The Sunday Mail
Andrew Moyo
WHAT started off in a shebeen, rather a house party setting, has evolved over the years to become one of the biggest showbiz events in the country.
And it is no surprise that on April 20 all roads lead to Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield, Harare where the popular Bodyslam-powered event takes centre stage.
While people usually trek to venues north of Samora Machel Avenue, which are considered upmarket, for similar leisure outings — Madirirano has managed to break that trend — forcing the well-heeled on some ghetto adventures.
Despite being hosted in a high-density suburb, there is an upmarket aura about it, which makes it attractive to affluent patrons. This ghetto affair has bridged the gap between the so-called “South of Samora” merrymakers and their northern counterparts.
The Madirirano affair has bridged the gap between the so-called ‘South of Samora’ merrymakers and their northern counterparts
The last edition of Madirirano had over 5 000 people in attendance but organisers are expecting significantly more considering the hype surrounding it.
They have put together a diverse line-up with the likes of Stunner, Transit Crew, Takura, Nutty O, BV Labien Musica, Chucknosis, Butler, Abisha Palmer, MC Tatts and Big Dollar to name a few, set to take to the stage on the day.
Entrance into the event is free of charge but those who want to get into the VIP and VVIP are expected to pay as organisers want to limit the numbers of people with access to those sections.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Society, Bodyslam International boss Simbarashe Chakare, said they are working hard to ensure that they pull off a memorable event.
“Many people have already shown interest and the hype is huge so we are optimistic that this will be bigger, which is why we are pulling all the stops to make it even better than last time.
“There are several things that people complained about last time, such as security and service, which we are going to make sure we improve as we try to get it right,” said Chakare.
Chakare said while he was not the originator of the Madirirano brand, he had been responsible for its growth and would continue pushing it to greater heights.
