Prince Mushawevato and Sharon Kavhu
Dancehall king Winky D returns to the stage this August with a bang alongside South African music sensation Zahara.

The rare show will be Winky D’s first public performance since his sold-out gig at this year’s Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa).
His act at Hifa recorded probably the best-ever afternoon crowd in the festival’s 12-year history.
So popular is Winky D that he has managed to charm Big Brother, a development that will see the talented Kambuzuma-born chanter perform at the game’s eviction show tonight.

On the other hand, award-winning Zahara, born Bulelwa Mkutukana, surprised many when she filled to capacity the Harare International Conference Centre on her debut visit early this year.
Zahara returns to Zimbabwe to celebrate her eight awards picked up at the MTN South African Music Awards.

Organisers of the show, Hardcore Entertainment, have also included in the line-up ladies’ man Alexio Kawara and the sweet-voiced and versatile Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, in a show that is expected to shake the country’s two biggest cities, Harare and Bulawayo, on August 10 and 11 respectively.
Said a spokesperson for the organisers: “Zahara is aware of the multitudes of fans she has on this side of the Limpopo and she feels that she has to come and celebrate with them.

“And there is no better way of doing that than by descending on Harare on the weekend Zimbabweans will be celebrating the Heroes’ Day holiday.”
Delectable memories of the talented lass have lingered months after her well-attended shows.
Her debut album “Loliwe”, released last year, went platinum in two weeks and double platinum in just under three weeks, selling over 100 000 copies in South Africa and making her only the second musician, after the late Brenda Fassie, to achieve the feat.

Added the organisers’ spokesperson: “As a country we recognise the musician’s exploits and achievements over a short space of time and the two shows are a way for us to help her celebrate with her appreciative local fans.”
Zahara proved her pedigree in her debut show in Zimbabwe in March this year.

The organisers further indicated that this time around the shows were going to cater for varying revellers and performing artistes were going to stick to their scheduled times of performance.
“We are going to make sure that everyone gets an opportunity to watch Zahara in action.

“The idea is that she (Zahara) goes on stage before midnight so that those who wish to leave early will do so.
“Also, in Bulawayo the show will be starting in the afternoon till late.
“This will create a conducive outing time for those that wish to attend as a family,” explained the organisers.

Ever since storming on to the music scene, Zahara’s star has continued to shine.
She recently received some grand recognition when she became the first newcomer to be invited to play in the Cape Town jazz festival in the event’s 13-year history alongside Hugh Masekela, James Ingram and Lauryn Hill.

Aside from a brilliant voice that can be soft and hoarse and great crowd command, the musician has dexterous fingers that drop amazing rhythms.
Zahara taught herself the guitar whose formal chords it is reported she is still to master.
In Harare, entry fees are pegged at US$20 and US$30 for the VIP while in Bulawayo, VIP tickets will be going for US$10 with kids having to part withUS$5.

Meanwhile, in keeping with its goal of promoting African entertainers, Big Brother StarGame will tonight feature Zimbabwe’s biggest reggae-dancehall artiste Winky D,  in the eviction show, to be screened live on DStv’s Channel 198 at 8pm.
“We are excited to see Zimbabwean artistes being promoted on Big Brother StarGame, a show that reaches across Africa and gives a wonderful platform on which to

showcase this exceptional local talent to a wide international audience,” said Liz Dziva, public relations manager for MultiChoice Zimbabwe.

Winky D has won numerous awards including the National Arts Merit Awards for  Outstanding Album — “Igofigo”, Zimbabwe Dancehall Award for  Best Zim Dancehall Song — “Rokesheni” and The African Entertainment Awards, Mainstream (Africa & International Acts) — Song of the Year “Controvhesi”, amongst others.
Power FM DJ Davies Mugadza will also rock the Big Brother  house on Saturday, and will again drop the beats at the live eviction show next Sunday.