MUSIC lovers seeking a night of fun will be spoilt for choice this festive season with several gigs lined up to end the year in style.
JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA
While Harare almost always retains its glow during every other festive season, this year it is quite different due to electricity shortages and perhaps lack of disposable income.
At most pleasure spots, club owners are having to run generators to try and keep the hangouts alive.
And without electricity, everything looks dull and less festive.
Another issue is that food is now expensive and for one to go out and have fun they have to part with no less than US$100 for at least a group of six people.
Traditionally festivities are all about merry making, braaing and partying, but in the absence of these, then it is a festive season like no other — a boring one you might add.
Be that as it may, there are those who will still go out and break a leg.
And there are some few big shows that are in the offing by some top musicians.
They annual Wedza Arts Festival is back, with a bang.
After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 scourge, the musical jamboree has made a rebound.
And on Christmas Day, all roads lead to Machakaire Village in Makanda, Wedza where more than 100 artistes lined up to perform.
Sungura singer and man-of-the-moment, Alick Macheso, who is riding on the crest of the wave with his latest album Tinosvitswa Nashe, headlines the cast.
The free show will give a chance to rural folk who do not necessarily attend such live shows.
Contemporary singer Jah Prayzah, one of the best stage performers in the country, is expected to bring more energy with the likes of Killer T, Mambo Dhuterere, Michael Mahendere, Bio DT Mudimba, Leonard Zhakata, Freeman, Bazooka, Pumacol, Hwinza, Enzo Ishall, Sulumani Chimbetu and Blessing Shumba, among others, bringing variety.
Gwanda Shutdown
On 26 December 2022 at the Phoenix Shisa Nyama Eyahdini, Gwanda will reverberate to the music of Nutty O and ExQ. It is a Boxing Day gig and those who will be travelling to Gwanda will be treated to a great show that features the two young musicians who are at the top of their game.
Also on the line-up are DJs Virus, Wycliff, Tony Touch and emcee are Freddy Kay and Gibbons.
Both Nutty O and ExQ will join forces at The Boundary on 27 December 2022. The gig will feature Mzoe, Nickimicks, Henry P and Kead Wikead.
Braai Out ZW
On 22 December 2022 there is a Braai Out show dubbed FioFest at Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield, Harare. The gig features a host of talented musicians including Shinsoman, Peter Moyo, Gemma Grifftiths, Van Choga, Extra Large, and DJs Fyah Lynx, Judgement Yard and Merciless Zim. Cooler Boxes are allowed before 4pm.
Fiesta Fiesta
The outdoor show returns on 23 December 2022 at Alex Sports Club featuring the queen of Amapiano —Shasha.
The South Africa-based musician makes a welcome return to Harare following another sold-out concert eearly this year. Shasha will be supported by Tanto Waive and RnB singer — Hillzy of the Muroora fame.
Caravan Park Zvishavane
Nutty O alongside Kinnah will perform at what has been dubbed Fill Up Caravan Park in Zvishavane on 24 December 2022. The Christmas Eve party will feature some Djs Lil Tuch, Lagga and Xhost.
Theatre in the Park Harare
Touring international group Mokoomba will perform at Theatre in the Park on 23 December 2022 featuring Nasibo as an opening act. The concert follows the success of Mokoomba’s live recording simply titled Njoka. What makes Mokoomba standout is their authentic Nambya and Tonga idioms, which make their craft unique.
DJ Robbie Tee
South Africa-based Zimbabwean top RnB DJ Robbie Tee real name Robert Tichareva is back in Harare for the festive season. Robbie Tee, who has staged a number of sold-out gigs, will perform at ZimCafe on 21 December for the Diaspora Welcome Party. Then on Christmas Eve he plays at Yard at 43 Old Enterprise Road alongside Candy. On Unity Day he rocks at Emagumeni at Helensvale with some Soul, RnB and Old Skool music.
Winky D album launch Zim dancehall star Winky D will stage his album launch on New Year’s Eve at the Harare International Conference Centre in what has become almost a ritual for the Gombwe hitmaker.
For the past year or so Winky D has been launching his albums on New Year’s Eve. There is so much anticipation surrounding the album whose title is yet to be announced, with word doing the rounds that early-bird tickets have been sold out already.
