National Gallery of Zimbabwe (Harare)

Showbiz Reporter
THE National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Harare will be celebrating the presentation and conservation of Zimbabwe’s contemporary and visual heritage since 1957 this year as it celebrates its 60-year anniversary.

The celebrations will also be an opportunity for the NGZ to rename the galleries to honour late artistes that walked through its doors, worked in the building and exhibited at the institution that was established on July 17, 1957.

“In April, we’ll formally change the names of some of our galleries. We’ve been calling them East, West, North and so on, but we’re going to name them after some of the artistes that have passed away, those who worked in the 50s and 60s,” said NGZ executive director Doreen Sibanda.

She said in July, a party will be held to celebrate the gallery’s establishment.

“As part of our celebrations, we’ll launch a ground breaking publication of all the Zimbabwean works that have been exhibited.

“In August, we’ll have another ground breaking publication of the history of art in Zimbabwe.

“In September, we’ll host the International Congress of African Culture which was last held in 1962. This will be a gathering of scholars and academics discussing African arts and culture.”

Sibanda said although in the 50s the NGZ was essentially an institution for the white community, the first director Frank McEwen was determined to develop and popularise the art of local black people.

“Frank McEwen was of a different view from local Rhodesian authorities. He was from Paris and had come to look for inspiration in Africa, contrary to what was the norm.

“With that background McEwen came here with the view that there must be something explicit about Africa and it was important to reawaken Zimbabwean art and to promote it.

“By the 1960s and 1970s there was a huge renaissance of Zimbabwean artistic creativity and along that a great deal of international success.

“This new art was largely using the medium of stone, a medium which was already familiar to our ancestors here in Zimbabwe and it led to the internationally acclaimed stone sculpture movement.

“However, the stone occupation didn’t mean that there were no other skills inherent therein. Rock painting and other objects in local material pointed to a continuation of indigenous forms of expression, high skill and creativity.

“Soon after independence, the National Gallery purposefully promoted and reinforced this narrative,” said Sibanda.

The annual South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) which took place on Saturday night in Sun City were nothing short of a glamorous affair.

The ‘who’s who’ of the entertainment industry attended the awards to celebrate SA’s film and TV stars who were honoured for their work with Golden Horns.

Veteran actress Lydia Mokgokoloshi walked away with a Lifetime achievement special recognition award while actor Thapelo Mokoena scooped the Youth Achiever Award.

It was definitely a big night for Thembisa and Anele Mdoda who both bagged awards for best presenter and best talk show respectively. However, Thembisa will be taking a break from presenting Our Perfect Wedding. Popularly known as MaMnisi on Isibaya and Slenda in local female prison drama, Lockdown, Nomsa Buthelezi will be taking over as the host of the popular Mzansi Magic reality show over 13 weeks from May.

The Safta’s which were broadcast live on SABC 2 were hosted by Katlego Maboe and Thando Thabethe.

Below are the SAFTA’ 11 winners:

Television:
Best TV Soap/Telenovela : The Road

Best Achievement in Directing – TV Soap/Telenovela: High Rollers

Best Actor – TV Soap/Telenovela: Anthony Coleman

Best Actress – TV Soap/Telenovela: Tina Jaxa

Best Supporting Actor – TV Soap/Telenovela : Mandla Gaduka

Best Supporting Actress – TV Soap/Telenovela : Linda Sebezo – Sharon Dlamini

Most Popular TV Soap : Isibaya

Best TV Drama :Heist

Best Achievement in Directing – TV Drama: Heist

Best Actor – TV Drama: Jerry Mofokeng – Heist

Best Actress – TV Drama: Tiffany Barbuzano

Best Supporting Actor – TV Drama: Warren Masemola

Best Supporting Actress – TV Drama: Jana Cilliers

Best Talk Show: Real Talk with Anele

Best TV Presenter: Thembisa Mdoda

Film
Best Actor – Feature Film: Dann-Jaques Mouton

Best Actress – Feature Film: Shoki Mokgape

Best Supporting Actor – Feature Film: Abdurahgmaan Adams

Best Supporting Actress – Feature Film: Hlubi Mboya

Lifetime Achievement Awards: Junaid Ahmed and Lydia Mokgokoloshi

Youth Achiever Award recipient: Thapelo Mokoena. — TimesLive

Andy Muridzo

Contemporary musician Andy Muridzo has featured his boss – Jah Prayzah on his third album “Tichambotenderera” which he launches today at 7 Arts Theatre in Harare.

The young musician who was recently signed up by Jah Prayzah’s Military Touch Movement record label collaborated with Jah Prayzah for a track titled “Emma”. Other tracks are “Memo”, “Yahombarume”, “Tichambotenderera”, “Mai Maria”, “Merenziana”, “Dhibhi Remhuru”, “Chingoma Cherudo”, “Dairai”, “Kumabumbe”, and “Ndirangarirei”.

His manager – Gift Petro said Muridzo featured Jah Prayzah to cement their relationship.

