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Macheso and Mtukudzi

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
The “Zim’s Finest” show held at the Glamis Stadium over the weekend will be remembered as one of the best collaborative gigs so far this year. Organised by River Clear Promotions in conjunction with ZimCafe Restaurant, the show had all the four big names – Oliver Mtukudzi, Suluman Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah and Alick Macheso.

Mtukudzi or simply Tuku to his fans joined Suluman on “Kwedu” before Jah Prayzah who featured on “Sean Timba”.
Later it was Macheso’s turn to join Tuku on stage amid whistling and ululation from the crowd. However, the show could have attracted an even  bigger crowd had it been marketed well.

Be that as it were, the crowd enjoyed every minute of it as they cheered on the artistes. Each time the artistes shared the stage the crowd went into a frenzy.

Jah Prayzah opened the show with an amazing delivery. He did the drills without “Generator”, his popular dancer, and you could tell he missed her.

Of course, Jah Prayzah gave his best in song as well as dance but he needs to find ways of replacing Generator or at least give her a second chance.

Suluman or Sulu to his legion of fans was also on point throughout his act. He did not waste time experimenting with new songs and like Jah Prayzah he performed to expectation.

When Tuku finally hit the stage it was past midnight but unfortunately he started on a low note.
Those who attended the show will tell you that it was not his best performance and neither was the playlist that exciting.

Maybe it has to do with his age but Tuku of late hasn’t been hitting the right chords insofar as playlist is concerned.
Sometimes you wonder whether he really wants to perform or not.

Quite honestly, for an artiste who is well travelled as Tuku you can’t afford to miss the chords.
He was the only artiste whose performance drew negative comments.

“Akomana kuiita here uku? Mudhara uyo hindava achiridza zvakadhakwa so (Guys why is Tuku boring like this?)” one fan asked.
That said, Macheso or Extrabasso and his Orchestra Mberikwazvo were at their best.

Being the last act of the show, the “Makandidana” hitmaker put up a scintillating performance. The crowd loved every minute of it.
Kudos should go to the organisers for managing the show well with tight security and secure parking. The stage was excellent with excellent lighting and a powerful PA system. Music lovers were treated to cold drinks and sumptuous food from the stalls that were dotted around the venue.