Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
The long Heroes and Defence Forces weekend is upon us and there is no better way to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom than to be at Borrowdale Racecourse’s Fusion Nightclub for the “Zahara and Friends” concert tonight. If you are into afro-pop, urban grooves or reggae and

dancehall, Borrowdale is definitely the place to be as the South African music sensation Zahara takes the stage for yet another music romance with her Zimbabwean fans.
Other performers on the bill are Winky D, Alexio Kawara, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Roki and Buddo Knox.

According to organisers of the concert, Hardcore World Entertainment, fans should come early to avoid disappointment.
“It is a concert and we urge fans to come early because we don’t want people to feel shortchanged when they miss out on their favourite musicians.

“We are going to stick to our schedule and we said Zahara will go on stage early because she will be performing in Bulawayo the next day,” said Tawanda Chingara.
The concert is sponsored by Premier Auto, Delta Beverages through their brand Redd’s, and Endaweni Restaurant.
After the Harare show, the “Loliwe” singer will travel to Bulawayo by road to allow her to visit other towns like Gweru, Kadoma and Kwekwe.

Although organisers have not announced the surprise special guest, most fans are pinning their hopes on South African-based Zimbabwean singer and Kaya FM’s George Munetsi to accompany Zahara.
George, who describes himself as a “newbie” in music, was featured on Zahara’s hit song “Incwadi Encane” which was voted Best Collaboration at this year’s South African Music Awards.

“Incwadi Encane” is a plea to a loved one who left for an unknown destination to return home. On the song, George complements Zahara with his Shona lyrics, which interpret the whole story.
It would be a big surprise if George turns out to be the guest at the concert.

Zahara is a singer, songwriter and poet born Bulelwa Mkutukana on November 9, 1987.
She started singing at a school choir at the age of six and at nine she was told to join the senior choir because of her strong voice.
According to wikipedia, Zahara released her debut album “Loliwe” in 2011 which proved to be a big success as it went platinum in 13 days and went double platinum after just 17 days, selling over 100 000 copies in South Africa.

With Loliwe, Zahara became the second musician after the late Brenda Fassie to reach 100 000 sales figure in such record time.
At the annual South African Music Awards, Zahara won eight awards, including best female artiste and album of the year.

“She is the sixth of seven children. Her stage name Zahara means ‘blooming flower’ as a child she was known by the nickname Spinach.
“Her music is classified loosely as ‘Afrosoul’ and she sings in her native language, Xhosa, as well as in English.

“Her music has been described as a mixture between the styles that have been popularised by Tracy Chapman, India Arie and the Nigerian singer Asa (pronounced as Usher).”