Excitement rises ahead of Zahara show

Zahara

Music fans in Bulawayo are eagerly waiting for South Africa pop songstress Belelwa Mkutukana, popularly known as Zahara, who is billed to perform at Bulawayo Athletics Club tomorrow afternoon. Fans who spoke to NewsDay said seeing the Loliwe hitmaker on stage was likely to be a great experience.

I am eagerly awaiting the show, said Senzo Ncube from Mpopoma suburb. My wife is a big Zahara fan so I would have to ensure that I take her with me. Ncube said he had fallen in love with Zaharas mature brand of music.I like her music so much, especially the song Loliwe. I am definitely going to attend her show.

Another fan, Faith Moyo, said she would make it a point to attend the gig.

Zahara is a brilliant musician and this is an opportunity not to miss. I will be at the show and I am looking forward to a good show, said Moyo. Themba Masuku, a spokesperson of the organisers, said they received numerous calls from fans that want to attend the show. The response so far is amazing. We started receiving calls when we started advertising the event and indications are that the show will be sold out, said Masuku.

We have decided to make the event a family show to ensure fans of all ages have an opportunity to attend. 

Otis Ngwabi will be the opening at the concert that starts at midday. Also billed to perform is trailblazing dance group Iyasa as well as house music disc jockeys, Djembe Monks. Masuku said the after-party the show would be held at the Jock and Saddle where it will coincide with star mbira musician Chiwoniso Maraires birthday party.

It will be a twin celebration. Chiwoniso will be having her birthday bash and Zahara will also be there. We call upon people to come in their numbers and celebrate with us, he said. Zahara has been the opening act in South Africa for music stars such as Judith Sephuma. In August, she was the opening act for American star Chant Moore.The talented Eastern Cape-born singer and songwriter has taken South Africas music scene by storm with her 12-track album, Loliwe (train in the Xhosa language).

The title-track is a mid-tempo song which features former Big Brother Africa housemate Luclay. Another song titled Lengoma features her producer, DJ Sbu. Other tracks on the album are Umthwalo, Xa Bendingena Mama, Ndize, Inwadencane, My Guitar, Thekwana, Away, Brand New Day and Shine.

The album, which went platinum, just 13 days after its release last year, is a mixture of neo-soul and Afro-pop sounds. So far, Zahara, who is signed under TS Records, has scooped various awards, performed at international events and featured on Nhlanhla Ncizas DVD. ( newsday