Progress Chipfumo ill

SOUNDS of Motherland frontman Progress Chipfumo is unwell! The phenomenal composer, social evangelist and entertainer is receiving treatment at home after being diagnosed of Tuberculosis. Proggy — as the creative genius of song is fondly known — has suspended live shows as a result of his failing health. When H-Metro visited the dreadlocked singer yesterday morning at his Southerton home, he was under the care of his wife Sindiswa Khumhalo.

Mic Inity finds new home

Mic Inity

HARARE’S MOST sought-after reggae crooner, Mic Inity - real name Mike Madamombe - has found a new home in the capital for his midweek parties. The 28-year-old chanter will be jamming on Wednesdays at the exquisite Club Monako situated at Chisipiti shopping centre. Mic Inity has vowed to usher out all his artistic verve as he opens the 2012 season at the new joint.

Mereki Shut down by Police

Mereki

One of Harare’s most popular drive-in joints, Mereki in Warren Park D, was yesterday shut down by police and Harare municipal police as the fight against the typhoid outbreak escalates. Mereki is a favourite venue for revellers from all walks of life who converge there for drinks and barbecues. The place has been a source of livelihood for an estimated 300 people, undertaking various businesses, including car washing and general vending. 

Peter Moyo suspends Spencer, salutes Macheso

Peter Moyo

NOTHING will affect the performance of Utakataka Express outfit following the suspension of bass guitarist Spencer Khumulani from the group, leader of the band Peter Moyo, has said. Moyo also revealed that he has decided to suspend Spencer for insubordination after he reportedly signed a contract with rhumba outfit Real Sounds of Africa fronted by Energy Mutodi.

Winky D, Sniper apologise

Winky D

Dancehall star Winky D has extended an olive branch to Sniper following a clash between the two at Mavado's show held at the weekend. The two Zimbabwean performing artistes had a huge bust up in full view of the fans after Sniper Storm jumped on stage and disrupted Winky D's set. Speaking through his manager, Jonathan Banda, Winky D said the act was misguided and should never happen again.

Make a date with Cape Town International Jazz Festival

SONGBIRD: Zamajobe will be part of a sensational mix of music icons at the Cape Town Jazz Fest.

AFRO-JAZZ music sensation Zamajobe is set to be part of the upcoming Cape Town International Jazz Festival line-up. Zamajobe, who first stepped into the spotlight during the 2003 South African Idols contest, in which she managed to crack the top five, had been curiously absent from the live performance scene after releasing two successful albums.

Is Sandra Ndebele jealous of Beverly Sibanda?

Sandra Ndebele

Sandra Ndebele has rebuked rival erotic dancer Beverly Sibanda. This comes after the two dancers locked horns at City Sports Bar recently. The show, which was well-attended, had many in the crowd aligning to Bev as she put on a scintillating performance. Ndebele, on the other hand, was obviously giving her all, but somehow age is not on her side anymore.

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.

Willom Tight Denies Facebook Account

Willom Tight

Popular Afro-reggae musician Wilbroad Muponda has distanced himself from a Facebook imposter using his stage name, Willom Tight. The Wekumaruzevha hit-maker, who rose to fame following his collaboration with rasta-kwasa musician Dino Mudondo on the popular hit Chirangano, said he does not use the stage name on the popular social network site.

Willom Tight bounces back

Willom Tight

TALENTED musician Willom Tight has bounced back with a fourth album that is set to consolidate his status as one of Zimbabwe's polished young musicians. The album, titled "Chinyerere", is already receiving a considerable amount of airplay on the local radio stations. Willom Tight - whose real name is Wilbroad Muponda - last made waves with the album "Kuza Ngoma" in 2007.

Winky D steals show at Movado Concert

Bigman Winky D

JAMAICAN dancehall star Mavado was last Friday upstaged by Winky D before a full house at the Harare International Conference Centre. Mavado, whose real name is David Brooks, delivered a rather subdued performance because he was using backtracks, while Winky D now lovingly referred to as the "Ninja president" by his legion of fans had a live band.

Baba we are waiting a new song by Obert Mazivisa

Obert Mazivisa

Baba We Are Waiting is a beautiful song by Obert Mazivisa. The new song was recorded with Free to Worship, Live at Dunstable Conference Centre, UK, on 20 August 2011. 