“He’s (Jah Prayzah) been very supportive and we’re happy that our contract with Military Touch Movement (MTM) is yielding results,” said Petro.

He said on the album, the young musician blends love lyrics with different beats that were created by producers Maselo, Tamuka and Chiweda.

A duet with Motswana sensation Naledi Kaisara aka Slizer had to be dropped from the album as it was incomplete.

“We’d to drop the track with Slizer as it was still being mastered. We hope to release it on her album that’s due for release,” said Petro.

Muridzo became a household name last year with his second album “Ngarizhambe” that had a number of hits including Dherira.

Some have labelled him a Jah Prayzah “copycat” and he is working hard to convince people that he is his own man through the album and other singles he has released.

Petro is however confident that the new offing will keep Muridzo’s standing in the music industry.

“We’ve done our groundwork and all is set for the big day. All artistes on MTM movement will be coming on board,” he said. – Harare Bureau/Showbiz Reporter.

Sipho Mazibuko

Showbiz Reporter
STRIDES Modelling Agency, the once popular modelling grooming company which churned out winning models – Lorraine Maphala, Sibusisiwe Dube and Samantha Tshuma – is back!

Its founder Sipho Mazibuko said she had taken a hiatus after she found the going tough as there were no sponsors to fund her pageants.

And now, the agency popular for hosting much talked about pageants, Miss Summer Strides and Miss Rural Zimbabwe, is planning to announce its return with the hosting of a Strides Modelling Agency graduation.

Twelve models, 11 female and one male, will take to the ramp at Holiday Inn on April 29 for the graduation.

The last class to graduate in 2007 featured Sibusisiwe Dube who went on to win Miss Bulawayo before being crowned Miss Tourism Zimbabwe second princess as well as Mr Summer Strides Edson Hapazari.

Mazibuko said the modelling agency was back due to popular demand.

“The last time I held such a graduation was in 2007. Ever since 2006, I stopped hosting pageants because of money constraints.

“For the past two or so years, people have been calling me to bring them back and after a lot of consideration, I’ve decided to get back on the horse and start grooming models for the industry,” said Mazibuko.

She said she enrolled her first students in August last year. The graduating models include Dorothy Mathe, Natasha Ndlovu, Princess Dube, Mitchell Peterson, Celine Sialumba, Tania Mabasa, Langelihle Phiri, Ruth Sibanda, Yvonne Jiyane, Rejoice Mulauzi, Doreen Ndebele and Munashe Mazorodze.

“The students were being taught things like hair and nail care, manners and etiquette, modelling and wardrobe management,” said Mazibuko.

She said she was planning to send their portfolios to Heads Models in South Africa with the hope that they will get modelling contracts there.

Sadly, Mazibuko said she would not be hosting pageants anytime soon as she promised two years ago.

“I was struggling to get sponsors for Miss Summer Strides and that’s why I stopped. I need $100 000 to hold a successful and glamorous event.

“However, the sponsors aren’t coming forward with money. They only bring beauty products which I appreciate, but they don’t assist with the hosting of the show.”

Strides Modelling Agency brags of having alumni such as Miss Zimbabwe Lorraine Maphala-Phiri, Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Samantha Tshuma and Miss Tourism second princess and Miss Bulawayo, Sibusisiwe Dube.  ZBCtv news anchor Yolanda Gumbo and R&B singer Shanice “Alaina” Pullen have gone through the hands of Strides Modelling Agency.

Showbiz Reporter
MILITARY Touch Movement (MTM) supremo, Jah Prayzah, is set to perform in Bulawayo for the first time this year.

The Mudhara Vachauya hit-maker, who was last in the city in December when he performed at the Kalawa Homecoming gig, will perform at a show billed Dance Bulawayo on March 31.

Organised by NAMA Outstanding Promotional company, 2 Kings Entertainment, the event will be held at the Large City Hall Car Park.

Other artistes scheduled to perform include Mai Makanaka hit-maker Boom Beto, Templeman, DJ Tajamuka, Gary B and Tribal House trio Djembe Monks.

2 Kings Entertainment spokesperson, DJ Dee Nosh, said: “We’re happy to be hosting this show in Bulawayo because we always want to give everyone a taste of every genre of music.

“Bulawayo has become Jah Prayzah’s second home as people there always support him each time he performs.”

He said tickets have been pegged at $5 with EcoCash and Point of Sale (POS) machines set to be availed at the venue on the day.

Jah Prayzah, who recently set up the Military Touch Movement record label which has the likes of Andy Muridzo, Ex-Q, Tahle WeDzinza and Nutty O, said he was looking forward to the Bulawayo gig.

“It’s always good to get an opportunity to perform in Bulawayo as I enjoy every moment there. The support is tremendous and I’d like to encourage people to come and watch me in action as I’ve a lot of surprises for them,” said Jah Prayzah.

He said he was hard at work rehearsing with Andy Muridzo who will be launching a new album today at the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare.

Nceku

Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya, Showbiz Correspondent
POPULAR social media comedian Nceku (real name Thuba Sibanda) is set to launch his debut comic DVD in Bulawayo on Saturday.

