Macheso, Chiwoniso No Show As Thousands Descend at Pakare Paye

Samanyanga Oliver Mtukudzi

The small town of Norton on Saturday woke up to solo sounds from various musicians who gathered at Oliver Mtukudzi’s Pakare Paye Arts Centre for the Pakare Paye Spar Solo Festival. For those fortunate enough to have been among the thousands that packed the Sam Mtukudzi Conference Centre to the brim, the festival had all the hallmarks of a thriller.

With rain showers blessing the gala, the festival could not have come at any better time than the close of the year. And indeed the musicians who participated in this event summoned up what this year held in terms of musicals — class. The festival was graced by noted musicians, among them, Steve Makoni, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Suluman Chimbetu, Tendai Manatsa, Selmor Mtukudzi, Kapfupi, Josh Meck and Edith WeUtonga.

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Elvas Mari, Farai Mufunya, director of Culture Fund, Josh Hozheri, director Jazz 105, former College of Music director Chris Timba, music journalist and university lecturer Fred Zindi, Henry Makombe and Polisile Ncube from Zimura and several journalists formed part of the audience. Musicians Alick Macheso and Chiwoniso Maraire who were billed to perform at the gala failed to turn up.

The festival’s patron, renowned stone sculptor Dominic Benhura thanked all those present for taking time off to travel to Norton for the gala which he described as a meeting point for emerging talents. Benhura said this festival could not have been possible if it was not for superstar musician Mtukudzi and his Pakare Paye Arts Centre staff, who for years have managed to co-ordinate and put together a professional and flawless solo showcase. “It takes love of the arts and music in general to be able to come up with the solo concept and credit should go to my brother Oliver for such sterling work. While the festival might seem to be an easy undertaking, I hereby confess that there is quite a lot of work that has been going on behind the scenes for months now to make this festival a success,” said Benhura.

He added that there was a lot of work involved in order to stage the gala, from negotiating contracts with musicians, putting up the stage, its décor and making sure there was quality and professional equipment for use during the festival. “It takes a good heart to put together this festival, and to mukoma Tuku, I say you have been a shining example to other artists like me who have to learn to give back to the community that would have supported you for long,” said the sculptor. Benhura said the dream to own an arts centre has been realised by Tuku. “It wasn’t easy for Mukoma Tuku and amaiguru who put up this Arts Centre from where we converge today.

This place has been a result of hard work, endless planning and there has been a lot of sacrifice in terms of financing operations.” Benhura said Tuku, through Pakare Paye Arts Centre has managed to train young artists; record upcoming musicians, and today you have classic examples of musicians like Munya Mataruse and several others who have evolved out of this institution to super-stardom. Street comedian turned musician Kapfupi had audiences in stitches with his one-man play in which he pretended to be on a journey from Harare to Norton for the solo festival.

In between his journey Kapfupi has a war of words with a woman who had spurned his advances. He attacks the babe: “Why do you think you are so special? You want to show-off with your two breasts, shame on you because a dog has even more breasts than you!” One of the night’s highlights was when Suluman Chimbetu performed, sending audiences in frenzy with his collective coolness and interactive act.

Also equal to the task was Steve “Dongi” Makoni who belted out his popular tunes to the delight of the audience that sang along with him throughout. Makoni’s stage presence never ceases to amaze and like a cowboy his hoarse voice filled the venue as he cracked his familiar jokes which brightened audiences’ sprits.

Bassist Edith WeUtonga was a marvel to watch as she played the guitar, sending audiences on an unforgettable journey as we march towards 2012. Josh Meck showed why he was among the best as he strut the guitar with so much vigour and energy. Munya Mataruse, a product of Pakare Paye Arts Centre delighted audiences with his guitar playing prowess. His play and stage work had everyone talking and comparing him to his mentor, Mtukudzi.

Apart from Mataruse, there were several other musicians from the arts centre who showed what their institute offered. Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, popular for her early vocals on Albert Nyathi’s Senzenia, took audiences down memory lane with some of her popular tunes. Tendai Manatsa, the son of legendary musician Zexie Manatsa also had a go with a fine guitar performance as the festival progressed.

Tendai is married to Mtukudzi’s daughter, Selmor, who opened the festival with the National Anthem.

As is always with this solo showcase, Mtukudzi was the last to perform as he closed a beautiful day full of pleasant surprises. True to form, he performed several of his popular tunes, sending audiences to the dance floor until mid-night.