Zimpapers Logo

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
BORROWING from the old adage which says “local is lekker”, Zimbabwean artistes proved beyond doubt that they can hold their own despite limited resources.Those who attended the Lion Lager Summer Beer Festival held at Glamis Stadium over the weekend would agree that despite the hype surrounding the top billing Nigerian pop singer D’Banj and Ugandan Bebe Cool, the two gave below average acts.

Instead, it was Winky D (pictured), Guspy Warrior and King Shaddy who rocked the most at the festival which marked its fifth edition this year.

In an interview with fans who attended the gig, it was clear the majority of people enjoyed Zimbabwean acts more than the foreign acts.
Guspy Warrior had everyone singing along to his hits, “Seunononga” and “No Way”, while King Shaddy whipped his fans into a frenzy.
Winky D aka the Ninja President was the toast of the night after his scintillating performance.

A good number of people complained that the Lion Lager Summer Beer Festival had deviated from its original concept as a “beer” festival and evolved into a music festival.

“Well, judging from the performances I think Winky D rocked the most. His performance was good and he exhibited good stagework as well. His playlist was amazing,” Wadzanai Murombedzi said.

Arnold Mapakame reiterated that he enjoyed Winky D and Guspy Warrior’s performances.
“I think there was no battle to start with because the show was dominated by local artistes. Even if you looked at the posters, the local artistes were being looked down upon because the organisers thought Bebe and D’Banj were so popular in Zimbabwe but unfortunately not quite,” Maria Moyo said.

“I wonder why the organisers don’t have faith in our local talent. Instead of spending a lot of money bringing foreign artistes they should just engage local promoters and do one big show without the foreign acts, after all Lion Lager is not an international beer, so what’s the fuss,” Gerald Bimha said.

Chengetai Murawa said the show started late unlike the previous years when it would start in the afternoon with lots of fun games and braai.

“My best festival was the one that featured Beenie Man.  Besides good entertainment, it was an afternoon festival which resembled the real October Beer Festival. In the afternoon people were entertained by several DJs on rotation then games such as the beer drinking contests.

“Back then they would have DJs contest to find who was the best on the decks and that was aimed at promoting local DJs. The festival would climax with a gig,” she said.