Harare — The  Africa Tourism Night Concert held at the Harare International Conference Centre on Saturday, was stolen by the Congolese rhumba giants Extra Musica and the South African group Mafikizolo.

The musical extravaganza, which was part of this year's Travel Expo, also paraded Tongai Moyo, Cephas Mashakada, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Mbira Dzenharira and Botswana's kwaito wonderkid Odirile "Vee" Sento.

Initially another South African group, Bongo Maffin that was billed to perform withdrew and Ringo Madhlingosi who was supposed to come in as a replacement failed to turn up.

But the show went on with Extra Musica and Mafikizolo charming the fans by playing their most popular songs.

The rhumba outfit received a rapturous reception from the crowd when they appeared on stage and it was clear they had some serious business to do.

The group opened their act with the song Etati Major much to their delight of revellers and ladies squealed when the popular track La Main Noire rolled out.

The "neat and tidy" Mafikizolo pair -- Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza -- who played live instruments at the show, delivered one of the most polished acts ever.

It was a touching moment when Kgosinkwe spoke about God and then had one of the backing singers sing a gospel tune before engaging the audience full throttle with a performance of hit after hit.

There was Udakwa Njalo, Emlanjeni, Ndihamba Nawe, Mas'thokoze and closed their performance with Nisixoshelani.

But the crowd had no time for Vee, who played backtracks and had some of his dancers involved in dirty dancing with Miss Rural Zimbabwe models.

It was a disgusting sight, which had nothing to do with dancing in any way.

Mbira apostles Mbira Dzenharira, who anointed the gathering with their intricate mbira playing, delivered a good act.

Their song Magamba, which they played at the occasion, is still as wonderful as before.

Although the occasion was meant to promote tourism, Cephas Mashakada's performance was painful. He did not smile and went on to sing dirges when there was no funeral.

What was it about Hurwere Hwangu and all those songs, which dampened the spirits of many people? Of course, Samson was good but it did not make much difference, did it?

Not to be outdone was sensational gospel diva Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave who blessed the occasion with such songs as Makomborero and Ndiye Jesu.

The gospel diva's act seems to be improving with each day and her choreography is just inspiring.

Tongai Moyo was another disappointment with his time-wasting sound checking and the disorderly act. Thrown after Mafikizolo, Moyo's act was unusual.

He smiled and did all his other antics but still there were signs of fatigue. Could it be too much work taking its toll on him?

Elsewhere across town, former Pengaudzoke band members who assembled their own Vadhauki Express under the aegis of Edmore Makoni thrilled the few fans who turned up for their maiden appearance at B5 Cafe in Budiriro.

While their guitars sounded different on the song Mai Linda, the newly assembled group left many yelling for more with their energetic dances and mastery of lyrics.

The group shared the stage with rhumba outfit of the moment BV Labien Musica.

The Chitungwiza-based rhumba outfit -- enjoying huge success with their latest album Kumba Handiende -- thrilled fans as they delivered one of their best shows for the small crowd that graced their joint show with Vadhauki Express.