The Sunday Mail
Andrew Moyo
THE Sunday Mail Bride of the Year competition reached its climax last Saturday with a star-studded musical gig to welcome a new queen, Mrs Hollyness Mugabe-Chikwata.
Mrs Chikwata walked away with US$1 000, a second honeymoon to Victoria Falls, an air ticket, a personal care hamper, a certificate and a bouquet of flowers. The winner, who amassed the most votes, thanked people that voted for her.
“I did not think that many people would actually vote for me but as it turned out, I managed to get the most votes so I would just like thank everyone who supported me by voting,” said Mrs Chikwata.
The mother-of-two who is reading for a Marketing degree at the National University of Science and Technology, said she was happy with all the publicity she got.
“I feel like a celebrity now and I was really happy seeing a picture of me and my family in the newspaper, the feeling is just amazing.”
Indeed she is a celebrity after winning one of the most popular competitions in Zimbabwe.
Her win was capped by a superb performance from Jah Prayzah and his Third Generation band, who belted out hit after hit soon after the crowning ceremony.
After Jah Prayzah had left the stage, superstar Oliver Mtukudzi took over, bringing the house down with old and new compositions that kept the crowd rocking.
Clad in all-white, Tuku took no prisoners during his set, dropping popular sing-alongs complemented by excellent guitar skills and cheeky dance moves.
And then came Winky D.
The “Disappear” hit-maker had the audience singing along in a performance that lasted well over an hour. Winky D was given the task of shutting down the gig and he proved why he is called the Big Man as the crowd exploded the moment he appeared on stage.
Some of the hits that sent the crowd into a frenzy include “Ninja Saturday”, “Not Nice”, “Mirror” and “Disappear”.
Piloting the proceedings was the duo of radio personality Nikki from Star FM and top comedian Doc Vikela, who both added flare to the already mesmeric night.
From the prize-giving ceremony to the music extravaganza – everything went like clockwork, with a display of splendour characteristic of the biggest weekly and family newspaper in the country.
The night was also resembled a fashion show as most of the people who attended came dressed to the nines. There was a carnival atmosphere, with a crowd that was in the mood for a party and that is exactly what they got. Being a family event, it was attended by people of all age groups, which created a different vibe from the other hard-core musical gigs.
In a speech at the event, Zimpapers chief marketing officer Tapuwa Mandimutsira, said the bridal gala had grown to become a significant fixture on the calendar.
“Year after year, this event keeps getting bigger and better and it has grown to become one of those occasions that we at Zimpapers and you our valued customers, together with the sponsors of this event, look forward to each year,” said Mandimutsira.
He added: “Indeed this is a platform for all of us to meet and celebrate together as one big, happy family. At The Sunday Mail, we pride ourselves in being the leading family newspaper and therefore, we believe that with this initiative, we are playing our small part in building and strengthening the family unit.”
The organisers put together an exceptional show-piece that would make any event expert turn green with envy. The stage work was majestic and the lighting on point.
The sound was crystal clear, with no glitches, which brought the best out of the presenters and performers on the night.
To spice up the event, there were mini-fashion parades during intervals, with models showcasing bridal apparel from Designer Closet and Vessels of Honour.
The crowd welcomed these models with loud cheers as they marvelled at the exquisite garments that were being displayed.
There was also a raffle draw for a free wedding which was won by Phariesi Mutengwa, who is already married and said she was taking the opportunity to celebrate her anniversary.
Sponsors of the free wedding include Buxton Farm, Passion Events, Designer Closet, Vessels of Honour, Just Wedding Cars, Sun Valley Audio, Ashfix Media and Cake Link.
In the cake category, the ultimate winner was Mrs Enetty Mudemba-Mlambo who pocketed US$700, a second honeymoon to Victoria Falls, a personal care hamper, a certificate and a bouquet of flowers.
It was also a prizes galore for the winners and runners-up in the photographers and bakers categories. The other finalists did not walk away empty handed as they were given consolation prizes.
Winky D’s manager, Ras Mwalimo had this to say after the event: “This event was well co-ordinated and everything was going smoothly throughout the night.
The sound was on point which contributed to Winky D’s brilliant showing because his act responds according to the sound that is coming out.”
Brides
Winner -Hollyness Mugabe-Chikwata
First Runner-up – Audrey Makazhe-Mutengwa
Second Runner-up – Linah Kachidza-Mutsiva
Cakes
Winner -Enetty Mudenda-Mlambo
First Runner-up – Linah Kachidza-Mutsiva
Second Runner-up – Yeukai Madzimure-Makore
Photographers
Winner – Chenesai Monera
First Runner-up – Joseph Bute
Second Runner-up – Itap Media Photographer
Bakers
Winner – Mrs L Rwodzi
First Runner-up – Tamanda Beneure
Second Runner-up – Tsitsi Rupanga.