The DVD titled, ‘I am Nceku’ was recorded live at Robert Sibson Hall and is two hours long. It will be released on Facebook on the Nceku fan page with DVDs already available.

Nceku, a Christian comedian, will be one of the first social media sensations to take his comic works to a different platform as he targets a new audience.

Unlike his usual skits on social media which are usually less than 10 minutes long, the DVD will also act as a tent pole to cushion Nceku from only existing in a virtual space. If marketed well, Nceku may soon be gracing various stages.

His spokesperson, Wisdom Nyathi, said the DVD launch comes after a successful debut show that was held late last year.

“The show titled I am Nceku was an introductory outside the virtual world. This DVD launch comes as an insight to those who didn’t attend the show last year,” said Nyathi.

“I am Nceku is a unique two hour work of comedy. The comedian went an extra mile and packaged new jokes that are set to win the hearts of many.”

Nyathi said the DVD would be available at affordable prices at the launch party.

“We’ll make sure that the DVD will be affordable so that everyone buys a copy at the launch. The idea is to expose people to Nceku,” he said.

Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
REIGNING Miss Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), Faith Mbuse says the death of the institution’s Vice Chancellor – Professor Primrose Kurasha last month derailed her “Help me.”

Mbuse (31), a third-year Human Resources and Labour Relations Management student at the distance education university was crowned Miss ZOU in August last year. Immediately after being crowned, she started the project with the hope of empowering the girl child as part of her duties as queen.

The beauty who works as a customer care consultant at Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority in Victoria Falls said she was waiting for the green light from the university authorities to resume her project.

“I’d embarked on a project to help the girl child in remote areas. The project also includes career guidance sessions. The death of our vice chancellor however affected my plans as I’d to put everything on hold.

“For now, while waiting for the university to permit me to continue with my project, I’m looking for sponsors to donate pads as well as assist students at ZOU,” said Mbuse – a product of Glamour Modelling Agency run by Tendayi Westerhof.

Though she hopes to quickly get permission from the university, Mbuse said she could still do the project after her reign.

“I’m not worried that my term will come to an end before I complete my project because I can still do it even when I relinquish the crown,” she said.

She said she started modelling when she was 17-years-old after her mother insisted as she felt her slim body matched that of a model.

“When I was growing up, my mother wanted me to be a model because of my body. I was slim and at 17, I decided to pursue modelling and enrolled with Glamour Modelling Agency under Tendayi Westerhof who groomed and taught me what was expected of a model,” said Mbuse, who attained a diploma in modelling, grooming and deportment.

In 2004, she was crowned second princess at the National Education College and in 2009, she entered Miss Victoria Falls.

Mbuse also holds a Diploma in Personnel Management from Institute for People Management of Zimbabwe as well as a certificate in Public Relations and Marketing from ICCI.

@ncubeleon

Khuliyo

Showbiz Correspondent
AFRO pop singer Khuliyo will be celebrating his 37th birthday with a jam session at Club 263 Bulawayo that will feature some of the best artists from Harare and Bulawayo.

The birthday party will be held on March 29 with Harare artistes Progress Chipfumo, Gary Tight, Lady Storm (Eriza), Pauline, Talking Guitars, Blessing and Buale set to perform. From Bulawayo are Jeys Marabini, Ramsy K, Mzoe 7, Lady T, Sungura Masters, Donna N, Soul Prince, Thabbz, Simunye Simunye and Guluva 7.

Khuliyo, whose birthday is tomorrow, said he was also celebrating his 20-year arts career.

“I’ve been there, done that, managed acts, launched several careers and even assisted with the starting of a festival and local awards. I’ll be celebrating all this next week,” said Khuliyo.

The artiste, who is the face behind the jam session in Bulawayo, said: “My birthday party will serve as a re-launch of the Jam Session which we’d stopped hosting as we wanted to assess it and re-strategise.

“Now, the session will be improved and more exciting.”

A former Umdumo weSizwe vocalist, Khuliyo said he did not regret taking up the arts, only wishing he had gone solo earlier in his career.

Tich Mataz

Harare Bureau
Veteran radio and TV personality Tichafa Augustine Matambanadzo, popularly known as Tich Mataz, was on Tuesday found guilty of smuggling clothes and shoes from China into the country and was fined $300.

Matambanadzo pleaded not guilty to contravening the Customs and Exercise Act but was convicted due to overwhelming evidence against him.

Harare magistrate Mr Lazini Ncube fined Matambanadzo with an option of two months in prison.

Matambanadzo through his lawyer, Mr Godfrey Makwaye, asked for time to pay the fine, prompting Mr Ncube to ask if he was lying when he said his client has huge savings in mitigation.

Mr Ncube did not comment on whether or not Matambanadzo will pay the duty he evaded.

In aggravation the prosecutor, Mrs Francesca Mukumbiri, said Matambanadzo contributed to the bleeding of the economy and sabotaged Government.

