D'Banj to perform alongside Nicki Minaj and Drake at London Festival

Koko Master - DBanj

Nigerian top musician D’banj continues to make waves across the globe. News coming through is that the  Mo’hits crooner will be taking part in an international gig – The 2012 Barclaycard Wireless Festival which holds at the Hyde Park, London, on Saturday, July, 7 2012.

Peter Moyo unshaken by challenges

Peter Moyo

The young “Igwe,” Peter Moyo continues to flourish amid losing four of his band members to Energy Mutodi. Moyo will tomorrow, showcase his band’s prowess at a concert slated for Harare’s City Sports Bar. Speaking to the Daily News yesterday, Moyo said Utakataka was already living a life without the four and anyone who had doubts over the capabilities of those who replaced them should visit one of his concerts.

Jazz 105 to honour Sulu

Sulumani Chimbetu

Harare’s nightclub, Jazz 105 will be hosting a party in honour of Suluman Chimbetu. Chimbetu, who has been playing at the joint for the past three years, will be honoured for his Outstanding Musician of the Year award he recently received for his album NonStop. 

Jazz 105 manager Yassin Dhala said since Chimbetu had been performing for a long time at the venue they felt obliged to honour him. “At Jazz 105 we are celebrating Sulu’s award. We usually deal with him. Of course there are others who won awards, but we have watched Sulu grow. Since Sulu already had a show at the club on Friday, we decided to combine it with our party,” he said.

Macheso brings new members home

Alick Macheso

Sungura giant Alick Macheso says his new band members have settled in the group and convincingly filled the gaps left by dancer Francis “Slomo” Dhaka, backing vocalist Elton Muropa and guitarist Noel Nyazanda who crossed over to Sulumani Chimbetu’s outfit at the beginning of the year.

Zahara Jets in Zim today

Zahara

South African pop sensation Zahara is expected in Harare this afternoon ahead of her concert at Harare International Conference Centre tomorrow night. The talented Eastern Cape born singer and songwriter has taken South Africa’s music scene by storm with her 12-track album, Loliwe (“train” in the Xhosa language) with hit tracks, Loliwe a mid-tempo song which features former Big Brother Africa Housemate Luclay, and Lengoma which features her producer, DJ Sbu. 

BBA 2012 Auditions opens in March

M-Net and Endemol, the organisers of the Big Brother Africa (BBA) reality show which will launch on May 6, will run open auditions for the country’s representatives at the Meikles Hotel from March 9 to 11. Although many aspirants have filled entry forms, the auditions will be stretched to include others that did not submit paperwork.

M-Net Africa managing director Biola Alabi said the open auditions were mainly for people who did not manage to submit paper and electronic entries to the MultiChoice offices on time. “We know that sometimes people do miss the cut-off for sending in their paper entry, so we’re opening the casting sessions again this year to late entries. Those people need to simply come to the casting venue and meet the team,” said Alabi.

Africa Revenge reunion bid hits snag

A bid to bring together the ex-Africa Revenge duo of Willis Wataffi and Mehluli “Taz” Moyo for a joint performance hit a brick wall after the former sternly refused to buy the idea. Max Mugaba, who is organising a concert featuring South African songstress Zahara, said he wanted Taz and Wataffi to perform jointly as a way of reviving memories of the era when the erstwhile buddies made waves with hits Wanga and Buwebuwe.

Malaysia cancels US singer tour over Allah body art

Erykah Badu

Malaysia has cancelled a concert by American singer Erykah Badu after a local newspaper sparked outrage by running a photo of her with body art that included the Arabic word for "Allah." Information Minister Rais Yatim said in a message on Twitter that the concert was cancelled because it breached government guidelines on "religious sensitivities and cultural values" in Muslim-majority Malaysia.

Big Guns roll out at President Mugabe's birthday bash

Alick Macheso

Over 40 local music acts are lined up for a grand music gala pencilled for Chipinge on March 3 to celebrate President Robert Mugabe’s 88th birthday. Announcing new developments in the robust preparations for the gala, retired Major Anywhere Mutambudzi of the Ministry of Information and Publicity said competition for best performances is on the cards.

Pic of the day: Stiletto Shaped Seat for ladies

Am sure ladies will love this new invention. Its a stiletto shoe shaped seat for relaxing in your lounge. Celebrities are already buying it. Would you like to have one?

Lady Gaga to feature in Men in Black 3

Lady Gaga is set to make a cameo appearance in Men In Black 3, it has been revealed. During a promotional appearance in Rio last week, the movie's star Will Smith revealed that Poker Face singer Gaga will have a small role in the upcoming sequel.

