The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda and Tinashe Farawo
NEVER mind the distance and high accident between Chitungwiza and Harare – the dormitory town continues to attract merrymakers from the capital in their thousands.
As the festive season gets into full swing, entertainment providers in Chi-Town have upped the game as fierce competition for clients grows. The local music industry’s big guns, who include Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso and Suluman “Sulu” Chimbetu, are all expected in Chitungwiza this holiday period. The festivities went a gear up on December 4 at the Aquatic Complex where sungura giant Alick Macheso clashed with the rising Peter “Dhewa” Moyo.
Zim dancehall crowd favourite Soul Jah Love and Kinna were also present to spice the night. And now Tuku and Sulu will share the stage at the revived Moonlight (Makoni Shopping Centre) this Saturday.
The Sunday Mail Leisure last week visited various joints in the town, where frantic preparations for the festive season were in motion. Chikwanha Gardens, situated at the hyperactive Chikwanha Shopping Centre, is one of the biggest players on the Chitungwiza entertainment scene and the joint’s owner, Emmanuel “Manu” Chikonyora, says he is geared for the fun times.
“Ours here is a family place, we do not normally hire bands or dancing queens. We will have various top notch DJs especially from Star FM that come to play here. We pride ourselves in the heavy sound system that we have installed and a friendly atmosphere that is always prevailing here,” said Chikonyora. The recent opening of Dam View, a tantalising open air spot overlooking Manyame River, has added to the options at Chikwanha Shopping centre where Paramount – one of the most popular joints in Chitungwiza – is also located.
“We will have family shows every weekend until the end of the festive season. We are currently in negotiations with Macheso and Sulumani Chimbetu. “Apart from that, we will also offer nice picnic days conducive for family setups. On the music scene, our patrons are guaranteed a variety of tunes from our resident DJs,” said Jesse Takavadii, Dam View entertainment manager.
Chitungwiza Hotel and Conference Centre, formerly Nyamutamba Hotel, in Zengeza, has undergone massive revamping since businessman Kenny Mubaiwa took over. The facility offers a variety of entertainment services throughout the festive season.
“Apart from various entertainment activities, cold and affordable beer, Mubaiwa Group also offers decent accommodation and wedding facilities,” said Gertrude Kandemwa, general manager of the Mubaiwa Group.
The Ligi brand is also stretching its tentacles into Chi-Town and various activities have been lined up at their latest spot, Ligi N, at Pazvido centre in Unit N. Ligi N has been growing in popularity thanks to its decent environment and generous parking space. Zebra Valley at Zengeza 2’s Gazaland Shopping Centre is one night spot that has stood the test of time. Apart from the Miss Zebra Valley launched last week, the joint’s manager David Chiseya says he has more to offer.
“We are talking to Jah Prayzah, Sulu (Chimbetu), Leonard Zhakata and Tocky Vibes. These popular artistes are the most sought-after and it is sometimes difficult to tie them up. But we are certain to have Progress Chipfumo who has always been a regular here,” said Chiseya.
On the highway to Chitungwiza is the popular family joint Junction 24, a spacious and serene place that has played host to big names like Macheso, Jah Prayzah and Sulu. Junction 24 owner Musoni Madzingira is promising a festive season to remember: “Our place is suitable for both the old and the young, we specialise in giving families a treat of a lifetime. We have jumping castles for kids, various DJs and artistes will also perform here. Above all, we offer a very tranquil environment for revellers plus tight security and spacious parking for motorists.”
