Arts Reporters
It’s 16 days away from Christmas, and already, some people are in the celebratory mood.
A lot is happening across the country, with some local artistes shining in foreign lands as they host shows.
The Herald Arts and Entertainment section took a survey of some of the events taking place this weekend and what revellers can expect.
Here is part of the weekend guide:
Mateo reunites with friends
The much anticipated reunion between musicians Matthew Kaunda, Willom Tight and Patience Musa is coming to pass tonight at Theatre in the Park.
Remember “Pamuhacha” hit song by Kaunda, who is affectionately known as Mateo? If you do, then this weekend is specifically meant for you as Mateo and Friends rekindle their romance with yesteryear hits.
It’s a show not to be missed as the trio rekindles memories of Mateo and Friends when they used to rock the airwaves and the small screen.
And watching the composers perform it live would be an awesome experience.
The band will be returning to the podium with a lot of expectations, thanks to Rooftop Promotions.
Their three-hour performance starts at 6pm.
In a statement, Rooftop Promotions producer, Daves Guzha, said it was now time to appreciate local talent and content by bringing back those who had parted ways or stopped their music business.
“Mateo and Friends have done much in music, hence they deserve to be welcomed and celebrated,” said Guzha, who is credited for weaning off a number of artistes.
Similar sentiments were echoed by band manager, Godfrey Mbanga, who expressed hope and excitement towards the return of the trio.
“We are looking forward to a memorable show as the group holds a reunion show,” he said. “Mateo and Friends used to be a popular brand before they went separate ways.”
After their split, Willom Tight went on to combine forces with Dino Mudondo.
The two later parted ways, with Dino forming the Rasta Kwasa Family and Willom assembling the Tight Family.
Patience Musa went solo before venturing into broadcasting.
She has since joined the corporate world, but still has a passion for broadcasting.
Kaunda quit music to concentrate on his religious mission after converting to Christianity.
Everton Mlalazi for Nigerian concert
Award winning gospel musician, Everton Mlalazi, will this Sunday stage his maiden performance in Lagos, Nigeria.
Mlalazi, who leaves for Nigeria today ahead for the show, is expected to perform alongside multi-award-winning Nigerian gospel singer Sinach at Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.
Dubbed Christmas concert, Sinach and Friends — Love Feast, the show will see artistes such as Gosgem Choir, Onyeka Onwenu (Nigeria), Todd Dulaney and Da’dra GreatHouse from the United States, Ebenezer Obey, Adlan Cruz (Puerto Rico), Ayo Vincent (Nigeria), Chris Shalom, Joe Praize and Frank Edwards taking part.
Everton Mlalazi
In an interview with The Herald Arts, Mlalazi said he was more than ready and promised his fans that he will deliver a polished act.
“God’s time is the best,” he said. “I am happy to be taking part at this concert which has renowned musicians. I will definitely put Zimbabwe on the map and it is a dream come true for me.”
Writing on her website, Sinach said: “It is the holiday season and Christmas is around the corner! What an amazing year it has been and we want to round it up by celebrating the goodness of God and the gift that is our Lord Jesus Christ.”
All set for Mashonaland Central Achievers Awards
Organisers for the inaugural Mashonaland Central Achievers Awards (MCAA) have said all was set for the show tomorrow in Bindura.
The glitz and glam affair will be hosted at Kangara Resort (Acadia Dam), with some local musicians including Bindura Stars, set to be honoured for their excellence.
The event is a brainchild of Umtali Saidi of the Bindura Arts Festival (BAF), who said their mandate was to honour both the living and departed legends who put the province, and Zimbabwe, on the world map.
Nominees will be vying for awards in various categories such as arts and entertainment, mining, rural and urban community development, voluntary community development, education and tourism.
Saidi said the awards were long overdue, but happy that they were taking part.
“The Mash Central Achievers Awards is a celebration of talent success and legacy for the province,” he said. “The awards ceremony seeks to recognise the efforts and contribution of individuals and organisations to economic and social progress of the province.
“Some of the nominees to look forward to are in the Life Time Achievement Awards category where we have Oliver Mtukudzi and Alick Macheso in Arts and Entertainment.”
Some of the categories include, businessmen and businesswomen of the year, farmer of the year, artiste of the year, tourism, health personality of the year, special recognition award in different fields and Lifetime Achievement Award.
On the line up of entertainment include musician Ammi Jamanda and David Hondoyedzomba, who both hail from Mashonaland Central province.
It is a red carpet affair.
American gospel singer Travis show at Celebration Centre
Grammy-nominated American gospel artiste Travis Greene who arrived yesterday in Harare for his maiden performance in Zimbabwe, has described locals as friendly and loving.
The show scheduled tomorrow at Celebration Centre in Harare will see a number of local singers lined up to support the main act.
Greene is being hosted by Set-UP Events and organisers have said everything will go according to script.
The show, titled The Shift, will see supporting acts such as Minister Michael Mahendere, Takesure Zamar Ncube, Psalmist Hubert C, Joyful Praise Choir and Pastor Bonnie Deuschle sharing the stage.
Travis Greene
Not to be left out includes the energetic Gospel Dj Unlocked who will be the official DJ for the concert.
The event, which kicks off at 1300hrs, has been pegged at US$20 for a general access ticket, down from the initially announced US$30, VIPs will fork out US$100 with a special package for 10 people costing US$150.
In an interview with The Herald Arts, Rudo Magwenzi of Set-Up Events said everything was in place for the concert titled ‘The Shift.’
“We are ready for Pastor Travis Greene, everything is in place for believers to have a great time in worship,” she said. “As a country, we are privileged and blessed to host a great international gospel artiste like Pastor Greene and we promise those who will attend that they will have a memorable experience.”