Smith was quoted by website ElCorilloRD.com as saying: 'We have a couple of celebrity cameos, but I think I can not reveal who they are. 'We must keep as a surprise that Lady Gaga appears.'

Munodawafa’s fourth album finally out

Munyaradzi Munodawafa

Munyaradzi Munodawafa was born in 1988, he is partially blind, first hogged the music limelight at a very tender age, after exhibiting tremendous keyboard playing skills. He was famous for his hit song “Shandisa Chipo Chako” which was an impassioned plea to many physically challenged people to utilise their God-given talents. He went on to release his debut at the age of 10.

Whitney and Jacko were once in love

The late Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson

AS Whitney Houston was buried last weekend it was claimed that she and the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had once been "very much in love". The claim was made by David Gest, a concert promoter described as a friend of both stars. Gest, the former husband of singer Liza Minnelli, told The Sun newspaper that Houston had loved Jackson and he had "adored" her.

President Mugabe Inspired By Gospel Singer Shingisai Suluma

President Mugabe told a multitude of people gathered to celebrate his 88th birthday that he is inspired by a song by gospel star Shingisai Suluma. President Mugabe who turned 88 this month attended his birthday celebration at Sakubva stadium in Mutare where he made a passionate request for Shingisai Suluma's song ---Nanhasi.

Leonard Dembo's widow bitter with the Media

The late Leonard Dembo

Eunice Munati, wife of the late Leonard ‘Musoro Wenyoka’ Dembo, has so far shunned the media saying she is not impressed with the level of practitioners’ professionalism.  “Since 1996 the Daily News is the first I have spoken to. The media in Zimbabwe have a tendency of fabricating stories. And because of that my interest in the media was put off,” she said.

PSquare new Video 'Chop my Money' featuring Akon

Akon and PSquare

Veteran Drummer who composed News drum beat to release Video

Douglas Vambe

Veteran Zimbabwean drummer Douglas Vambe is set to release his first ever jerusarema/mbende video later next month. The video will be recorded at his Kenty farm, which was allocated to him by the Government last year. Vambe, who composed the jerusarema/mbende drumbeat that accompanies news bulletins on the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, said the video is meant to honour the Government and nation at large after he was given a 100-hectare farm last year as a token of appreciation for the beautiful drum beat.

Usher to perform in SA at Hansa Festival of Legends

Usher

Make a date with Usher in South Africa. The RnB crooner will be belting out hits that made him a household name globally. Usher will be performing at the country's Hansa Festival of Legends. The Festival is earmarked for March 10, 2012.

Zahara: A self-taught guitarist

Zahara

Bulelwa Mkutukana popularly known as Zahara is currently the toast of Southern Africa. The 24 year old beautiful singer is riding high on a crest of a wave with her debut album Loliwe. Since the album hit the market, it went platinum in its first week of release in South Africa. Enjoy a peak into her life, music and love.

Mtukudzi, Macheso to record duet

Alick Macheso and Oliver Mtukudzi

When little-known musicians collaborate on a production, the idea is usually to strengthen each other on an unfamiliar journey.When an upcoming musician combines with an established counterpart, the former seeks to ride on the latter’s fame.But, when two music grandmasters like Oliver Mtukudzi and Alick Macheso record a duet the aim is nothing less than unleashing a chartbuster.

Oscar quick change artists

Celebrities that changed dresses for the main Oscar event and the after party....Who do you think nailed it for both events? 

Chiwoniso to headline Women's History month Concert

Chiwoniso Maraire

MBIRA queen Chiwoniso Maraire is the major drawcard at the New Generation being hosted by the US Embassy on February 29. The event marks the conclusion of the of the Black History Month that is commemorated every February while it also signals the beginning of the Women's History Month commemorated in March.

New Generation Events have in the past featured Zimbabwean and American musicians including jazz crooner Victor Kunonga and singer-songwriter Ryan Koriya. The Black history month is used to honour the too often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavour throughout the American history. “When we think about Black History Month and Women's History Month, we realise that people worldwide have shared similar historical challenges in struggles for equality and dignity.

Wendall sues airline over botched deal

Wendall Parson

Lawyers representing Big Brother star, Wendall Parson, have approached the High Court seeking damages from an airline whose deal meant to benefit children, collapsed before consummation. Mtetwa and Nyambirai legal practitioners want $21 500 as damages for a botched deal which has soured relations between Wendall and the airline.

