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.
Add to that, the difference in ticket prices for the two shows and the result is what any promoter and live show enthusiast cannot wait to find out. The HICC show will feature a number of Zimbabwean stars including Victor Kunonga, Chiwoniso Maraire, Hope Masike and Willis Wataffi. And fans will have to part with, between US$20 and US$50 for the show depending on whether they buy advance tickets or pay at the door, while Tuku and Macheso are only asking for US$5 at the Aquatic.
Mtukudzi and Macheso, who are meeting for the third time at the Chitungwiza venue since August last year, seem to be enjoying their new-found friendship. Their first meeting in August was sold out, so was the December date, which matched, if not surpassed, the previous one. Rich pickings from the two sold-out shows in August and in December last year are said to be all the encouragement the artistes need. What will add more flavour to the Chitungwiza gathering is that Macheso will be performing for the first time this year in his hometown, a few weeks after the trio of Franco Dhaka, Noel Nyazanda and Elton Muropa walked out on him.
Chances are he will use his home-coming show to prove to all and sundry that he is the name behind Mberikwazvo. So for those who want to see Macheso at his best, there is no better venue than being at the Aquatic Complex on Friday, and more so that he will be coming up against Mtukudzi, a long-time partner on stage. Adding Tryson Chimbetu to the mix would just be the equivalent of a pint of petrol to a raging fire.
On the other hand, the HICC show, a high-end concert, is a tried and tested project, which has brought in the most-sought-after artiste at the right time and at a correct venue.
The organiser of the HICC show, Max Mugaba, says the Mtukudzi/Macheso combination is the least of his worries as he is after a different type of crowd. “I can guarantee you that we are targeting a different market segment,” said Mugaba. “Above all, this show is what a good number of music fans have been waiting for after a series of reggae and ragga shows. This is a classic concert where everything from car park security to individual safety in the venue itself is guaranteed,” he added.
Zahara, real name, Bulelwa Mkutukana, will touch down at the Harare International airport on Thursday with her 11-piece band for two shows in Harare and Bulawayo. The talented 24-year-old, who features a Zimbabwean radio DJ based in South Africa, George Munetsi, on one of her songs, says she has heard so much about Zimbabwe but excited at the opportunity to see things for herself. “I can’t say I don’t know about Zimbabwe but neither can I confidently claim to know it. Most of the things I know are from news items in newspapers and on television.
“I know there is a perception that exists about the country, but what excites me is the prospect of finally experiencing things for myself,” said Zahara in response to questions by this publication. Born in a rural town called Phumlani in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, Zahara is one of the top-selling artistes in the region with her album Loliwe having gone double platinum within 19 days of its release. Since her “overnight” success, Zahara has gone on to tour the world while back home she is still exploring all corners of the country. Sundaymail)
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