The Sunday Mail
Andrew Moyo
This weekend merrymakers and arts lovers are spoilt for choice with many exciting events taking place across the country.
With the weather getting warmer by the day, promoters and event organisers have also been upping the ante, creating a busy leisure schedule.
The activity pile-up for this weekend is just as insane as last week, with loads of options to choose from starting from Friday till Sunday.
Mbeu Album Launch
For Afro-fusion lovers, Theatre in the Park is the place to be Friday night with one of the country’s most exciting artistes in the genre, Mbeu, launching his new album “The Mhodzi Diaries 1”. The artiste has promised his fans a new and refreshing sound on the Mono Mukundu-produced 10-track album.
Mbeu
Maskiri’s Resurfaces
There was a time when Maskiri was one of the biggest artistes in the country, but he has been all but quiet of late. However, the rapper is on the spotlight tonight as he launches a new album, “Come Back” at Solomon’s Lifestyle Café in Glen View. The controversial lyricist will be supported by numerous artistes including Aisha Dawn, NXT and the club’s resident DJs.
Maskiri
Cracking ribs with Long John
Long John is one comedian who has been working hard on his craft and it comes as no surprise that he was nominated for a Savannah Comics Choice Award. The hilarious tall fellow will be cracking his jokes Friday night at Reps Theatre where he is headlining the Simuka Comedy Nights. Having made his name under the Simuka Comedy banner before moving to South Africa, this will be more like a home-coming show.
Long John
The National Gallery in Bulawayo
Moving to The City of Kings, the National Gallery in Bulawayo will be a hive of activity Friday night as it plays host to Friday Late. This event will involve an exhibition opening, poetry, a film screening and musical performances, among other things. Artistes who are set to perform include Cal Vin, Nyasha Bothwell, KASI Vibes, Blessing Makoena and King Rodney.
Khuli Chana for Unplugged Festival
While many people were skeptical that the second edition of the Unplugged Festival would take place with organisers being quiet about it till the last minute, the fete is on Saturday at Greendale Sports Club.
Khuli Chana
The event is being headlined by South African hip-hop artiste Khuli Chana who will be supported by a contingent of talented local acts including Takura, Diana Samkange, Mbeu and Raydizz. Unplugged used to be the ultimate monthly event in the capital until the creators decided to spice it up and adopt a festival format instead, cutting the dates to three editions per year.
The first edition under the new format was held back in April with Sauti Sol being the headliners.
Motocross of African Nations
Over 200 motocross riders from seven countries will battle it out Saturday and on Sunday at Donnybrook in the hope of being crowned the 2019 MXoAN Champion.
Tanya Muzinda
Participating countries at the competition include Zimbabwe, Zambia, Morocco, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana and South Africa. Zimbabwe has already proven to be a force on the international motocross scene with the waves that Tanya Muzinda have been making for the past few years.
Dreamstar Zimbabwe National Finals 2019
On Saturday night the 2019 Dreamstar Champion will be crowned at the national finals to be held at the Harare International Conference Centre.
The search for this year’s winner began in April with singers, dancers, beat-boxers, magicians, and all other performing artists being invited to audition. After months of serious competition, only a few participants are left and these now have an opportunity to prove that they deserve the ultimate prize.
Dreamstar is nationwide talent search show that is hosted annually by the Chinese Federation of Zimbabwe in partnership with JCMC. The show seeks to empower youths who are in the arts and culture sector by providing them with the opportunity to realize their full potential and make their dreams a reality.
Vic Fall Afro Summer Party
Situated in the heart of Victoria Falls, the Comfort Pub and Grill is not only known for the good food but also for spicing up the resort town’s leisure scene by hosting some of the country’s top artistes every now and then.
They have roped in top producer and DJ, Oskid, and his counterpart Lavaz for Saturday’s Afro Summer Party. The hit-makers will be backed by local resident DJs Mike, Stones and Oga Dave.
Sunday
The Cookout at Palm Estate
Just a month after moving The Cookout to Palm Estate, organisers have also decided to tweak their line-up. Citing requests from their fans, the team has recruited the services of class act DJs Reverb7 and Klique for this weekend’s edition. Being one of the biggest monthly events in the capital, this is an outing not to be missed especially for those who like a family picnic set-up.
