The usually serene rural area of Makanda village in Wedza reverberated into life after top Zimbabwean artistes led by sungura godfather Nicholas Madzibaba Zakaria performed in the area on Christmas day. By Jairos Saunyama in Wedza
Mutare-based businessman Tino Machakaire had invited Alick Macheso, Nicholas Zakaria, Apama, Blessing Shumba, Agatha Murudzwa and Freddy Manjalima for a private function that was set to be attended by close relatives and associates at his rural homestead.
However, he was surprised to wake up to find his homestead with hordes of villagers who had come to witness performances by the artists they only get to hear on radios or see on television.
Despite most villagers being gate-crushers, they were sent into a frenzy in one of the most memorable festive treaties to have occurred in that part of the country.
Makanda village is located at the southern tip of Mashonaland East province, near Mucheke River. The area has never hosted such an event due to its geographical location.
Most girls seemed to have visited the same hairdresser as they had the same hairstyle — ex-curls. It was clear that the girls had the big day in mind and had adequately prepared for it.
The young men who had travelled from areas like Mangoro, Makarara, Goneso, Maoresa and Mutiweshiri, among others, were in their best clothes, with some defying high temperatures on the day by wearing leather jackets.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
It was clear that most of the boys did not have money as they would spend a long time sipping on the same bottle of beer, while others opted for opaque beer.
Musician-cum-comedian Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima, opened the floodgates with his popular tracks and comic acts. Entertainment lovers were left with no option but to exhibit their dancing skills, trampling the grass and leaving a trail of dust hovering in the sky.
The high temperatures did not deter the ecstatic crowd as they were seen wiping off sweat with their hands as they endured the harsh weather conditions — all in the name of avoiding missing any part of the action.
Kapfupi left the stage for Apama Style whose nimble footwork left children with a daunting task of imitating him. Gospel musicians Shumba and Murudzwa also gave sterling performances.
The great moment came when Madzibaba took over. It was clear that sungura is still popular in rural areas as the audience responded wildly through dances, cheers, whistling as well as drawing closer to the stage, resulting in the security details pushing people away from the stage.
Madzibaba played deep into the night and the crowd hanged on. However, Macheso, who was supposed to headline the show, did not turn up. The crowd was not disappointed, however, as it was already midnight.
Having renowned comedian Lazarus “Gringo” Boora as the master of ceremonies did the trick.
“I am glad that people enjoyed the event and that they got a better Christmas gift. It is quite rare to have such musicians in this area and they came in numbers to enjoy themselves,” said Machakaire.
“Though I was expecting close people to grace the event, I am happy that at least I made all the people in my area have a treat of a lifetime.”
