The Sunday Mail
Leisure Reporters
THE popular Harare Gardens roars into life today with a mixed bag of the country’s top performers taking turns to serenade merrymakers.
Man-of-the-moment Jah Prayzah and in form Zim dancehall artiste Killer T will share the stage with their equally competitive counterparts Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo, Soul Jah Love and gospel musician Mathias Mhere.
Dubbed “Zim’s Finest under One Roof” the family gig is expected to attract thousands of revellers if figures that attended the recently held Chibuku Road to Fame finals and the Commissioner-General’s Funfair are anything to go by.
With summer upon us, revellers are beginning to shy away from indoor events in favour of outdoor activities. It was evident last week that families are being deprived in terms of entertainment.
Critics expected either one of the events between Chibuku Road to Fame show and the Commissioner-General’s Funfair to suffer since the two annual fêtes were held on the same day, September 26, and had a similar kick-off time.
Moreover, the organisers of the event enlisted the services of an almost similar line-up of artistes. Interestingly, they were both well attended.
According to the organisers, both events attracted thousands of revellers and surpassed the targets they had set themselves. Thus, revellers from all spheres of life, children included, got a chance to watch some of their stars in action away from dangerous environs of night clubs and bars. And those that missed out on the action and/or want to carry on from where they left last week, the opportunity presents itself again today.
The Harare Gardens gig is a must attend. Debate has been raging on who has better appeal between Jah Prayzah and Killer T. And that will be solved today. The two artistes come face-to-face on the same stage at an event that will have adjudicators from all age groups.
Also the Young Igwe who recently released his new album “Mabasa aMwari” will seize the opportunity to prove that he is no push over. The Young Igwe’s backing group, Utakataka Express, is generally considered by many to be next to none with regards to choreography and presentation.
At the same time the Conquering Family boss, Soul Jah Love, who has released a string of singles that have already begun making a mark on national radio and in clubs will also be out to prove that he remains the best.
And despite being a stranger in the house, Mhere is expected to usher families into a party mood but guided by scriptures.
Event coordinator Partson “Chipaz” Chimbodza said this was an unusual event, promising nothing else but fireworks. He urged revellers to come early.
“Unlike in the past we are opening our gates early. This is a family show in the actual sense. We want children to have a chance to see all the artistes that are scheduled to perform on the day. Also we will be closing the gates early in the night hence the need for punctuality,” said Chipaz.
Meanwhile, the curtains came down on yet another edition of Shoko Festival last weekend and the repulsion syndrome that haunted the event last year will not go away.
With a star studded line up of artistes that included Casper Nyovest, Tol A$$ Mol, Bucie, Symbiz Sound, Deep Fried Man, Doc Vikela, Clive Chigubhu and Trae Yung to mention a few and with the cost of a single ticket going for US$5 one would have expected the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Science venue to fill up to capacity, but it was not to be.
Only a few people attended the opening day, which had South African top comedian Tol A$$ Mol and the sensual house songstress Bucie headlining.
The second day provided hip-hop fans with a chance to see one of the continent’s biggest rappers, Casper Nyovest, on stage for as little as US$5 but alas, Harare could not be wooed that easily.
Despite the poor attendance, however, organisers should be applauded for their selection of artistes who did not disappoint and gave fans their money’s worth.
The last day of the festival dubbed the Peace in the Hood Concert, which was held in Chitungwiza free of charge managed to attract a bumper crowd.
Having adjusted ticket pricing and opting for a more central venue, the festival still failed to attract the multitudes expected of such a big festival.