The High Court issued summons on February 20 to Matipedza Karase a pilot and his former company Fresh Air trading under Nu Aero Private Limited listed as defendants. The summons outlined Wendall’s claim against the defendants for the payment of the sum of $21 500 being the amount outstanding in terms of an agreement between the two parties. Karase and Fresh Air were given a period of 10 working days after the service of summons to oppose Wendall’s claim if they so wish. They were advised to enter an appearance to defend at the Registrar of the High Court, Harare in 10 days excluding weekends and public holidays.

Chipanga cries foul as he is excluded from Gala

Hosiah Chipanga

Sungura musician Hosiah Chipanga has cried foul claiming he has been left out of the list of performers at the 21st February Movement Gala to be held in Chipinge on Saturday. Chipanga is the most experienced musician from Manicaland and says he hoped he would be part of the proceedings since the gala is being held in his province.

The Kwachu Kwachu hitmaker has performed at most of the state galas held in the country so far. “I feel ashamed and deeply pained to be left out of the list of artists who will be performing in Chipinge because I thought as locals we were going to be given first preference,” said Chipanga. He said he suspects the move to sideline him was politically-motivated since he had performed at the MDC-T anniversary at Gwanzura in September last year.

Former Ugandan BBA House mate Sharon O splits from husband

Happier times: Sharon O, hubby Ronnie and their son

Blame it on the reality TV series Big Brother Africa where Sharon O represented Uganda in the sixth episode and emerged a finalist that has made her famous to the extent of flying every now and then to Malawi, Nigeria and South Africa plus checking on fellow Big Brother housemates like Vina, Lomwe and Felicia among others.

Sharon Dee bounces back

Sharon Dee

SHARON Dee of Local is Lekker fame has proved that being down does not mean being out. When the songbird, who was once married to former Coventry City and Mamelodi Sundowns star Peter Ndlovu switched from pop to gospel things did not go as smoothly as she had hoped. In fact, the last time 38-year-old Dee (real name Hlengiwe Dlamini) released an album was back in 2009.

But that solo gospel album titled Ungophakemeyo did not do that well in terms of sales. To rub salt in the wound, the singer also experienced marital problems at the time which ultimately led to her divorce from love rat Ndlovu in 2009. The singer was in and out of maintenance court in a bid to get Ndlovu to pay papgeld for their two sons.

Meryl Streep Wins best Actress Oscar

Meryl Streep

Thirty three years after she grasped her first gold statuette, Meryl Streep has secured her hat-trick of Academy Awards. She won best Actress in the movie 'The Iron lady'.

Sounds of the Muddy Face, Kapfupi shine

Cephas Mashakada

The Sounds of the Muddy Face, a group that was led by the late Cephas Mashakada, on Friday proved it can survive beyond its founder. The group staged a memorable show at Welcome Nightclub at Makoni shopping centre in Chitungwiza. New leader of the group Shemu Chibage Mashonganyika revealed during the show the group will soon release an album featuring some songs recorded by the late musician.

Enjoy: Stunner, Roby Gee and Jusa Official Music Video

Adele breaks Whitney Houston's Record on Billboard

Adele

Adele is unstoppable. Fresh off her Brit Awards and Grammy wins, the British superstar has another achievement under her young belt. Billboard reports that in its 21st week at No. 1, ’21′ beat Whitney Houston’s ‘The Bodyguard’ soundtrack for the most weeks at No. 1 ever by a woman.

Musician fallen to hard times — faces eviction

Sungura musician Taruvinga Manjokota, populary known as Shuga Shuga faces eviction from his lodgings after failing to pay rent. The musician was given a notice by his landlord in Budiriro to vacate the house by end of this month. The Mairosi hit maker is blaming his record company Zimbabwe Music Corporation (ZMC) for his woes saying the company is not paying him royalties. He says ZMC owes him US$90.

Zahara vs Tuku, Cheso Power

One of those rare occasions when you wish you could be in two places at once! Or you could split yourself into two. For South African songbird Zahara’s starpower will be put to test this Friday when she squares off with two local superstars, Oliver Mtukudzi and Alick Macheso. The long-awaited performance by the Loliwe singer at the Harare International Conference Centre clashes with another high-profile gig pitting Mtukudzi and Macheso at the Aquatic Complex.

Jay-Z and Beyonce step out for the first time with daughter Blue Ivy Carter

Family Outing - Beyonce and Jay-z

Beyoncé appeared every bit the doting mother as she cradled her daughter Blue Ivy Carter during a lunch outing today in New York. It was the first time the newborn has been seen in public and her mother made sure to protectively wrap her arms around the infant.