“His moral blameworthiness is high because of his celebrity status. He is expected to lead by example and observe the law. What example is he teaching the future generation?” said Ms Mukumbiri.

“Smuggling is a serious offence and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority is at the borders to collect revenue.”

In his defence, Matambanadzo said that he believed his items fell under rebate and was ordered to leave with his bags by a “certain” Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) official.

He also said Zimra machines were not working that day.

Matambanadzo who is employed by ZIFM is facing charges of contravening the Customs and Exercise Act.

On January 7 this year, Matambanadzo arrived at Harare International Airport on board Kenya Airways from China.

After picking his boxes from the carousel, he went through the green route used by those with nothing to declare.

He was stopped by Zimbabwe Revenue Authority official Patrick Mukanganwi, who asked him to go through the red route for inspection of his goods.

The court heard that Matambanadzo was handed over to Patrick Mhanda who was manning cubicle No.3 of the red route.

Matambanadzo was asked to complete a declaration form and he complied.

Mhanda went through Matambanadzo’s stuff and noticed that he had several suits, shirts, track bottoms and shoes.

Mhanda worked duty for the clothes and told Matambanadzo to pay $538,75.

Mhanda went into the next cubicle to capture the information into the system, but Matambanadzo took the opportunity to disappear with his bags.

The court heard that by so doing, Matambanadzo deprived Zimra of revenue amounting to $538, 75.

Cal_Vin

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
BULAWAYO rappers POY and Cal Vin have, for sometime now, been involved in a cold war and the beef, as it is termed in the streets, has been simmering.

On Tuesday, Cal Vin took a dig at POY by name dropping him on a freestyle titled Ngibatshil’ Umoya. On the song, Cal Vin says fellow rappers now want to fight him as if he is POY, who is a butcher by day and rapper by night. POY works at a local butchery in Bulawayo’s CBD.

After listening to the freestyle, POY responded on social media saying Cal Vin had taken it too far.

“F*** this Cal Vin nigga ain’t sh**. . . This is hip hop, you plastic . . .” posted POY on his Instagram page.

The Skyz Metro FM team contacted the two to find out what their beef was. Responding to questions by Skyz Metro FM presenters BK, TKP and Patience Phiri, POY said: “When I heard the song, I was like ‘what’s this guy’s problem. I’m minding my own business and here’s a person taking shots at me. I won’t take this lying down’.”

Cal Vin on the other hand said: “I wasn’t taking shots at POY. I was just saying people want to start beef with me as if I’m POY. He works at a butchery and it was just a metaphor.”

POY suggested that the two square off through a live rap battle in which he bet $200 that he could beat Cal Vin through a public vote.

POY

“I can come there (Skyz Metro FM) and do a live battle with him (Cal Vin) and I bet $200 that I can beat him through public vote,” POY told Skyz Metro FM presenters.

Cal Vin said he was up for the battle.

“If he has bet $200, I’ll place $500 for the battle, that’s how confident I am.”

Skyz Metro FM’s Benkosi ‘BK’ Maphosa said they were excited about the rap battle scheduled for tomorrow.

“We’re going ahead with the battle between POY and Cal Vin on Friday. Everyone is excited and our WhatsApp line has been blowing up and opinions are divided,” said BK.

The rap battle has been scheduled for 9AM.

After the battle, whoever will lose will have another chance to redeem himself next month as the two will share the stage with South Africa’s K.O and Winky D at the Amphitheatre.

@bonganinkunzi

The One Stand Band

Showbiz Reporter
AFTER putting down the mic when one of its band members gave birth last year, all female group, One Stand Band, will tonight make a return to the stage.

The band, comprising Qeqeshiwe Mntambo, Ntombi and Novuyo Dube, was launched two years ago in Bulawayo. After the launch, Novuyo – who won the talent competition Starbrite – fell pregnant and gave birth last year. Since then, the group has been on hold waiting for her to bounce back.

Now, the group feels it is time for them to get back on the horse and start performing around the city.

However, tonight’s performance at Khumalo Hockey Stadium will be without Qeqe, who is in South Africa recording her album.

One Stand Band manager Michelle Mudau said in the past year, the band members had been focusing on other aspects of their art careers while waiting for Novuyo.

“The ladies have been busy with their acting careers. Novuyo and Ntombi have been shooting a television show that’ll be out soon. Also they’ve been working on their first single which will be recorded very soon,” said Mudau.

She said people should attend the show to see a revamped One Stand Band.

“The band mainly performs covers because that’s what most people relate to, but this doesn’t mean the group doesn’t have its own songs. It does and we’ll be performing more of those on Friday.”

Tholakele Ndlovu

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
SOUTH Africa-based gospel artiste Tholakele Ndlovu says she is pained that promoters and some festival directors are still offering food and accommodation as payment for artistes.

The gospel musician, who has been in the music industry for the past 10 years, said promoters should stop exploiting local artistes.

The Queen of gospel, as she is warmly known, is in the country to promote her latest album Ungithobe Amanxeba.

