The Sunday Mail
THE lush green of Harare Gardens, long forgotten by music lovers, will for the first time in over a year host a musical extravaganza this afternoon.
Peter Moyo
Harare Gardens is a popular family venue and has for the past year been dominated by weddings, church gatherings, corporate functions and the Harare International Festival of the Arts.
But no music shows were held.
There are few places in Harare where families can enjoy open air music — and so many people will be happy that today Harare Gardens will move to the rhythm of musical instruments once more.
A star studded line-up featuring artistes from Zimbabwe and Botswana will be on stage and thousands of fans are expected to attend.
The headline acts are king Alick Macheso, Peter Moyo, Blessing Shumba, Progress Chipfumo and the visiting duo of Slizer and Franco. This gig has all the necessary ingredients to compensate for the long sabbatical.
Expectedly, Macheso and Young Igwe will seize the opportunity to introduce songs from their forthcoming albums. Young Igwe Peter Moyo has set September 4 as his launch date at 7 Arts Theatre in Harare.
Franco, real name Frank Lesokwane, who is an undisputed crowd puller in Botswana will also want to prove that his popularity transcends borders; while his compatriot Slizer will get a chance to share the stage with Young Igwe on the duet “Pasina Mari”.
The song features on Peter’s forthcoming project, “Masimba aMwari”.
Show co-ordinator Tendai Mazanhi said they had crafted the gig with the family in mind.
“We have observed that it has been long since families had a decent outing and at an opportune place. Thus, we have come up with this show for them,” said Mazanhi.
“It has all the necessary components to fulfil the family fun day mood. The artistes who will be performing on Sunday (today) were carefully selected to suit varying tastes. And we hope the show will help bring back the good old memories.”
The return of Waterwhirld
Bodyslam Entertainment is hosting the Summer Fest at Waterwhirld
Like Harare Gardens, this venue comes back to life. Waterwhirld used to be the place for youths, especially on the last day of the Harare Agricultural Show.
And like the Summer Slam bash at Harare’s Long Cheng Plaza, the Summer Fest is a mixed bag as it will host the country’s top Zim dancehall, hip-hop and urban grooves artistes.
Traditionally the place is known to be a favourite for school-going kids and that is likely to give the promoter an edge since the target crowd is still on holiday.
Promoters at each other’s throats
The August 29 showdown has seen promoters’ nerves getting the better of them. Fear of flopping has seen the promoters losing the ability to reason with Simba “Bodyslam” Chakare having been caught on camera last week defacing and removing a rival’s posters.
The closing day for the annual Harare Agriculture Show is proving to be one of the busiest weekends that the country has ever witnessed. And just like last year, revellers are spoilt for choice.
Various forms of entertainment and at different venues have been lined up. However, some artistes will be working overtime as they have been booked for more than one show on the same day by different promoters.
This is likely going to create confusion for the undecided lot, yet the hard-core Zim dancehall fans have long made the decision on where they will be on the day.
High-end partying in Borrowdale
Toni Braxton and Babyface
But before the Saturday madness takes over — on Friday there is a big do featuring Grammy award-winning R&B sensations Toni Braxton and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.
The duo jets into the country this week and is set to perform in the capital on August 28 in their first tour of Africa. The show is expected to attract revellers from the high-end market judging from the ticket price and location of the gig.
Reports say Toni Braxton will arrive in the country this Tuesday, with Babyface arriving on Thursday before they take to the stage on Friday for what is expected to be a memorable gig.
Not since Akon and Sean Paul’s 2010 National Sports Stadium spectacle has the country hosted such high profile US-based performers.
If all goes well, Braxton and Babyface will leave lasting memories.
Mixed bag at Long Cheng Plaza
High-flying man-of-the-moment Jah Prayzah will lead 15 established artistes at the Summer Slam gig.
According to organisers, the show is a mixed bag that will see artistes from different genres ranging from dancehall to all forms of urban grooves sharing the stage with the Third Generation Band.
Zim dancehall at City Sports Centre
Slizer
This is a venue that usually packs to the rafters. Especially when Zim dancehall is the show on display.
The popular Harare Cup Clash has grown from strength to strength with each passing year. And this year, the clash is likely going to have an unusual result if market trends are anything to go by.
The show features top acts Seh Calaz, Soul Jah Love, Winky D, Ricky Fire, Kinnah, Terminators, Bounty Lisa, Lady Squanda, Templeman, Cables, Garry B and Judgement Yard, among many others.
Zim dancehall followers will fill the venue regardless the line-up, and it is hoped that security will be tight as these shows tend to degenerate into violence.
Uncertainty at Rainbow Towers
By the time of going to print, it was not clear if two gigs slated for Harare International Conference Centre and Rainbow Towers Gardens are still on.
According to initial advertisements, there is supposed to be a massive show dubbed the Gospel Greats at HICC while Roberto of the “Amarula” fame, from Zambia, is supposed to play in Rainbow Towers Gardens on the same day.
To the club scene
Fans who wish to mingle and get up-close with the visiting Nigerian superstar Davido will have to make it to the official after party at Sam Levy’s Village nightspot, Pabloz.
A fortnight ago, the joint played host to a successful gig featuring Nigerian artiste Burna Boy.