Free to Worship 1 Album features numerous Artists leading some touching and life changing worship. All all the proceeds goes to ZAOGA FORWARD IN FAITH MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS FIELD, get yourself a copy today and be blessed while supporting missions. Visit www.fifmi.org or call Obert Mazivisa on 00447966701141. Enjoy the video clip below:

Will Smith and his family have a great time at basketball game

Jada Pinkett, Will Smith and Jaden Smith

He doesn't get to spend as much time in his native Philadelphia as he used to. And Will Smith seemed delighted to be able to make up for his absence as he watched his beloved 76ers in their NBA match-up with the Charlotte Bobcats last night. The 43-year-old actor even made it a family affair by bringing along his actress wife Jada Pinkett-Smith and their son Jaden.

The thigh's the limit for Celine Dion who shows off her svelte legs in a daring slit gown for performance at Jazz festival

Celin Dione in Concert

She's known for her incredible vocals, but Celine Dion may have attracted just as much attention for her long slim legs last night.  The 43-year-old Canadian singer showed off her perfect pins in a stunning silver gown with a daring split to the thigh as she performed in Trelawny, Jamaica.

Winky D hauled off the stage by Sniper at Movado Show in Harare

Winky D

Sniper Storm hauled Wink D off the stage in front of fans after accusing the Bigiman of staying on stage for too long, at Mavado’s show at HICC in Harare.

This may have been true and we think Sniper’s actions had the blessing of the promoters cause why else who he do that? Sure, he will be the fall guy here but what will it mean for Winky D’s increasingly strained relationship with other artists? Also add the fact that our sources say the fight went all out behind stage as the two exchanged blows.

The way we see it, we see it escalating to diss tracks – a welcome addition to the industry – which many believe will be won by the very popular Ninja President. For Sniper on the other hand, just the act alone, tonight, people are talking about him. 

Prince Tendai left houses for both his wives

MAcheso, Akon and Prince Tendai

The High Court has accepted the will of the late businessman and musician Prince Tendai Mupfurutsa, which appointed his eldest son, Mr Tendai Rock Judd Mupfurutsa (Tendai Junior), and a Harare lawyer as co-executors to the estate. According to a letter of administration by the office of the Master of the High Court, Tendai Jnr will be assisted by city lawyer Ms Fiona Machekeche of Machekeche and Partners in the administration of the estate.

I will not sleep with rich men for money - Miss Harare

Miss Harare

New Miss Harare Emily Tatanga Kachote, 22 says she will never sleep with rich men for a leek lifestyle describing the practice as cheap. She however said it was difficult to make a living as a model in Zimbabwe. “Models living in Zimbabwe do not earn much. There are no jobs for them and those that are available pay so little. Big companies pay models $100 or $50 for an appearance on an advert and some do not pay. It is difficult to survive as a model.”

“Models and women in general should strive to provide for themselves the lovely things they desire. They should be empowered to know that men would respect them when they can look after themselves. Sometimes models cheapen themselves by getting into relationships for money.” She has not met the right guy yet but says respect is a major attribute of a potential suitor. Like most models she is fashion conscious.

Dread Welly releases second album

Dread Welly

Studio 263 actor Kizito Mawoko, popularly known for his role as Dread Welly, has released his second album entitled Plan B. The album features songs such as Vachapembera, Not available and Zviri Ready. Mawoko said he was trying to come up with a different and unique genre that would only be identified with him.

The return of Chamhembe

After a six-year silence from music, the flagship of urban grooves movement, Chamhembe, is back with a double CD compilation titled Chamhembe Forever. Chamhembe, under That Squad Studios is responsible for launching the careers of some of the country’s most celebrated urban grooves artists. Versatile producer Tatenda Jenami aka Take 5 told NewsDay the latest offering will reshape the landscape of urban music.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka is happily on top of world

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

YVONNE Chaka Chaka became the first African woman to receive the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday. The forum takes place annually, with businesspeople gathering to discuss the way forward in this sector.

Since she became a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations' Roll Back Malaria Partnership, Chaka Chaka has been touring Africa while contributing to the fight against the disease.The award by the World Economic Forum did not come as a surprise. Previous winners of the award include actor Richard Gere, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, producer, composer and musician Quincy Jones, Bono of U2 and singer Youssou N'Dour.

Grammy After Party Tickets ... $50,000 a Pop

If you wanna party with Diddy at the Playboy Mansion, you better be freakin' LOADED -- because TMZ has learned, tickets for the rapper's post-Grammys after party top out around $50,000 each. The cheapest ticket is a slightly more affordable $1,500 and they go up from there -- $15,000, $25,000 ... all the way up to $50,000 -- depending on what services you may require at the black tie affair.

Halle Berry launches own shoe line

It used to be the case that you couldn't really call yourself a celebrity until you had your own fragrance. Now stars are aiming higher - with whole collections of footwear. Cheryl Cole recently launched a collection on Stylistpick.com, following in the footsteps of everyone from Natalie Portman to Jay-Z.