“I’ve a heavy heart and I’m pained that there’re promoters who’re still approaching us and offering food and transport as payment. I’ve food at home and I can get my own transport. We want money,” said a distraught Tholakele.

Declining to name the festivals and promoters who are ill-treating artistes, Tholakele said all events have budgets that accommodate the payment of artistes, hence there is no excuse for non-payment.

“Enough is enough! I believe all festivals have a budget for entertainment and artistes are supposed to be paid. However, you find someone telling you they want you to perform for free or for food. Promoters must rather opt to have three artistes performing and pay them all than have 20 artistes whom they won’t be able to pay,” said Tholakele.

She called for the relevant ministry to intervene in setting up structures to deal with the recurring problem.

“It should be a basic requirement that anyone who has a festival or show should sign a contract that is drafted by the ministry in charge of the arts. This will ensure that people who perform are paid their dues.”

Out of all the promoters and festival directors she has dealt with, Tholakele said only Justice Maphosa of Big Time promotions – the brains behind the Gwanda Gospel Festival – was the most reliable.

“I’ve never had any problems with Maphosa during his festival. When he bills you to be a performer, he gives you a contract and pays you with no hustles.

If there’re things he can’t fulfil in your contract, he’ll point them out. Other promoters should consult him for pointers,” said Tholakele.

The musician has four albums to her name, with the latest, Ungithobe Amanxeba, doing well on local radio stations. She boasts of sharing the stage with renowned artistes who include Rebecca Malope, R Kelly and Angélique Kidjo during the World Cup opening ceremony in South Africa.

The pricing of goods in Zimbabwe is ridiculous. You don’t even have to ask any local to know that for a fact. It’s all over where goods are being sold. We have taken the dollar and made a complete mockery of it.

One is reminded of the story, whether true or not, of former President Barack Obama wanting to see this loaf that cost a dollar. Was it that special? Well for the rest of us, we are now used to it.

The import of that story is that we have no respect for the dollar. Even in a crippling cash crisis, the prices seem to go north instead of southwards. Any visitor will tell you that the greenback is hopelessly undervalued in this country. The excuse one is given is the hyper inflationary era where the value of our currency was once less than that of tissue paper.

That’s a lame excuse if you ask me.The reality is plain greed. I am appalled by the number of people dealing in cash, carrying stacks of both bond notes and the dollar. We are a highly unbanked society because very few trust the banks. Not with the added inconvenience of being restricted when it comes to withdrawals.

The way retailers have stuck to a warped pricing model boggles the mind. Take for instance local retailers in Bulawayo who sell their goods at a price higher than in Harare or the rest of the planet for that matter.

Bulawayo, for all its collection of sins, has no money. The burgeoning industry that was once the envy of the region is now a distant memory. Factories have been turned into churches, and the thousands who trekked to Belmont, Donnington and Khami industrial sites have all but disappeared.

Many have trekked across the Limpopo and those who remain depend on their remittances. The rest are scratching the ground for a living or nearly eating grass.

From where do our avaricious retailers and service providers expect the money to cover their extortionist? We suspect business owners just shut their eyes and prices come to them in a dream.

Perhaps that could be justified during the Zimdollar era when inflation ravaged the economy.Today retailers wonder why stock is not moving an inch on the shelves. It’s just too damn expensive! Never mind the fact that there are a hundred other competitors selling the exact same thing!

If its cost recovery you are looking for then forget it. Unless one would rather have goods on shelves, a form of money laundering. Which I suspect is the case with most businesses. It’s safer to have dubiously acquired loose cash converted into goods. And let them rot there until someone comes across a windfall.

Customers are such a gullible lot. Like a Mexican wave, they are easily swayed. The little cash they could have scratched around to get is tricked out of them.

Admittedly, telling business people to cut their losses and run might be absurd advice. But a fool and his money are soon parted. It makes no sense to gun for 1 000 percent profit when there is a liquidity crunch.The reality is that you have to have cash to pay for rent, utilities and labour.

I remember teaching a very simple principle to my commerce students years ago. It was called SPQR — small profit quick return. The big supermarkets are making a killing from it. It’s just some of us are driven by greed and are not that patient. Kill the goose that lays the golden egg and move to the next one.
The idea is to make your goods affordable enough and they will fly off the shelves. That will put cash in your hands to order some more and the cycle continues. Is there an invincible mafia that is forcing every seller to charge the same price? There is absolutely no logic in selling two shirts a week just because one doesn’t want to cut the price below that of the competition.

The problem with some of our businesses, particularly the small to medium entrprises, is that they do not work on a business plan. That is, to sit down and think about what they do and why they are doing it. To consider where are they going and at what pace and cost.

If they are not breaking even, then logic says they should shut down. If they are hanging around oblivious of the reality on the ground, then we can safely assume they are a crime waiting to be busted.

Local businesses should disabuse themselves of the herd instinct. Just because this one is selling men’s underwear and seems to be making it does not justify me going into the same business. I saw it happen in Botswana and when one is forced to shut shop, it’s not pretty.

