Franco 'Slomo'Dazzles fans, while Tuku introduces Samanyanga dance

Sulu and Franco

Thousands of music fans from all over the country who streamed to Harare’s City Sports Centre last Friday were thrilled by Sulu’s poached dancers, witnessed the introduction of the new Samanyanga dance and saw gospel diva, Fungisai hold her own against the biggies in music.

Every artiste performed for at least two hours and for Zvakavapano-Mashavave the gig coincided with her 31st birthday.And it was all cheers as Tuku took to stage to sing a happy birthday song to congratulate the gospel diva. Fans screamed when Suluman joined Tuku on the stage to showcase another type of dance which they called Samanyanga dance, which the two performed imitating elephant movement.And when it was Sulu’s turn to showcase his new dancers which he poached the excitement hit new heights.

“First of all I would like to introduce you (fans) to my new guys. Dendera now have Francis “Franco Slomo” Dhaka, Elton Muropa and Noel Nyazanda,” said Sulumani while smiling.Chimbetu churned out exclusive songs of his late father Simon Chimbetu like Ndarangarira Gamba and Saina, a song chosen by Franco Slomo to showcase his dancing prowess.

Franco Slomo proved that he is a dancer who can perform all music genres. His eye-catching dances left many revellers drooling. Chimbetu’s new band members from Orchestra Mberikwazvo band proved to be a major reinforcement to the Orchestra Dendera Kings band.Sulu as Chimbetu is affectionately known by his legion of fans also performed his own songs like Dzamutsana, Saruwe which he featured Tuku and the two marvelled revellers as they performed it together.

Superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, Munyaradzi Mataruse, the gospel diva Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave and the Dendera maestro Suluman Chimbetu shared the stage in a memorable collaboration by the music acts.The gig was promoted by the director of Jazz 105 Josh Hozheri who said the response overwhelmed him.

“The response was terrific and we registered a good crowd considering that there were other high profile gigs on the same night,” said Hozheri.He described the performances as marvellous, saying the musicians gave a good account of themselves.Mtukudzi’s product Mataruse opened the showcase and put a spellbinding performance.Mataruse who resembled his mentor Mtukudzi in many ways from dressing, voice and dancing managed to keep revellers on the dance floor when he churned out songs like Chara Chimwe and Ndaniwa which saw his mentor Tuku joining him on the stage.

While Mataruse was performing, Tuku was seen smiling, singing along and dancing while at back stage, a sign of satisfaction.Mataruse took revellers down memory lane when he paid a tribute to late musical heroes through churning out their hits. He sang Mudiwa Janet of the late John Chibadura, Musha Rudziiko of Leonard Dembo and Murambinda of Paul Mpofu (Zambuko).

Mataruse’s performance was followed by the gospel diva Zvakavapano-Mashavave who sent revellers into a spiritual journey with her soulful songs Handina Kururama, Mbiri YaJesu, Vauya Hot, Kurarama Ndimi, Mwanasikana Munhu, Nguva Yekutenda, Highway, Makomborero as well as Toita Zvedenga, a track that fans sang along her.Tuku delayed to go on the stage but when he finally came, he proved that he is really a music superstar.

The superstar managed to keep revellers on the dance floor as he performed his all-time hits like Right Direction, Mutserendende, Chirinani, Tozeza Baba, Hosanna, Munondipasa Manyemwe. Daily News