Merry — makers across the country are fully embracing the festive season, highlighted by a series of high-profile events.
In Harare, the 2024 Zimdancehall National Cup Clash took centre stage at the City Sports Centre in Harare last Saturday.
Ngwere Lite emerged as the overall winner, taking home a trophy and a BMW, generously provided by event organiser Partson Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions.
The car keys were presented to Ngwere Lite by businessman and arts promoter Tinashe Mutarisi.
It was encouraging to see music promoters from various stables exchanging ideas under one roof at this year's well-attended edition.
Zimdancehall exponent Godfatha Templeman, who presided over the contest, captivated the crowd with his commanding presence.
The self-proclaimed ghetto president hardly disappoints during such events.
The fan-judged contest lived up to expectations, with a clear consensus on the winner, Ngwere Lite.
Fellow hype men - Etherton Beenie and DJ Fantan - added to the excitement, making the event arguably the best Zimdancehall show of the year.
The pair is also popular with Zimdancehall fans.
Hailing from Mbare, the pair has something in common when it comes to entertaining fans..
For Ngwere Lite, it was a night to remember as he finally became the proud owner of a BMW he had long desired.
He has ended 2024 on a high note while his talent has rewarded him.
The Zimdancehall movement continues to produce new stars with each event, and this year's edition showcased many, led by Ngwere Lite--an indicator that the genre is in capable hands.
Chimbodza, along with Godfatha Templeman and Etherton Beenie, deserve recognition for their ongoing efforts in empowering young talent.
Many have risen to prominence through initiatives like the recently concluded 2024 Zimdancehall National Cup Clash.
Their team has also successfully addressed the issue of violence, which had plagued Zimdancehall shows in the past, as evidenced by the smooth atmosphere at the packed City Sports Centre.
For the gospel lovers, interdenominational choral group Zimpraise Choir hosted the 'Apostolic Gathering,' concert featuring Nigerian singer Mercy Chinwo who was the guest performance and she delivered her act well.
The event saw locals such as Minister Ellard and Sharon Cherayi, Takesure Zamar, King David, Benjamin Rupapa, Jonah Chivasa, Sbu Noah, Mnobi Nxumalo, Lawrence Gunda, Kuda Mutsvene, The Unveiled and Joyful Praise sharing the stage with Zimpraise.
The artists gave fans value of their money as they put up a scintillating acts.
Meanwhile, club-goers in Harare enjoyed a memorable evening on Friday at the Carling Black Label DJs Cup Clash held at the Hippodrome auditorium in Braeside.
The well-attended event met expectations, with winners crowned for their outstanding performances.
True to their promise, Delta Beverages honoured creative DJs and chanters, with DJ Irvenex recognised in the Best Creativity category, while DJ Sawada won for Best Music Selection.
DJ Joe showcased his mastery on the decks and was awarded the Best Music Selection accolade.
The runner-up was DJ Tino from Bulawayo, with DJ Lindsay of Harare taking third place. DJ Joe from Harare North was the overall winner, receiving a prize pool of $15,000, including $3,000, a controller, an Apple MacBook, studio monitors, and a cordless microphone.
The second-place winner received $2,000 along with a studio monitor and a cordless microphone.
The Carling Black Label DJs battle, which celebrates creatives based on merit, has grown popular with fans.
Delta Beverages, the event organisers, have been hosting it in various towns to ensure that no club-goers are left out.
The level of competition displayed at the Harare edition was truly inspiring, with talented DJs showcasing their skills behind the turntables.
The overall winners deserved their accolades, as they gave their all.
As with any contest, there were winners and losers, but the high level of competition was encouraging, indicating that all participants took the contest seriously.
On the same night, Alick Macheso returned to his fortress in Chitungwiza at the Aquatic Complex where he performed for his loyal fans.
Macheso consistently delivers captivating performances, regardless of the size of the crowd.
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With a busy schedule from last Friday until New Year's Day, he honoured his fans with a show at the Aquatic Complex, a venue that has become his stronghold.
Macheso performs daily until New Year's Day, a tradition for his Orchestra Mberikwazvo camp.
The sungura star, who typically takes a break in January, is capitalising on the festive season's excitement.
Despite his hectic schedule, Macheso shows no signs of tiring, as demonstrated by his performance last weekend.
This week alone, he will be busy with a series of shows across the country to meet the growing demand for his music.
In Bulawayo, the Kings Kraal Jazz Festival, headlined by Jeys Marabini and Tanga wekwa Sando, set the tone last Thursday.
The line-up included Tariro Negitare, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Gog' Bekezela, Taz, and Thandi Dlana. This event coincided with Marabini's celebration of 34 years in the industry.
With the festive season in full swing, fans can look forward to a fun-filled period, as evidenced by last weekend's events.
The festive mood is in full swing as people wait to embrace an entertaining and fruitful 2025.