In Harare you have a whole block of shops selling exactly the same things. That is no reason to copy that warped model. It might even be that they all have one owner! We will never know where they got the money from in the first place. Such shops are sustained by a seemingly invincible, yet steady supply of hard cash.

The lesson for our businesses is as clear as day. Re-strategise on pricing by considering the ability of your customers to pay. Secondly, diversify and identify your unique selling proposition. If it is service then go for excellence.

As for the goods, price them affordably so that customers come back to buy more. That will sure keep the tills ringing. If you employ the scorched earth approach, and fail to adapt, you will go the way of the dodo. Extinction.

Pattern and Style, Yoliswa Dube

I ALWAYS wondered why this friend of mine had such good skin.

For a man, his skin is pretty flawless.

I never bothered to ask what he uses on his skin because well, it was really none of my business.

It wasn’t until recently that he passively mentioned his vanishing cream was out and he needed to visit a pharmacy to make a purchase.

I thought I hadn’t heard him right. Vanishing cream? Yes, he uses flipping vanishing cream!

It finally made sense. He controls his skin’s oiliness with vanishing cream, that’s why it is so flawless.

I got over my shock pretty quickly and thought, well, there’s really nothing wrong with a man who takes good care of his skin.

If he’s going to wear a hot blazer, a lavish watch and Tom Ford’s Black Orchid, why shouldn’t the nigger have good skin too?

He might as well get it all right! Few men really care about what they apply on their faces. They think it’s unmanly. But I honestly think there’s nothing wrong with a man who washes his face twice a day and uses shine control creams or sunscreen.

Good skin is an integral part of looking good because it has a bearing on your confidence and ultimately how you conduct yourself among people. To take care of your skin best, begin with adopting good hygiene practices.

Don’t use a towel at all on your face. It’s bizarre, I know but towels retain some bacteria after washes so you don’t want to take the bacteria on the rest of the body to your face.

It may seem unnecessary to mention but always wash your face first before the rest of the body, when the water is still clean and untainted by other products.

Unless of course if you’re using the shower. Find a good scrub that will help clean your skin further. It’ll take away the extra oils and unclog your pores.

Clogged pores cause pimples and black heads.

At least twice a week, make sure you scrub your skin-gently. A mixture of mealie-meal and water works perfectly fine as a scrub.

Depending on your skin type, invest in a moisturiser that will adequately hydrate your skin. Tissue oil is an excellent way of rehydrating skin. It’ll leave your skin smooth and plump as well as even it out.

One important aspect to understand about your skin is that it requires patience. Once you start on a new skin regime, give it time to work unless if you react. Please abort mission if you develop rashes, pimples or any other irregularities.

It’s key that you also realise that a lot of what your skin appears like is as a result of your diet and intake of water.

Drink lots and lots of water, it’ll clear your skin in ways you won’t believe! Watch your intake of sugar and fatty foods; they have a way of messing up your skin.

Another number one enemy of good skin is fast food, try limiting yourself on that. Remember always, your skin will react to how you treat it. Treat it with respect and you’ll enjoy it.

Nothing irritates me like a man who keeps the nail on his pinky finger long. What the hell is the purpose of that nail? I dread to think what it touches and the dirt it retains.

Get your toe and finger nails cut regularly. If you don’t own a nail cutter, I wouldn’t judge you if I saw you at the manicurist.

Keeping your nails clean and short is an integral part of personal grooming. Just like how you’d get your hair cut and your beard shaved, cut your damn nails!

Never wear the same pair of socks without washing it first.

Your feet sweat and sweat stinks.

No matter how clean your feet are, they’ll smell if you wear dirty socks.

And please, don’t keep your dirty socks in your shoes — have the decency to dunk them in the laundry basket.

Your shoes smell not because your feet stink but because you wear dirty socks and keep them in your shoes when you remove them. Your shoes really don’t get the chance to breath.

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.

The late Joe Mafela

Generations: The Legacy creator has said that the main studio where the popular soapie is filmed will be renamed The Joe Mafela Studio.

It is currently Studio 5 but Mfundi said that Joe brought audiences to the SABC and his contribution deserves something significant.

“Without the content and the people who bring audiences‚ the SABC is brick and mortar. Joe brought audiences.”

Mfundi spoke about how after returning to South Africa after spending many years overseas‚ it was Joe who invited him out.

“He was my friend. I’ve lost a friend.”

Mfundi was speaking at the memorial service for Joe Mafela. The actor died on Saturday night after being involved in a car accident on Johannesburg.

Mafela will be buried in a civic funeral in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The honour is bestowed by the city on citizens who made an invaluable contribution to its residents.

—Sunday World

Andy Muridzo

Contemporary musician, Andy Muridzo yesterday went home $11 000 richer as he cashed in on sales of his new album, Tichambotenderera.

Only 10 CDs were sold at the launch, with the rest going on sale today. All the 10 where taken by businessmen and politicians who attended the launch which was held at the 7 Arts Theatre.

