The Sunday Mail
Leisure Reporters
THIS weekend will be a long one – it is Easter holiday. While Christians do their thing – imbibers and other merrymakers also take the opportunity to celebrate at their favourite leisure spots.
Tuku, Young Igwe @ Las Vegas:
The party kicks off Thursday with the godfather of local music Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi sharing the stage with sungura hotshot Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo for a special Easter Eve gig at Club Las Vegas in Southerton.
The duo will be supported by upcoming Afro-jazz artiste Sam Dondo, who is out to prove that he has what it takes to survive in the cut-throat local music industry. Patrons should expect fireworks from the main acts who are both tried and tested when it comes to live performances.
Young Igwe, as Peter is fondly known, is one of the best live performers in the country and his stage antics will definitely mesmerise music lovers on the night.
Macheso takes on HICC
On the same day, sungura fans are in for a treat as Alick Macheso launches his much-awaited album “Tsoka Dzerwendo” at Harare International Conference Centre (HICC). This will be the first time for the sungura maestro to stage an album launch bash and considering that his fans have been waiting for new material from the artiste for a while, this gig is set to be a blast.
The venue itself has become a favourite hunting ground for many artistes during their album launches and with Macheso’s credentials, coupled with the hype surrounding the show, fireworks are to be expected.
On Friday, Macheso takes his new album to the mountainous town of Mutare where he performs at The Platinum (former Pick ‘n’ Save). The sungura ace also makes a date with Chipinge on Saturday where he will perform at Yadzonzai.
Sulu’s Easter Eve @ Dandaro
Dendera crooner, Sulumani Chimbetu, will set Easter Eve ablaze when he takes his act to Dandaro Inn on “dog-eat-dog” Thursday. The following day, he joins forces with dancehall chanters Soul Jah Love and Ricky Fire at the recently opened Tanza Centre in Chitungwiza.
This will be the second high-profile gig to be staged at the venue, having recently hosted Jah Prayzah at its well attended official launch.
Chimbetu will then trek to Bulawayo where he will be performing at the Royale Night Club on Saturday.
Comedy lovers in for a treat
Comedy lovers are also in for a treat with Carl Joshua Ncube taking his act to Reps Theatre in Harare where he stages three shows from Wednesday to Friday. The comic has been on the forefront of local comedy for a while and his humour has seen him being invited to perform at many international shows.
Ncube is regarded as one of the best in the land and his wit will definitely crack some ribs as patrons usher in the Easter festivities.
Rhumba @ Alliance
Alliance Francaise is the place to be on Thursday for all rumba lovers as the venue plays host to Cour Royale Rumba band from Congo DRC who will perform at the closing concert of the Francophone Festival.
This show has been welcomed by music lovers who have been starved of the genre, especially after the closure of Chez Ntemba.
Zimbabwe Hall hosts “Mama Africa”
On Good Friday, Zimbabwe Hall hosts “Mama Africa” a musical play that tackles issues affecting African women. The play was produced by Enisia Mashusha in collaboration with Simba Arts.
Centurion dishes a mixed bag
On Saturday, Centurion Pub and Grill hosts the second edition of the “Fiesta Fiesta” party which sees a number of top DJs and musicians entertaining merrymakers on the day.
With a line up comprising of Dadza D, Tehn Diamond, Chucknosis, Candyman, 2 Bad and Abisha, the party is set to be exciting.
Motor Action Sundays on fire
Sundays are usually characterised by outdoor partying and currently, Motor Action Sports Club has taken over Harare’s Sunday nightlife, attracting thousands of party people every week.
Easter Sunday is poised to be a bigger affair, with an Easter special party lined up at the venue. MC Big Dollar Bruce leads his contingent of DJs who include Skatta, Yung Fresh and Phatman.
Other venues worth paying a visit on Easter Sunday include Mereki, Lake Chivero, Cleveland Dam, Zindoga, Chikwanha Gardens and Dam View, just to name a few.
