The Sunday Mail
MANY Zim dancehall lovers still remember Soul Jah Love’s 2013 hit single, ‘Ndakarova Chisutu Chegreen’ which was released just after the ‘Ghetto vs Ghetto’ gig that was graced by Jamaican superstar Turbulence.
In this song, the Conquering Family boss was talking about how he and fellow artistes from Mbare shined on one of the biggest nights of their careers in front of the thousands who had thronged City Sports Centre on the day.
This inaugural ‘Ghetto vs Ghetto’ gig was one of the major platforms that catapulted the careers of most Zim dancehall chanters who have been dominating the industry for the past few years.
While the genre seems to have stagnated, pundits opine that introducing new talent might just be the remedy to rejuvenate the industry.
Accordingly, Red Rose Entertainment has decided to bring back the ‘Ghetto vs Ghetto’ contest in a quest to search for new talent.
The event will be held on August 6 at the Glamis Arena.
The contest is set to be bigger than the first edition, with the inclusion of participants from other parts of the country. Artistes from as far as Victoria Falls will also get the opportunity to shine on the day.
“This time around we are opening the platform to every talented artiste in Zimbabwe. Everyone is free to come and participate, never mind the province or district you come from,” said Red Rose Entertainment boss, Barbara Chikosi.
While fans choose to listen to mainstream chanters, there are numerous upcoming acts that have also been making noise and this contest provides a perfect opportunity for them to move up the ladder.
Aside from the main chanters showdown, organisers have added two more categories, the Clarks Contest for dancers and the Riddim Battle for producers.
Lots of prizes worth thousands of dollars and recording contracts will be won by those who shall excel on the day.
Winners of the first edition, the Mbare trio of Soul Jah Love, Kinnah and Seh Calaz, will be part of the programme as special guests.
New age for City Sports Bar
Experienced arts management expect Mathias Bangure has joined Devine Assignments, taking on the role of manager at City Sports Bar.
Bangure was roped in after the departure of Yassin Dhala who has left the club to take up a similar post at a new joint, Jazz 24/7, formerly Jazz 105.
Managing City Sports Bar might not prove to be a difficult task for the new boss considering that he has been in the arts industry for a while having previously been at the helm of Music Crossroads Zimbabwe.
Bangure promises to use his expertise in the industry in adding value to the nightclub.
Zim auto fest
Harare has slowly become a car crazy city if the big crowds being drawn by car shows, drag races and burnouts are anything to go by.
Petro heads are in for a treat come August 7 as Zim Torque hosts the fifth edition of the Zimbabwe Auto Festival at Belgravia Sports Club.
The festival has grown over the years and this time around, it is set to be even bigger as event organisers have added more activities to the programme.
The latest automobiles, classics, custom built, racing cars and bikes among others, will be on show at the festival.
The Altezza, Subaru, VW and Gusheshe car crews, among others, have also become a spectacle in the capital. They are poised for a showdown on the day.
Another interesting category that has proven to be popular at these car shows is The Sound Off, where cars with the loudest sound systems will be battling it out.
DJ Selekta Base and Evonik Entertainment will be keeping the crowds entertained throughout the day.
Eighteen trophies will be up for grabs in the various categories.
The Kansiime factor
While the Glamis Arena will be buzzing with Zim Dancehall activity, the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) will be exploding with laughter as the Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime invades the capital for the second time.
The queen of comedy is set to share the stage with her counterpart Cotilda Inapo, who accompanied her last year, South Africa based Ba Tencen, Q and beat boxer ProBeats.
Last year, the comic’s act left many ribs in pain after she delivered an exceptional performance in two sold out shows at the 7 Arts Theatre.
This year’s show is set to be electric.
On the other hand, Ba Tencen will make his first live act in front of a local audience. Zimbabweans are only familiar with his social media skits.
Music students graduate
There will be so much to celebrate for the Zimbabwe College of Music as it holds a graduation ceremony for its students on July 22.
The students were studying for a Bachelor of music degree, National Certificate in music and Advanced National Certificate in music.
Over the years, the college has produced graduates that have helped redefine the music industry in the country. One of the college’s products, Pastor Charles Charamba, is on record thanking the college for reshaping his view and understanding of music in general.