The singer dressed casually in black leather trousers, sunglasses and boots. She wore a black cap on her head to keep warm.

Rihanna dating Chris Brown again, Jay-Z 'deeply disgusted' - reports

Rihanna

Los Angeles - Rihanna and her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown have allegedly been secretly hooking up. The 24-year-old pop beauty collaborated with the R&B star - who was convicted for assaulting the Russian Roulette hitmaker in 2009 - on her latest single Birthday Cake and the pair have reportedly rekindled their romance, which has left Rihanna's friend and mentor Jay-Z "deeply disgusted".

Enjoy Nox Guni's latest single - Ndinonyara

Nox Guni has been recording and performing music since 2003, he has been very consistent along the way. His latest song ‘Ndinonyara’, is riding high on the Zimbabwe charts. The song has attracted 6000 views on Youtube. Enjoy the video: TGIF

Tuku, Moyo playing at Jazz 105 tonight

Oliver Mtukudzi

Harare’s upmarket club, Jazz 105 is tonight hosting superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi and the young Igwe Peter Moyo. Tuku will perform a solo act while Moyo will be backed by a full band. Tuku has over the years proved to be a real superstar as he can keep revellers on the dance floor from his solo performances. Fans should expect Tuku’s all-time hits like Mutserendende, Chirinani, Todii and Tozeza Baba among others. This is a show not to miss!!!

Pastor G, Prince in Jo’burg concert

Gospel musician Stanley Gwanzura popularly known as Pastor G in music circles will share the stage with Pastor Prince “The Real Mwana waMambo” Mafukidze in South Africa on March 3. The concert dubbed “It’s my season, it’s my time” will be held at Praise City in Johannesburg. Speaking to the Daily News yesterday Pastor G said he will feature Pastor Prince in a South African concert which is meant to promote the latter’s fourth album, It’s My Season, which features the group Praise Outcome.

Mashakada's Muddy Face disintergrating

Late Cephas Mashakada

Sounds of the Muddy Face was a force to reckon with when Cephas Mashakada was still alive. The band churned many hit songs that rocked Harare such as Samson, Kunamata Ndaida and many others. Cephas Mashakada rose to fame with his hit song Nherera which was like a national anthem during the eighties.

News coming through the grapevine is that the band that Mashakada left is slowly disintegrating due to internal squables, which has of late affected the late Tongai Moyo's Utakataka Express.

Joina City Crooner Heading to Pretoria for a Concert

Emergy Chidzanga AKA Freeman

Dancehall sensation Emergy Chidzanga, popularly known as Freeman, made headlines with his blazing hit Joina City, the cool crooner is set to take his music career to another level this year as he is billed to perform in Pretoria, South Africa, on March 31. If you happen to be in SA, make a date with Freeman and be mesmerised by his melodicious sounds!!! ONe Love!!!

Suluman billed to perform at Gomojena

Sulumani 

Award-winning singer Suluman Chimbetu is billed to perform at the newly opened Gomojena hangout in Mazowe tomorrow. Sulu, as his fans call him, will head his Orchestra Dendera Kings at the venue that seeks to offer quality entertainment every weekend. Stephen Gonah, who owns the place, said the stage was set for the first gig since the joint opened. 

Fans eagerly await Tuku-Macheso show

AS the countdown to the much-hyped gig pitting music icons Oliver Mtukudzi and Alick Macheso hots up, fans of the two artistes eagerly await to hear what new material the artistes will sample for them at the show. Being the creative artistes they are, one will not be surprised to see Tuku and Extrabasso coming together on stage for a duet and the result will be fireworks!.

Beverly, Zoey in war of words

Beverly Sibanda

Pole dancing, a new entertainment craze that has literally taken Harare by storm, seems to be getting dirtier each day on and off the stage following reports that some of the girls are now stripping in a bid to lure more revellers. As if that is not enough, two of the top dancing girls have launched a war against each other, through mudslinging, probably in a bid to maintain pole positions as more girls join the turf.

TK Paradza offering free download to his debut Album

ZIMBABWEAN R&B sensation TK Paradza set a very high marker with his single, Mr Liar. Now the New Zealand-based crooner is aiming for the stars with his debut album, 'Wallpaper', which is released this week – and you can download it today for FREE.