However, we don’t know if all the money will come, as none of the buyers paid in cash, they were all pledges.

This trend has become common in the country, where businessmen and politicians attend album launches of high profile musicians and make pledges and then never deliver the goods after the show.

We hope that the Dherira hit maker gets his money.

On top of the cash pledges, Andy also got an all expenses trip for two to the Victoria Falls courtesy of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, with a total value of $5 000.

Now to the album launch, the turnout was fair as the auditorium was half full, but the whole production of the show was just average.

There was no vibrancy whatsoever — the event started off on a very dull note only to gain some momentum towards the end.

The programme was really disjointed and the hosts of the show, the Bustop TV ladies, only made things worse.

Luckie Aaaroni, co-founder of Bustop TV just needs to tell his ladies to take a chill pill and go it easy.

Nothing novel about the performances, if anything, all the Military Touch Movement (MTM) artistes failed to impress with their solo acts, serve for ExQ who was saved by the fact that people know his tracks, but it wasn’t a good night for him either.

The night only started to get exciting when Andy and Jah Prayzah joined the rest of the MTM crew on stage to perform their anthem, Chekeche.

The crowd finally popped out of their seats, that’s when we realised we were at an album launch concert and not a Star Brite preliminary round show.

Jah then took to the stage, as a solo artist with his band and got things fired up, much to the amusement of the audience.

However, that was the biggest mistake.

The organisers should have let Andy start, because after seeing the original, the protégé, even on his big night, failed to outshine the master.

When Andy then came on, it was really difficult to get anything worth making noise about from his act, because it was a replica of exactly what Jah had done.

The album is now out, and it’s time for Zimbabwe to make its verdict. We hope Baba Keketso as Andy is known by fans will continue to soar with this new offering.

— Zimbo Jam.

Nathaniel Ncube

Joel Tsvakwi, Showbiz correspondent
AS a producer/presenter Nathaniel Ncube is used to getting up and down faders on the broadcasting desk, but just occasionally he prefers to swap his 15-year broadcasting career with gospel music.

The ZBC National FM current affairs producer/presenter is on the rooftop following the success of his fourth album, Ngena kimi Jesu, which he said is adding on the catalogue of compilations from the perceived quiet border town of Plumtree where he was born and bred.

Plumtree boasts of churning out some of the country’s spectacular artists and renowned music promoters.

The late liberation fighter Solomon Skuza who is on record to have used his voice box to motivate the second Chimurenga spirit, Ndolwane Sounds, Mokis Connection, Madalaboy, Phakama Mbaya and Owen Ndlovu who released his popular Kubukalanga in the 1980s are all from Plumtree.

Lately music promoter, Polite Nkomo of PKY July promotions, who is now established as a professional music promoter not only to the confines of his home area, but raising the country’s flag high musically in South Africa is again from the border town.

Describing his love for gospel music as not only business but a life style, Ncube has followed footsteps of some of the country’s journalists who have joined the music industry.

Andrew Mupembe a Sungura artist singing in Hwesa and Shona, Dingumuzi Phuti with two albums singing in Kalanga as DJ Phutty, Thabiso Muswede former National FM presenter and Timothy Ngwenya now based in the UK and many others have contributed immensely to the growth of the music industry.

In interview from his base in the capital recently, Ncube said he started singing while at high school.

“I started singing at Thekwane High School and then I was singing acapella or imbube isichathamiya which is a common genre of music in my home area.

In 1997 I joined Glad Tidings Fellowship Nkulumane praise and worship and 2001 I moved to Harare to pursue a career in journalism,” said Ncube.

He said when he is happy he composes a song of joy, thanking God for the gift of life and when he is sad he composes a song which soothes him.

“My music appeals to different circumstances, joy, sorrow, hope, victory and every piece has a meaning and my music invokes spiritual emotions,” said Ncube.

He said having been in the media for over a decade contributed to his growth as a gospel singer.

“My journalism career gives me an identity but my music career appeals to spiritual aspect of my life. Music like journalism is artistic so the two careers complement each other,” he added.

The eight track album which he described as a master piece was produced and mastered by Gibson Makumbe at Divine Records and the songs  include Ngizombonga njalo, Yehlamoya, Usinqobele uJesu, Dihwa, Ukholo, Kuyobamnandi and Woza kuJesu.

The soft spoken, Fountain of life, leader, lead vocalist and composer has in his music cabinet the albums, Usingobele (2003) first album, Our Destiny (2010) and Redeemed/Ngikhiluliwe (2012).

— @joelTsvakwi .

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
A Wedding is a public declaration of love with many people making their way to the various venues to watch their friends, relatives and loved ones tie the knot, affirming their devotion to live forever together.

This week there is no Wedding of the Week, simply because the eight potential weddings that we had lined up were cancelled. The reason for the unceremonious cancellation of all eight weddings was that the husbands flatly refused to be published.

After nearly four years of having the Wedding of the Week column it is mostly women who come forward with requests to feature in our column. They seem to be more excited to feature on the column than their husbands.

