The Sunday Mail
THE last day of the Harare Agricultural Show has always been significant on the entertainment calendar and is usually laden with explosive events around the capital.
This coming Saturday is no different, as the curtain comes down on the annual show with several gigs poised to battle for merry-makers.
The biggest show of the day is set to be the Mafikizolo and K.O-headlined gig at Belgravia Sports Club, though the traditional Harare Cup Clash at City Sports Centre and the Summer Fiesta 2016 show at Rainbow Towers Gardens are also poised to attract hordes of fun lovers.
The club scene will also be intense with the likes of 1+1 Happy, Pablo’z, Volt, Private Lounge, Centurion and Pariah State lining up big parties.
Mafikizolo fans are in for a treat this time around with the group coming with a full band for the first time, unlike their previous gigs where they have used a semi-live band, which incorporates a DJ.
While they left many fans mesmerised with well-polished performances, they will be bringing a totally different experience to Harare, considering the full band and contingent of dancers.
Cashtime rapper K.O has already promised a crazy performance in a video that he posted online, with his fans expecting to see the rapper live for the first time. On the other hand this will be the first time that Jah Prayzah performes in Harare after the launch of his new album “Mdhara Vachauya”.
Many fans who are yet to see him performing the new songs on stage have the opportunity to enjoy their favourite artiste’s latest offering while it is still fresh.
Winky D who is also lining up to drop a new album will be out to prove who the real kingpin is on the music scene, which sets this show as an explosive affair. Advance tickets go on sale Tuesday.
While the Belgravia show takes place on the other end of town, the two other gigs will be happening less than a kilometre apart, with the same target audience of Zim dancehall fans. The Harare Cup Clash has always been a popular fixture on the Zim dancehall calendar especially among the ghetto youths.
With many upcoming chanters set to battle it out for the ultimate honour of being the best Zim dancehall act in the country, this is set to be a thrilling affair.
Over 30 established artistes are also taking part and these include Soul Jah Love, Seh Calaz, Kinnah, Shinsoman, Dobba Don, Hwindi President, Ras Caleb, Dadza D, Ricky Fire and Bounty Lisa to mention just a few.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Leisure, Jackie Dzambasa of Chipaz Promotions said they were mainly focusing on the upcoming artiste battle despite having a strong line-up of established acts.
“We have a very strong line-up with some of the country’s top chanters but our focus will be more on the upcoming acts who are competing for the cup. Besides the chanters who are clashing, we also have a sound clash where 100 crews are going to do battle so this is going to be an exciting show,” said Dzambasa.
The artiste who will claim the throne on the day has the opportunity to share the stage with Romain Virgo when he comes to Zimbabwe in September.
“The winner will not only share the stage with Romain Virgo but we are going to facilitate all his recordings until next year.
From this contest, we are going to pick five of the best who we will work with so that they also make it into the mainstream.”
While some people might liken this event to the Sting, which brings back bitter memories after the horrific fracas that transpired at the 2014 edition where many people were left injured, Dzambasa said the two concepts were different.
“This is not the same as the Sting because on this one only upcoming acts will be contesting while the big artistes will do normal sets,” he explained.
While many dancehall acts use backtracks during their performances, organisers of the cup clash have decided to use live bands.
“We decided not to use backtracks this time around so all the acts shall be playing with live bands.
“Most acts are not used to performing with live instruments but we have given them enough time to rehearse so by the time we get to the day of the show I am sure they will be ready,” said Dzambasa.
In the past, contestants were judged by the crowd but this time around they have also added judges who will determine the outcome of the event.
Rainbow Towers Gardens show will also be buzzing with Zim dancehall activity, posing a threat to the traditional cup clash.
The strong line-up comprises artistes and DJs that include Winky D and Killer T (both of whom are not part of the Cup Clash), Seh Calaz, Kinnah, Guspy Warrior, Ricky Fire, Hwindi President, Judgement Yard, Legendary Sound, Mighty Ducks and Digital One among others.
While the Summer Fiesta’s line-up is almost similar to the one headlining the Cup Clash, their major draw card will be the inclusion of Winky D and Killer T, with both artistes not taking part at the other gig.
Surprisingly, Two Kings is also promoting this particular gig, despite also hosting the Mafikizolo and K.O show on the other side of town.
One of the organisers, Dee Nosh, said they had organised the gig so as to cater for the massive Zim dancehall community, which will be out in full force on the day.
“We have a gig that is being headlined by an Afro-pop group and a hip-hop artiste so we also wanted to organise something for Zim dancehall fans, which is why we came up with the Summer Fiesta concept,” said Dee Nosh.
Dee Nosh said he was confident that the show would be a success because of the artistes they have roped in for the show.
“This is our first time promoting Zim dancehall but we have tried our best to put together a great show, which is why we have put together some of the best artistes and DJs in that genre.
“This is a combination of brilliant artistes that we have worked with in the past and others we are working with for the first time so I am sure this is going to be a great show.
“If you look at the likes of Winky D and Killer T, they have mega hits that are on rotation at the moment so fans should just brace for a good time.”
