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It appears Harare is awash  with “Shutdown” gigs and what a better way to cap 2013 than  attending  one of the shows lined up this weekend.
There is a “Sungura Shutdown” gig slated for Pamuzinda Highway Xscape and “Zim Dancehall Shutdown 2013” gig at the Harare Gardens both slated for tonight.

If you love sungura music then make a date with Alick Macheso, Leonard Zhakata, Peter Moyo and Progress Chipfumo for the “Sungura Shutdown”.

Interestingly, rarely do Macheso and Zhakata share the stage but when they come together fans are assured of a thrilling performance.
Macheso is a brilliant performer and fans love him for that. Lovingly called “Baba Sharo” after his daughter or simply as “Extrabasso” to his ardent followers, the “Madhawu” hitmaker is always a joy to watch on stage.

Extrabasso works magic on stage and most of his shows are different in that he always brings an element of surprise.
It is not easy to play the guitar especially the bass and lead a band as well as dance all at once. But, surprisingly, Extrabasso is one artiste who does everything with apparent ease. He has plenty of hits to enjoy.

However, Extrabasso  always keeps himself on solid ground. His music appeals to young and old because he sings about everyday life.
From “Charakupa” and “Mai Rubi” to “Makandidana” and “Shedia” he talks about everyday struggles affecting ordinary Zimbabweans.

Zhakata, arguably one of the best composers and singers in Zimbabwe, always ends his act on a high note. When it comes to vocals, Zhakata knows how to fine tune his voice.  Although he describes his music as Zora it draws heavily from sungura.

The show is expected to go a gear up when Peter Moyo and his Utakataka Express take to the stage. The youngster, who took over the band following his father’s death, has kept the group intact. His dancers led by chanter Yamathele are the glue that keeps the Utakataka Express intact.

Elsewhere at the Harare Gardens Winky D will face off with his arch-rival Sniper Storm. Though the gig is not about the two feuding artistes, there is a host of other talented Zimbabwe dancehall singers on the bill.

Aptly titled “Zim Dancehall Shutdown 2013” the gig features the crème de la crème of dancehall in the likes of Dhadza D, Killer T, King Shaddy, Guspy Warrior, Freeman and last but not least Ricky Fire.

There is also the battle of the queens when Lady Squanda goes head-to-head with Angel P.
The gig will also feature top emcees  Godfatha Templeman and Smiley of Legendary Sound as well as selector Garry B on the turntables.
Looking at the line-up it is easy to see why this year has been a good year for Zimbabwean dancehall music.

There were a number of artistes who stepped up their act and made names in the genre. If there is an artiste who has taken Zimbabwean dancehall by storm, it must be Killer T.

His songs such as “Tirikumhanya”, “Makarova Gunners”, “Suspects”, “Officer Mirai Chirukazi” and “Ziso Rako Hameno”, have become popular at watering holes and clubs.

Born Kelvin Kusikwenyu, Killer T has become a household name not only in Mbare but in other high-density suburbs.
His signature tune, the gun sound “Po po po” has become synonymous with ghetto youths and even rivals in the dancehall genre are forced by fans to chant the slogan once they get on stage.

Guspy Warrior has also had a fine run during the course of the year buoyed by the popularity of his tune “Seuno- nonga”. The number is receiving heavy rotation on most DJ playlists.

Like most dancehall artistes who are doing well in Zimbabwe, Guspy performs with a full band and he was one of the artistes who lit up the stage at the Lion Lager Campus Activation Nights.

Dancehall star Freeman of the Danger Zone fame is another heavy hitter at the gig.
Freeman, born Emegy Chizanga who hails from Dzivarasekwa also known by its slang name as DZ short for Danger Zone, is not only a force but his influence goes beyond his backyard.

Dhadza D, who rose to fame was when he released the hit “Dairai”, commands a huge following in most ghettos. He is known for his scintillating performances on stage.