And Halle Berry - who already has her own fragrance - is now throwing her own line of sandals into the mix.

The '5ths Avenue by Halle Berry' collection, designed for German retailer Deichmann Shoes, comes six months after Cindy Crawford posed with her own range of Deichmann heals. The launch of the collection must be a welcome distraction for the actress who was interviewed by the Los Angeles Police Department yesterday over claims her ex-boyfriend pushed their daughter's nanny during an argument.

PSquare collaborates with Usher on a single

Usher and PSquare

For some people, Nigerian super-duo of twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye, better known as P-Square, came into the limelight biting on their seeming resemblance with international R&B star, Usher Raymond. With somewhat similar vocals and dance routines, it seems their similarities are about to clash on a new single that sees Usher collaborating with the Nigerian singers.

US jazz band to perform in Harare

A Chicago-based jazz band, The Dennis Luxion -Michael Raynor Quartet, arrives in the country today for shows at cultural centres in Harare and Chitungwiza as well as conducting workshops with local musicians. The group’s tour to Zimbabwe is facilitated by the United States Embassy through the US Department of State’s “The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad” programme, co-ordinated by Jazz at Lincoln Centre.

Sharon Hudson-Dean, US Embassy spokesperson said the tour was timely.

Beautiful track promoting Zimbabwe as a tourist destination

Check out the beautiful video from B-Kay and Kazz promoting Zimbabwe as a safe tourist destination. I first watched this video last year...and was really impressed by its message and quality of delivery. Enjoy the video below.

Paul of P-SQUARE and BBA Star,Tatiana in quiet romance?

Paul of PSquare and Tatiana

Information made available to us indicates that an alleged well shrouded romance is on between Paul of P-Square and Tatiana Durao. Tatiana is the slim,fair-skinned housemate from Angola in the Big Brother Africa All Stars House and one of the most entertaining housemates of her season due to her daring lifestyle while in the House.

Harare Weekend Outing

Thank God its Friday, revellers are spoiled for choice this weekend. Movado is in town and other shows are lined up.....Have a fun filled weekend.  

HICC

Award-winning Jamaican dancehall musician, Mavado will perform at the Harare International Conference Centre tonight. He will be backed by local artists, Winky D, Sniper, Guspy Warrior, Lady B, Jiggaz, Freeman and Lady Squandaa. DJs on the decks are Raydizz, Garry B and L Roy.

City Sports Centre

The showbiz scene will erupt into activity with a top-drawer gig featuring Oliver Mtukudzi, Sulumani Chimbetu, Munya Mataruse and Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave at City Sports Centre tonight. The event has been dubbed “First Gig of the Year.”

Fungisai breaks barriers

Fungisai Zvakavapano Mashavave

Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave has declared she will no longer be constrained by religious beliefs as she focuses on building her career. She was speaking in an interview with NewsDay in the run-up to the show dubbed “The First Gig of the Year” that takes place at City Sports Centre tonight.

“I am not intimidated by anyone,” said Zvakavapano-Mashavave. “I have just been deprived of exposure, but I have broken the barriers and people must know that I was born for the stage. “This time around I am expecting my fans to take me as an ordinary artist not just another gospel artist. “I am no longer Fungisai the stranger on stage that is governed by religious values and constraints.” She added her focus was now on career development.

Mavado to use backtracks

Contrary to initial reports that Mavado would perform with his band the Jamaican dancehall performer, who jetted into the country on Wednesday night, said he will use backtracks. He will perform at Harare International Conference Centre tonight and Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex tomorrow. In an interview with NewsDay at Harare International Airport just after his arrival, Mavado said: 

“I didn’t bring my band this time, I was supposed to (bring the band), but there are now different plans. “I only managed to bring my DJ who will be spinning my tracks on the decks,” he said. Mavado was accompanied by three other people. Earlier on C&A Entertainment, organisers of the show, had confirmed Mavado would bring in his six-member band for his two shows.

Movado performing in Harare tonight

Movado 

TOP Jamaican dancehall artiste Mavado - real name David Constantine Brooks - becomes the first top billing international artiste to perform in Zimbabwe this year when he has a romance with Zimbabwean dancehall music lovers at two shows scheduled for the Harare International Conference Centre and Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex respectively.

Jamaican musician Movado in Zimbabwe

Jamacian reggae artiste David Brooks, popularly known as Movado, is in the country and expected to perform tonight at Rainbow Towers before holding another show in Chitungwiza tomorrow. Mavado, who calls himself the "Gully God" said he was happy to be in Zimbabwe and is looking forward to a good performance. 

