The Sunday Mail
A SPITTING distance from Chill Spot Records in Mbare, a trendy new hangout has been born.
Simply named Zebra, the place has become popular not only with residents of the suburb but outsiders as well. For fun-seekers that have a penchant for the outdoors, the joint, which formerly operated as Streambank-Mbare, is the place to be.
Now under new management, Zebra has become a worthy option for revellers that are ever in search of the latest-place-to-be. With joints like Mega 1 folding operations and Harare fast running out of places compatible with family outings, the birth of Zebra could be the much-needed panacea.
Of late, revellers have had to be content with recycling outdoor venues like Mereki, Zindoga and Kwa Fatso. Zebra is attracting people from all sections of society.
Tucked away from the tumult of Mbare hostels and Mbare Musika, the place is in a league of its own.
It has an ambience that relaxes and easily gets one into a joyous mood.
Spacious and secure parking increases the convenience of the joint.
Under the confines of the superstructure is a butchery that supplies fresh meat ranging from game meat to the usual pork and beef types. The butchery is supported by a bottle store, nightclub and supermarket.
“We have been running this place since September last year and our focus is on turning it into the preferred family outing joint. We wish to offer an option to already existing joints in this southern part of town,” said the proprietor, Sydney Dube.
Musicians are stampeding to set dates with the joint, which is a mixture of various open-air concepts that have been in existence for some time.
Last week, Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo and his Utakataka Express graced the joint though the event was marred with terrible hiccups. His security did not know how to handle a larger than expected crowd that turned up for the family show.
And it was during the same event featuring the Young Igwe that a new find in the form of dancer and musician, Lady Storm, stole the hearts of revellers. Put aside the crowd control and stage issues, the energetic lady gave fans something to talk about. In fact, she has had a fine run in the past few months.
But it is in this live show department that the joint is found wanting. There is need for the proprietor to construct a better stage.
“…a better stage is in the process of being constructed, of course, we will be hosting various musical groups at various points, but the ultimate objective is to create a venue that will be hosting patrons that like to listen to music played by a DJ,” said Dube.
Hygiene is of serious importance to the proprietor since the venue is located in an area that has been stereotyped inasfar as cleanliness is concerned. And efforts have been made to have a number of ablution facilities and continuous supply of water.
Top DJs that play a carefully chosen playlist of family music complete the atmosphere. With only a few months in operation, Delta Beverages through Chibuku has already extended a sponsorship deal to the proprietor with a partnership possibility.
“We want Zebra to be as conducive as possible for families. Also we are not creating this place for Mbare residents. Patrons should come from as far as Kuwadzana, Borrowdale and even from outside our borders. They will not be disappointed as we offer everything including ice-cold drinks and traditional meals,” explained Dube.
With the appeal for Mbare’s old recreational facilities like Stodart Hall, a swimming pool centre called George Hartley and the popular Mai Musodzi Hall fading — initiatives like Zebra deserve to be hailed.
