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YOUNG IGWEE. . . Peter Moyo greets fans before his performance

Tawanda Marwizi Arts Correspondent
THOUSANDS of merrymakers who graced this year’s Police Commissioner-General’s Funfair at Morris Depot on Saturday were treated to a memorable time. Artistes across genres took turns to entertain fans who had come from different parts of Harare and surrounding areas while police officers from various units showcased their skills. There was fun on stage, in the police display arena and among the audience.

Children were given rare treats as they took turns to have bike rides, police car rides, swimming and jumping castle fun among other things.
Outside the venue long queues were the order of the day till sunset as fans streamed to the event.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri and his wife Dr Isabel, Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Abigail Damasani graced the event.

Several artistes including Pastor Charles Charamba, Alick Macheso, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Jah Prayzah, Police Band, Sebastian Magacha, Peter “Young Igwee” Moyo, Nicholas Zakaria and Sulumani Chimbetu entertained the crowd.

The Young Igwee performed in the early hours of the show much to the delight of fans before giving way to Magacha who belted out songs from his previous albums.
He played his song “Makaponesa Mweya” prompting Macheso to join him on stage.

The sungura ace played the bass guitar before taking the stage for his performance.
Though the musician managed to keep revellers on their toes, the absence of chanter Zhili Mumbamulapi was evident as dancer Selemani “Majuice” Mupochi failed to fill in the gap.
He gave a sample of his upcoming song “Gomo” that is being circulated by pirates.

After Macheso’s performance fans started shouting for dancehall musician of the moment Tocky Vybes who was not on the line-up forcing the master of ceremonies Kanyemba Bhonzo and Ollah 7 to sing some of his songs in passing.

Pastor Charles Charamba and his wife Olivia took over from Macheso and thrilled fans with their songs such as “Rute”, “Ndiwe” and “Machira Chete”. Commissioner-General Chihuri and his wife joined the Charambas on stage for the song “Machira Chete” and showed off their dance skills.

While the Charambas were on stage the draw was conducted and fans from different parts of the country won prizes including a Ford ranger vehicle.
After the draw the Charambas finished their act with songs “Anosimudza Marombe” prompting fans to celebrate with the winners.

The olice band warmed the stage for Sniper Storm who managed to thrill dancehall fans who had earlier on called for Tocky Vibez.
The event went into slow drive when gospel diva Fungisai played worship songs for the better part of her performance.

She later played her hit song “Makomborero” before leaving the stage for comedians Mabla 10 and Sekuru Zvambu who left the crowd in stitches as they prepared the stage for Jah Prayzah.

They did renditions of different dancehall songs.
Jah Prayzah then came on stage amid wild cheers and the dreadlocked musician spiced up his fine performance with a mock military drill.
Dendera musician Suluman Chimbetu took over from Jah Prayzah and showcased his skill in a great way.

He performed most of his hits and mixed them with his father’s classics that took people down memory lane.
Sulumani’s performance left fans crying for more.

Organisers of the event said they were happy to host such a successful event that will see more than 400 under privileged children benefiting.
At the beginning of the show the master of ceremonies had jokingly told people that it was a day to drink beer in police premises without fear of being arrested.

Some of the merrymakers obviously took the emcees word and got sloshed in the early stages of the event and spent the better part of the day lying dead drunk.
It was quite a refreshing funfair.