Redcliff-born TK, who is unsigned, is releasing the album as a download only – and he is offering the first 2,000 downloads free. ‘Catch Me’ is the first single from the album. The video for the song is due to be released on YouTube in a fortnight. TK said on Wednesday: “I worked with some really talented Zimbabwean producers on the album.

Zahara Concert Tickets Out in Harare and Bulawayo

Pandave Entertainment and May 7 Entertainment, promoters of the much-anticipated South African songstress, Zahara show have stepped up preparations for two shows in Bulawayo and Harare. Tickets for the musical show are pegged at $10 for Bulawayo and $20 for general seats and $30 VIP for the Harare show. Tickets started selling today. 

According to Tawanda Chingara, Pandave Entertainment concerts manager, the tickets will go on sale at Cell 2 Cell premises in Bulawayo and at Gossip Link and Utano Restaurant in Harare. The show is on March 2 in Harare and on the fourth in Bulawayo. Singing sensation and guitarist Zahara has taken Southern Africa by storm....This is a concert not to miss if you are in Harare. The young woman is talented, watch her video Loliwe below:

Freeman to launch second album

Freeman

Joina City hit-maker Emegy Chizanga popularly known as Freeman in showbiz circles is set to launch his second 14- track album titled The Last Man Standing. The album was supposed to be launched on March 3 at Barca Sports Club but it was rescheduled to March 10 as another local dancehall artiste Guspy Warrior will be also launching his album on the same date and at the same venue.

Mike Mopo calls it quits . . . passes baton to son Potipher

Mike Mopo

Forgotten yesteryear musician Mike Mopo of “Nherera Ndimambo” fame has quit music and now he wants his son Potipher to lead his group called Zinawa. Mopo, who is a devout member of the Johanne Masowe Wechishanu sect and a director of Exor Petroleum, a fuel company with various garages across Zimbabwe, said it was time for him to pass on the baton to his son. 

Mutsvene joins Mugabe praise singers

Mercy Mutsvene

Mercy Mutsvene has released a jingle celebrating President Robert Mugabes 88th birthday, making her the latest in line of the Presidents praise singers. Titled Happy Birthday VaMugabe, the jingle is being played on national radio and television. Speaking to NewsDay yesterday, Tongai Nheta, Mutsvenes husband who doubles as her manager, said his wife was simply celebrating the freedom that the President brought to the nation.

Zahara to Perform in Bulawayo

South Africa's latest pop sensation, songwriter and guitarist, Zahara (real name Bulelwa Mkutukana), who is scheduled to perform in Harare on March 2, will have a second dance with Zimbabwean music fans two days later in Bulawayo. Zahara is scheduled to perform at Bulawayo Athletic Club on March 4 after her show at Harare International Conference Centre.

Senegal's Youssou Ndour injured during rally

Youssou Ndour

Senegalese music icon and opposition activist Youssou Ndour was injured in the leg after being hit by a projectile at the scene of a banned rally in Dakar, his entourage has told AFP. "Youssou Ndour was injured in the left leg, he has been seen by a doctor, but he doesn't want to make a big issue out of it and we won't be giving any more comment," said Charles Faye, spokesman for Ndour's Fekke ma ci boole (I am involved) movement.

Justin Bieber releasing second book

The 17-year-old singer - whose first book 'First Step 2 Forever: My Story' has sold over one million copies since its release in 2010 - will release a second photographic compilation, 'Justin Bieber: Just Getting Started' in September. The book will feature exclusive candid photos of the star filming his 'Never Say Never' movie, performing across the world and recording his next album 'Believe'.

He said in a statement: "I'm so excited to be working on another book with Harper Collins. "Being able to share my story with my fans through these books is an absolute privilege. I can't wait to show them more about my life on tour and in the studio in this next book.

Rebecca speaks about her love

GOSPEL singer Rebecca Malope, a well-known spinster, is ready for a life of matrimony. Malope disclosed this week that she has fallen in love, and has also overcome her marriage phobia. Malope is now engaged to businessman Themba Tshabalala. "I think I was also ready for a soul mate. "I am not getting any younger - I am 44 years old. At the moment, we are giving ourselves time to know each other."

Busted! Finnish president's husband caught admiring more than just the food at royal dinner

Pentti Arajarvi, the husband of the Finnish president Tarja Halonen, is caught staring at Princess Mary's... necklace

Royal dinners can be tiresome occasions and sometimes the speeches are just not enough to hold one's attention.  Pentti Arajarvi, the husband of the Finnish president Tarja Halonen, certainly thought so when he attended a state dinner in Copenhagen.