people, especially those who speak Nambya and Hwange district. I was like the custodian of the language here at the radio station. One day, I think I want to be a Member of Parliament, but not next year.”

Oliver and Sam Mtukudzi

Robert Mukondiwa
HIS face was slightly moist. A sign that someone had quickly washed his face so he would be presentable to those who had come to see him.

His hands were neatly folded across his chest like the classic pictures on pious saints in Roman Catholic literature. Covering him to around the waist area was a crisp white taut linen that had signs of regular starching time and again-neat sheets.

He lay, almost as if in a deep sleep, but one that he would wake up from. His lips pursed at the edges, yet slightly open leaving enough room to see that a tooth may have been missing. His torso showed another sign that perhaps he wouldn’t wake up from this sleep; zig-zag marks showing he had been ripped open at the chest area perhaps for a post-mortem and had been stitched together in large lazy stitches; each zig-zag stretch being perhaps half an inch long.

But there were some who hoped he would wake up. To my right his father, Oliver Mtukudzi, towered over the remains of his son, breathing a gravelly song into his ear. Singing for this cold, quiet mound of flesh that only hours before, had been one of the bubbliest bursts of life ever to grace our nation. And perhaps the brightest spark in the future of Zimbabwean music and the arts in general.

Oliver’s voice drifted into the ears of his son. That legendary voice with both grit and melody in awkwardly equal measure. It fell in his son’s ears like warm golden grains of African sand falling into the ears of this sleeping man. It is everybody’s dream — a special performance by this legendary god of African music, singing just for you. But not in this case. It was a tragedy of immense proportions. A performance one would rather do without.

But not as tragic as what was happening to the left of him.

Sam’s mother, Daisy Mtukudzi, was singing a song of her own. A song of hope against hope. A dirge to her son with the last gasp. Open his eyes. Blink.

Perhaps chuckle at having been part of a bad joke. But Sam was an artiste and not a jester. When he sang he sang from the heart. And when he died, his heart stopped with him.

“Sam. Ndimhamha. Sam chimuka ndauya. Sam hazvichanakidza,” Daisy said imploring him to quit this sombre dry cruel joke. She wanted him to wake up because his mother had come and yet a joke it was not.

Her tears flowed as her voice broke intermittently in between her pleas for her son to wake.

My eyes caught those of the people in there. Despite us being quite a number, there were just three sounds one could hear. Daisy’s voice, Oliver’s song and the sound of the silence of Sam Mtukudzi’s heart.

It has been seven years since that tragic day on the Ides of March; March 15, 2010 when Sam Mtukudzi and his beloved friend Owen Chimhare met their perilous end in a tragic accident along the Harare-Norton Highway just a stone’s throw from the turn into Kuwadzana extension.

Yet the nation still has not taken stock of what value indeed they lost in his death. They perhaps never will. For Sam was a priceless gift to the world of the arts and the expected torchbearer into the future alongside other talented artistes of his generation. That was not to be.

Today, some may contemplate that perhaps had he had his seatbelt on, he would have lived to see this day. His father worries that had he come a day earlier from an international trip as originally planned, he would have averted Sam and Owen from taking the unplanned second trip to the city to welcome him and his wife from South Africa.

Zimbabwe thinks if she had ensured our roads are safe the two would still be alive today, doing what they did best; creating smiles in a nation that badly needs upliftment of the soul.

All we know for sure is no amount of grief and soul searching can bring Sam and his colleague back seven years down the line.

With two marvellous posthumous albums — Musiirwa and Cheziya, several unreleased material and an almost palpable array of wonderful memories, Sam Mtukudzi and his amazing legacy will never depart from Zimbabwe and her cultural landscape.

The late Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry, the pioneering rhythm-and-blues guitarist and singer who was one of rock and roll’s most influential performers, has died aged 90.

First responders called to a home in a suburb outside St Louis, Missouri, on Saturday afternoon found Berry unresponsive and were unable to revive him, according to authorities in St Charles County, Missouri.

In a statement on Facebook, the St Charles County Police Department said it “sadly confirms the death of Charles Edward Anderson Berry Sr, better known as legendary musician Chuck Berry”.