Return of Plaxedes Wenyika

SOULFUL DIVA Plaxedes Wenyika says she is back in the game after her three-year hiatus! And to affirm her return with eloquence, Plaxedes - one of the pioneers of urban contemporary music - has released a refreshing single entitled Huya Ngikuratidze.

The single, that has been receiving fair airplay on the airwaves, was taken off her forthcoming fifth album titled Brighter Day due for release next month. In an interview with H-Metro, Plaxedes said the single marks her return to music. “This single marks the return of Plaxedes. I am back in the music circles for good now,” said the bubbly songbird.

Shiga Shiga to leave Utakataka Express - Peter Moyo

Peter Moyo and Alick Macheso

UTAKATAKA Express heir Peter Moyo yesterday confirmed that his chanter Gift “Shiga Shiga” Katulika and bassist Spencer Khumulani will soon be struck off his payroll as they insist on leaving the band. The 22-year-old also revealed that the two key band members have approached him seeking clearance to join other bands in search of greener pastures.

Stunner releases three singles

Stunner

CONTROVERSIAL rapper Desmond “Stunner” Chideme yesterday released three singles off his forth-coming album as he seeks to test the market. The three singles, Panofa Munhu, Sele and Take me back are tracks that will feature on his sixth album entitled Ndauraya Munhu due for release soon.

Kim, Kourtney and Khloe team up to unveil new range of jeans to fit those Kardashian kurves

The Kardashian Sisters 

They're known for flaunting their fabulous curves at every available opportunity. So launching a denim line tailored to the more shapely figure was the natural next step for the Kardashians, Shrugging off the backlash after the failure of her brief marriage, 31-year-old Kim took to Twitter to praise the new range.

She wrote: 'Our Kardashian Kollection for Sears denim line is officially here!! There are three styles, each named after my sisters and me'.

Wow, these girls are great entrepreneurs...sizing every opportunity to make money through their popularity!!!

Seal hints at reconciling with wife Heidi

Promoters collaborate for Mavado show

Movado

Zimbabwean promoters Clint Robinson of C&A Entertainment and Eddie Gwenzi of Biggman Promotions have taken a collaborative approach towards the hosting of international artists. The two promoters will be collaborating for the holding of the Mavado show at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza on Saturday when the Jamaican dancehall musician performs.

Sulu to unveil new songs

DENDERA musician Suluman Chimbetu will sample new songs taken off his 2012 yet-to-be-titled album at Mushandirapamwe Hotel in Highfield this Saturday. "Mwanawedangwe", as Sulu is affectionately called in music circles, will take the opportunity to wow fans who will converge on Mushandirapwamwe - one of his favourite haunting grounds - with four new songs to be featured on the upcoming album set for release in August.

Search for BBA housemates begins

Former BBA housemates - Munya, Wendall and Vimbai

Casting for M-Net's Big Brother Africa reality show begins in February, with an interesting requirement - that all would-be participants enter in pairs. The seventh season of the continent's attention-grabbing Big Brother Africa series reality show will be hitting DStv's channel 198 in May and will be beamed live in more than 14 countries. MultiChoice Zimbabwe public relations and publicity manager Liz Dziva said entrants would now be required to bring a partner as part of the selection process.

Beauty queens to get ZTA jobs

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is ready to give jobs to the 2011 Miss Zimbabwe winners in the event that they fail to get something worthwhile to do. All the four queens - Miss Zimbabwe Malaika Mashandu, Miss Tourism Rumbidzai Mudzengerere, Miss Universe Lisa Morgan and Miss Talent Nadia Gori have not yet secured any form of employment, a few weeks before their term of office comes to an end.

Being a national beauty queen gives one a competitive edge, and more often than not, opens doors for opportunities, locally or internationally.

Enjoy Cynthia Mare's Video

She is sensational and talented with a sultry voice. Based in the UK, Cynthia Mare is one of my favourite Zimbabwean RnB Singers. This girl will go places, enjoy this video:

   

Seal admits on Ellen Degeneres show 'divorce is imminent'

Seal and Ellen Degeneres

HEIDI AND SEAL'S FULL STATEMENT

'While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate. 'We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart.

'This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition. 'We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children’s sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy.'

'She's flat broke': Whitney Houston 'has spent her $100m fortune'

Bad finance: The star reportedly signed a six-album deal worth $100 million in 2001

She’s about to make her big screen comeback in the remake of Sparkle with popstar Jordin Sparks but Whitney Houston is reportedly 'broke'. The 48-year-old singer - who has overcome crack cocaine addiction - has allegedly spent all of her fortune, including a reported $100million record deal. 

