Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Trust Khosa Recently
27 May 2009
Chimanimani — MADZIBABA Nicholas Zakaria lit up the recently held Chimanimani Arts Festival with a majestic performance and proved a point that first grade sungura deserves a permanent slot at the multi-cultural fete.
The "godfather" of sungura, of course without forgetting the late Ephraim Joe, was roped into the revised line-up at the eleventh hour after Tongai Moyo opted out demanding all his performance fees prior to the festival.
Being one of the major drawcards particularly in music, Madzibaba Zakaria simply delivered one of his best performances set to remain etched in the minds of many.
It was also clear from the rapturous reception that Madzibaba Zakaria got mainly from villagers that they adored him and Madzibaba Zakaria reciprocated with a polished act.
What was also striking about his act was his front line which now boasts new talented dancers.
He prefers to call them "Stock Birds", the name that he once gave to his former dancers who left Khiama Boys a few years crossing the floor to Orchestra Mberikwazvo from where they were recently fired.
Jazz divine diva Dudu Manhenga, who also performed on Saturday night, seduced the cosmopolitan crowd with a splendid performance and it was clear that she and her backing group had come well psyched for the gig.
Visiting Spanish trio, Demachena, who also played on the opening night, did not only add numbers but they did thrill revellers.
Their stuff is deeply grounded in Shona tradition though it is cleverly blended with Latino elements.
Gwarimba, a Mufakose-based afro-fusion outfit, who has just returned from Sweden, had a show to remember and it was amusing that their title track Bho Bho Bho ended up being a password at the festival.
Newly crowned Music Crossroads first runners-up, African Destiny had a wonderful show on the opening night.
The festival climaxed on Sunday and Dino Mudondo was the talking point as he stole the show.
Earlier in the afternoon, he proved popular with children and it was not amusing that they literally scrambled for autographs as he arrived clad in trendy pair of jeans and dark spectacles.
Solo guitarist of years, Steve Makoni, who never run short of humour-laden lyrics, proved his foes wrong that he is still as wonderful as before.
Makoni, the only consistent solo guitarist at the moment, enchanted the crowds with his all time classics such as Handiende, Mhou Yangu and Dhongi.
The calculating comedian could afford to belt out new songs off his forthcoming album Munibho due for release soon.
Film enthusiasts had a rare treat at this year's festival after the US Embassy' Department of Public Affairs screened three films including the one on the life of President Barack Obama.
Villagers in Chimanimani also stampeded at the Msasa Café where all the movies were screened.
Veteran actor and producer Walter Muparutsa's passion for children was evident once again as he drilled school-going children on modern trends of poetry and theatre.
Muparutsa has been working with children from Gwinyai Trust, a school for infants that have supported the festival over the years through the arts.
It was also encouraging to note that the Deputy Minister of Education, Sports, Arts and Culture, Lazarus Dokora was among the guests at the festival from the opening night until Sunday.
His presence added decency to the festival as he also took time to interact with several artists understanding their plight.
Even the Acting Director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Elvas Mari was also impressed by this year's edition for incorporating locals among other genres like film.
Over the years, there appeared to be an overdose of music at the festival but this year's art fete was balanced, said Mari.
Representatives from the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe also took time to interact with villagers enlightening them on how to apply for grants with the organisers.
Farai M'pfunya, a representative from the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe had a workshop with villagers who professed ignorance on how to apply for the funds.
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