Berry’s jaunty, danceable songs and high-energy performances – punctuated by his signature “duck walk” – made him one of the earliest stars of the burgeoning rock and roll scene that grew out of mid-century rhythm and blues.

His first big hit in 1955, Maybellene, became one of his signature songs, carving out a place for the new sound on the saccharine pop charts of the day.

Some of Berry’s classics, covered by hundreds of artists over the decades, include Johnny B Goode and Roll Over Beethoven.

Among his other hits: You Never Can Tell, Sweet Little Sixteen, No Particular Place To Go, Nadine, and My Ding-a-Ling.

Berry was in the first class of inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside contemporaries including Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard.

“It’s very difficult for me to talk about Chuck because I lifted every lick he every played,” Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards said at Berry’s 1986 induction, calling him “the gentleman that started it all”.

A native of St Louis, Berry blended blues and country influences, along with hot-blooded songs about love and lust that were racy enough to entice 1950s teenagers, but tame by later standards.

Berry’s life was a treasure and a triumph, and he’ll never be forgotten.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that he’s the most influential figure in modern rock & roll,” the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame says in its biography of Berry.

“Name any major band – the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith – and they’ll have cited Berry as an inspiration.”

Berry served time in prison after a 1959 accusation and conviction of sex with an underage girl, but he later continued his career undeterred, regularly touring into his 80s.

The 1987 documentary film Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll depicted performances for Berry’s 60th birthday.

Berry had planned to release a new CD this year.

Tributes from musicians and politicians began coming in soon after the news broke.

— DPA news age.

Ras Caleb on stage in this file photo

From Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
MUSIC lovers in Victoria Falls were treated to a memorable night on Saturday when Comfort Pub and Grill in Victoria Falls hosted Harare’s Ras Caleb supported by a Bulawayo dance group Ziyawa Queens.

Victoria Falls DJs Mike and Hluz and DJs Sweeto and Phibz from Bulawayo warmed the stage before the seven-member Ziyawa Queens serenaded a full house setting the stage for the main act Ras Caleb, real name Caleb Tereka.

DJ Hluz, real name Mehluli Ncube, organised the show.

After the show, Nompumelelo Ncube, who fronts Ziyawa Queens comprising Stella Moyo, Iphithule Dube, Pretty Ngwenya, Susan Nyabuwa, Charmaine Ncube and Eveline as other members, said they were elated to have played in front of a lovely crowd.

“This is a wonderful crowd. We are happy to be in front of people who respect artists because elsewhere we have been called derogatory names but here the crowd has respect,” said Ncube.

Ziyawa Queens was formed in 2009 by Ncube’s husband Bukhosi Nyathi, an ex-Iyasa member.

The group dances to Rhumba, museve, RnB and Kwaito music and has toured many places such as Plumtree, Esigodini, Maphisa, Beitbridge and Inyathi while also playing at weddings and parties in Bulawayo.

DJ Sweeto, Walter Ncube of Events Techniques music stable who was playing for the second time in Victoria Falls added: “This is a good show and everyone enjoyed. We want to give people the best and so whenever we come they should attend in numbers.”

DJ Hluz said he was enthused by the large turnout.

“We are happy that people came in numbers. We thought of bringing him (Ras Caleb) as the main act because last time he was supporting others. We decided to mix Bulawayo and Victoria Falls DJs so we all can learn from each other through this fusion,” he said.

—@ncubeleon.

The late Joe Mafela

ACTOR, writer, producer, director, singer and businessman Joe Mafela died at the age of 75 on Saturday.  

According to Metro police spokesperson Edna Mamonyane, Mafela died following a car accident. His nephew Anthony Mafela broke the news of his uncle’s tragic passing on Twitter on Sunday.

Mafela died after being involved in a collision on the M1 North in Johannesburg on Saturday night. A culpable homicide investigation is underway.

Speaking to TshisaLIVE outside Mafela’s house in Kew‚ his niece Millicent ‘Milly’ Mulelu said the entire family was in shock.

“The family is still in deep shock at the death. It was unexpected and we thought that we would at least have him around for a little while longer‚“ she said.