The husbands, according to the brides, want to keep their private lives private.

However, some of the brides this week questioned the motives behind their husbands’ refusal.

“I don’t know why he said no. It’s bewildering because this is something that was done publicly and all our friends and family were there. But when it came to the paper, he said no! I’ll have to interrogate him further because I don’t buy the story that he’s a private person,” said one disappointed bride who asked not to be named.

Another said when she received a call from Chronicle Showbiz that their wedding was to be featured on the wedding of the week column, she was over the moon.

“Firstly I had to ask my husband and I thought it was a given that he’d agree. Lo and behold, he says no, he doesn’t want he’s not comfortable. I asked myself what he’s not comfortable with,” she said.

Of interest is when one wants to tie the knot their banns of marriage are announced three times way before the wedding day. The banns of marriage are put on a public place or notice board or even the local Press in some countries.

On the day of the nuptials the marriage officer asks if there’s someone who objects to the wedding before joining the couple.

Because of this, one of the brides said she suspected that her husband had concubines.

“I think he has someone who he doesn’t want to see that he’s married. The reasons he gave were flimsy and after talking to my friends and some relatives they concluded that he was hiding something,” said the bride.

Most husbands refused to comment on why they refused and only one commented saying: “I’m an introvert. I don’t like taking things out there to the public. It’s not that I’m hiding something but some of us just don’t want to take the stuff out there,” said one of the husbands.

However, there are some husbands who come forward out of their own free will with their weddings.

Some would want to surprise their wives with featuring their weddings on the column and telling their story on how they fell in love.

“I don’t see why I shouldn’t have the opportunity to show off our wedding in public.

“It’s a noble thing and I think women feel more secure in the marriage knowing that their husband can declare to the high heavens about our wedding,” said Khaya Tshuma.

Next week the wedding of the week column will be back.

Boom Beto

Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya, Showbiz Correspondent
NEW Zimdancehall sensation Boom Betto famed for his hit track Mai Makanaka proved last Friday that he is not a one-hit wonder.

When he released his track Mai Makanaka, many prophets of doom quickly dismissed him as just one of those overnight sensations.

On Friday Boom Betto proved them wrong as he took to the stage at Club 263 around midnight.

He had so much confidence despite that it was his his maiden show.

Female revellers couldn’t help but scream their lungs out and before they knew it, they were eating from his palm.

The pint-sized singer belted jam after jam much to the amusement of mostly female revellers.

The climax of the show was when he sang Mai Makanaka which saw a number of female dancers jumping on the stage thereby giving Obama the show host and bouncers a torrid time.

Boom Betto had to play the track several times as fans asked for more. At one point he invited female fans to come and showcase the “Donhedza Musika dance” as the dance move is called and they did not disappoint.

After his performance Boom Betto said he was inspired by beautiful women and it’s sad that they are still affected by domestic violence.

“In this track I wasn’t singing for a particular woman, but rather I was appreciating the beauty of Zimbabwean women. It is sad to learn that domestic violence is still rife in our homes despite efforts by the Government and communities to fight it,” he said.

Boom Betto said he is set to release his debut album by end of June and dismissed those who were calling him a one-hit wonder.

“It’s just that people are more familiar with my track Munodonhedza Musika, as I witnessed today. I however, have several tracks which are receiving fair airplay and many more are coming,” he said.

Alick Macheso

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
A CLASH of the titans is looming in South Africa as Sungura maestro Alick Macheso will hold a show the same night Martin Sibanda launches his second album in Johannesburg.

On April 29 Martin and the Ndolwane Super Sounds will launch his second album Konke Sizokulungisa at Hillbrow Theatre. Thirty minutes away at the Boksburg Hotel in Ekurhuleni, Macheso, urban groove artiste Nox and Ngwenya Brothers will hold a show there.

Sibanda’s manager Thandazani Nyoni said although Macheso could prove to be a counter attraction, they have enough fans to fill up their venue.

“Martin versus Macheso same day, same date, same time oh! What a coincidence! The truth will be revealed as we know that if Macheso is in town people will flock to his show. But this time it’ll be a different story as Martin will prove why he’s called the Big Boss. Hillbrow Theatre will be filled to capacity even if Macheso is town,” said Nyoni.

He said they had an established fan base in South Africa so there was no need to worry.

“People love Martin in South Africa and when he holds shows there they come in their numbers. This is very exciting to have two of the biggest artistes in Zimbabwe at different venues in South Africa. It’s just a pity that we held the show on the same day and each party didn’t know that,” said Nyoni.

Macheso’s manager Lucky said: “We’re off to South Africa on April 29. We are ready to rock our legions of fans and at the same time sample some of the new stuff. We’re focused on our show and nothing else,” said Lucky.

After Sibanda’s Johannesburg launch he will take his act to Bulawayo the following week on May 6 at the Amphitheatre. Sibanda will be supported by Zinja Ziyamluma, Clement Magwaza and Jeys Marabini.

@bonganinkunzi