Whitney is being financially supported by her record label Arista, which has given her an advance payment on her next album, according to reports. ‘Whitney's fortune is gone. Music industry heavy hitters are supporting her and her label is fronting her cash against her next album, but no one knows when that will be released’ a source told Radaronline.com. ‘She might be homeless if not for people saving her. She is broke as a joke.’

The good, the bad and the hopeless

Macheso and Sulumani

Several musicians on Sunday put up a good performance at this year's edition of the Chipaz Charity Tournament while others went literally unnoticed. The match, in which they played against yesteryear soccer legends like Peter Ndlovu, Norman Mapeza and Agent Sawu among others, had all the thrills and spills of real drama.

It was also a day of surprises and sungura musician Gulf Makina, who proved not to be only a good goalkeeper but a seasoned striker as well. Makina - whose musical credentials many fans initially questioned - became the darling of many in the stadium after he produced some brilliant saves for the artistes' team.

Makina stood in for veteran gospel musician Pastor Charles Charamba, who this year was sitting on the bench as a "super-sub" according to Partson "Chipaz" Chimbodza, the organiser of the tournament.

Wendall 'duped' over Great Zimbabwe flights

Wendall with some school children

A PROJECT fronted by Big Brother star Wendall Parson to fly thousands of school children to the Great Zimbabwe has been halted after the man organising the trips was revealed as a con artist. Wendall, a trained pilot, was excited after being approached by a company called Nu-Aero, trading as Fresh Air, to fly thousands of kids from around the country to the historic stone monument in Masvingo. But after just one trip, the flights were halted – dashing the hopes of thousands of kids who looked forward to their first ever flight.

Now Wendall says he was duped by Matipedza Karase – the organiser of the so-called AvTour – into lending his support to the scheme which now threatens to spill into the courts. Wendall’s mum and manager Gillian Jackson told New Zimbabwe.com on Wednesday that lawyers had been brought in to recover money owed to the 2011 Big Brother Africa winner under a contract signed with Nu-Aero.

Wendall, Fresh Air Crew and Karase

Macheso 'recruits' Peter Moyo and Tryson Chimbetu

Macheso

SUNGURA ace Alick Macheso continues with his mission of supporting upcoming artistes as he ropes in Peter Moyo and Tryson Chimbetu for his Pamuzinda Highway Escape show on February 3. Macheso has been performing with Tryson as his main supporting act and late last year Peter curtain-raised for him as well. Interestingly, both artistes are sons of late musicians - Tongai Moyo and Naison Chimbetu - who were legends in their own right.

She's back! Whitney Houston shines as Jordin Sparks' mother in remake of musical movie Sparkles

Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston is probably one of the greatest RNB singers of this century. She sold millions of records during the peak of her career. Now Whitney is staring in a new movie called Sparkle.  

The original 1976 movie starred Philip Michael Thomas, Irene Cara and Lonette McKee but Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks are bringing a modern hint of glamour to Sparkle. The pair can be seen all glammed up in the first shot released from the film, a remake of the blockbuster about how a girl group experiences turmoil after one of their members turns to drugs and another achieves their desired fame alone.

Is Heidi Klum divorcing Seal because of his hard partying? New claims singer was 'off the rails'

Seal and wife Heidi Klum

New claims have emerged that Heidi Klum is divorcing her husband Seal because of his hard partying. Hollywood's golden couple and their management are still yet to comment on yesterday's reports of a split, but a source has said their relationship was in trouble because the singer was 'off the rails'.

The tension is believed to have started when the pair holidayed with their three children, and Heidi's daughter from a previous relationship, in Ibiza in August. A source told the Sunday Mirror: 'They were always the couple everybody strived to be but lately it all started to change. 'Seal seems to have been partying a lot more often than usual.

All over? Seal has left cryptic Twitter messages on his homepage 

Late Sam Mtukudzi's Drummer commits suicide

Tatenda Kanjato

The late Sam Mtukudzi’s AY Band drummer, Tatenda Kanjato, has died. Kanjato (23), who also worked with popular reggae artiste Mic Inity, committed suicide last Friday. Mic Inity confirmed the death yesterday, saying it was a painful end to a young life. Kanjato’s family could not be reached for comment last night.

“It is a loss to my group. He was very young and talented. It is very sad that it ended this way,” he said. Mic Inity also posted a message on his Facebook wall, expressing his grief. The post read: “I am torn, rest in peace my ‘yout’ on the drums. Just a day before, we were rehearsing.”