Millicent explained that when they received the phone call in the early hours of Sunday morning, it felt like a dream.

“Joe’s side of the car was untouched in the accident so for us to then find out that he had died was a massive shock‚ but we are a praying family and we have been praying for strength and understanding in the hours since the accident‚“ she added.

Millicent spoke fondly of her uncle‚ who she will remember as the person‚ who always made everyone laugh.

She recounted how happy Mafela was when he went on a family trip last month.

“Joe went on a boat cruise with some members of the family earlier this month and was surrounded by fans who wanted to take pictures with him. He was so happy and relaxed and we did not doubt for a second that he was in a good space.”

Millicent added that as a family they knew he was loved by the entire nation and was grateful for the love the country showed him.

“We want the nation to know that he worked hard for them and thank them for the love they have given him. We understood that we shared him with the nation and we are grateful to them for embracing him.”

Mafela’s funeral details are yet to be finalised.

Mafela was born in 1942 in Sibasa, Transvaal, and was brought up in Kliptown and White City Jabavu, in Soweto, near Johannesburg.

He started acting in movies at the age of 22, playing the role of an editor in the movie, Real News.

Mafela went on to join the South African film company SA Films and worked as producer, director and film actor for 20 years.

He also managed the multi-ethnic dance troupes Mzumba, Sangoma, and the Gold Reef Dancers, which performed in feature films, theatres and hotels.

The actor co-starred in the first all-black movie made in South Africa, as Peter Pleasure in Udeliwe in 1974. And went on to work with director Peter R Hunt in the 1976 film, Shout at the Devil.

In 1986 he was cast as the unemployed lodger S’dumo in the Zulu language comedy series Sgudi ‘Snaysi, which ran for 78 episodes on SABC.

Mafela co-owned the production company, Penguin Films where he worked as Creative Producer

Mafela conceptualised and starred in early Chicken Licken TV ads, and authored the company’s “It’s good, good, good, it’s good it’s nice” jingle during the making the commercial in 1986.

In 1996, Gallo Records released the album Shebeleza Felas, with the popular hit Shebeleza (Okongo Mame). It was a huge success, and Shebeleza was a theme song during the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996. He went on to record and released several other Zulu language albums.

—Online.

Ras Boom and DJ Ace kater

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
ZANKALELI hitmakers DJ Ace Kater and Ras Boom say the song which recently went viral on social media platforms has made people and promoters appreciate their music.

The Victoria Falls duo, which has been in the music business for the past couple of years, only shot into prominence at the beginning of this year when the Zankaleli video went viral on social media sites because of its catchy lyrics.

The song is currently sitting on Skyz Metro FM Byo Top 20 first position as well as Breeze FM’s Chart Rockers.

Ras Boom said they owed the success of their track to social media as Zankaleli was more of a social movement.

“Zankaleli has proved to be more than just a song as it’s now a movement which has taken us places. People want to be part of the movement as some went as far as creating a Zankaleli challenge where people posted comic videos of themselves singing the song.

“We are now working on launching a clothing label — Izankaleli — due to public demand. We’ll start off with T-shirts written #Izankaleli and DJ Ace Kater’s winter wear selections which we’re still designing,” said Ras Boom.

He said because of the success of the song, local music promoters had started booking them for shows.

“Last Friday, we’d a great performance at the official opening of Club Nitrus in Victoria Falls where we shared the stage with Mzoe 7. The fans kept requesting for Zankaleli and our future plans are to embark on a Zankaleli tour which is scheduled to start any time from now.”

The song has inspired the duo to work on another single which they hope will also be a hit.

“We’re still pushing Zankaleli. People must expect something bigger than Zankaleli which will also trend,” said Ras Boom.

The Zankaleli hit-makers thanked fans for supporting them as well as those who had made the song go viral by sharing it on various social media platforms.

“We’d like to thank our fans who keep on requesting the song on radio and also voting for it on various chart shows as it continues to top the charts.”

Ras Boom said they were now working on perfecting their live performances so as to give fans real value for their money.

“Because of the song’s popularity, we’re hard at work rehearsing so that when people see us on stage, we give them a performance to remember so they don’t have an anticlimax.”