Sibongile Ndiweni, Sunday Life Reporter

JUNE is a month that not only acknowledges the toil of fathers as they work towards making ends meet for their families through Fathers’ Day, it is also a men’s health awareness month.

Guided by her awareness that early detection saves lives, local actress and media personality Tinopona ‘‘Tin Tin’’ Katsande will be hosting a Father’s Day event dubbed Father’s Day Health Check at the Legends of Kebab Premier in Milton Park, Harare, on 1 July. The event is aimed at encouraging men on the importance of taking care of their health.

The event will have a wide range of free body screenings which will be supervised by different health specialists, with prostate cancer testing being at the top of the list. Getting blood glucose, blood pressure check-ups, talks on higher health risks for men, mental health, debunking the myths and misinformation surrounding the use of herbs against science to treat cancers and other ailments, men’s sexual reproductive health issues, for example, erectile dysfunction, and creating generational wealth with a healthy body and mind will also be done by respected professionals in their specific field.

In an interview with Sunday Life, Tin Tin said after her diagnosis of cervical cancer, she started a patient-driven cervical cancer awareness initiative that focuses on awareness, free screening programmes, and HPV vaccinations. She expressed how she saw the need to give awareness of the importance of cancer prevention and treatment in men.

“To date, we have held several awareness programmes in the corporate world and our different communities, as well as a free cervical cancer screening in Harare for Mother’s Day 2023. And it being June, men’s health awareness month and Father’s Day, we decided on broadening our initiative by engaging the men in our society through prostate cancer awareness initiatives”, she said.

Tin Tin said Bains Intercare partnered with her to make free prostate screening a success. She highlighted that this test will be a PSA test, which is a blood test to check for the antigen that shows when prostate cancer is present.

“Fathers are contributing immensely to the betterment of this world, they should continue to sacrifice or invest in their children’s education so that when they carry forward their legacy, they can skilfully contribute in society. Cervical, prostrate and breast cancer are of the deadliest in Zimbabwe, even though they are preventable. Routine screening and early treatment can prevent eight in 10 cervical cancer cases if the abnormalities in the cervix are identified early. Early detection saves lives,” she said.

Highway to success with Chrales Dub

THERE are many types of pronouns. The following list gives a summary. This section will deal only with the pronouns that cause the most serious problems in writing or speaking.

Personal pronoun: I, you, he, it, we, they, me, her, him, us, them, my, mine, your, yours, hers, his, its, our, ours, their, theirs.

Reflexive and intensive – myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves and themselves. Demonstrative pronoun – this, that, these, those. Interrogative pronoun – who, whose, whom, which, what. Relative pronouns – who, whose, whom, which, what and that.

Indefinite pronouns: all, another, any, anybody, anyone, anything, both, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, few, many, more, most, much, neither, nobody, none, no one, nothing, one, other, several, some, somebody, someone, something and such.

Using modifiers: Modifiers are words that change or limit the meaning of other words. Two kinds of modifiers are adjectives and adverbs. An adjective is a word that modifies a noun or a pronoun. An adjective tells which one? What kind? How many? How much? Examples: that book, pink sweater, two dogs, more rain. Classes of adjectives: The following list shows the various types of adjectives.

Articles: A, an, and the are adjectives referred to as articles. The article the is the definite article because it points out a specific person, place, thing, or group. A and an are indefinite articles because they do not refer to specific items. Use an before a vowel sound. Use a before a consonant sound. Remember it is the sound, not the spelling that determines the correct choice: an elephant, an honour, an igloo, a lamp.

Proper adjectives: These adjectives are formed from proper nouns and are always capitalised. English class, Zimbabwean furniture. Predicate Adjectives: These adjectives follow linking verbs and describe the subject of the sentence. The birds were silent. The soup smelled wonderful. Nouns as adjectives: Nouns can also become modifiers when they describe other nouns. Essay examination, grass skirt.

Adverbs: An adverb modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Adverbs tell where, when, how, or to what extent. Examples: sat here, closed today, spoke softly, very quickly, exceptionally fast, almost done, not finished. Many adverbs are formed by adding –ly to an adjective: careful – -ly = carefully, happy + -ly = happily.

Here are some commonly used adverbs that do not end in –ly: afterwards, almost, already, also, back, eve, far, fast, forth, hard, here, instead, late, long, low, more, near, never, next, not, now, often, seldom, slow, soon, still, straight, then, there, today, tomorrow, too, well, yesterday, yet.

If you are uncertain about whether to use an adverb or an adjective after a verb like feel, sound, smell, or look, ask yourself the following questions: Does the modifier tell how, when, where, or to what extent about an action verb? If it does, use an adverb. Can you substitute is or was for the verb? If you can, use an adjective. The garage seemed empty. The garage is empty.

Prepositional phrases as modifiers- Prepositions are words that show how one word is related to another word. Read these sentences. Notice how each expresses a different relationship: The box is on the table. The box is near the table. The box is beside the table. Ben pulled a muscle before the final race. Ben pulled a muscle after the final race. Ben pulled a muscle during the final race.

In the first group of sentences in the above paragraph you can see that the words on, near, and beside show the relationship of table to the box. In the next group of sentences, before, after, and during show the relationship of race to pulled a muscle. You can see that prepositions do not show relationships by themselves. They begin a phrase.

A phrase is a group of words that belong together but do not have a subject and verb. On the table and before the final race are examples of prepositional phrases. A preposition is a word used with a noun or pronoun, called its object, to show how the noun or pronoun is related to some other word in the sentence. A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, its object, and any modifiers of the object.

Here is a list of words often used as prepositions: Most of these prepositions show relationships of place or time. Some show other relationships among people and things. Study these prepositions and notice the relationship that each shows: about, at, down, near, to, above, before, during, of, toward, after, below, for, on, underneath, against, beneath, from, onto, until, along, beside, in, out, up, among, between, inside, over, upon, around, but(except) into, since, with, as, by, like, through, and without.

Some modifiers cannot be compared. For example, something that is unique is one of a kind. It cannot be more or less unique than something else. Other modifiers that do not take comparisons are equal, fatal, final, and absolute.

We leave it here for now. Next time we shall look at modifiers in comparisons, the comparative, superlative and so forth. 

λFor views link with charlesdube14058@gmail.com or sms to 0772113207

Sociology with Tatenda Chihota

Today I want to talk about the matrix and proliferation of Kungwavha – ngwavha in the context of sociology to explain the status of the economy in line with unemployment and youth agency. 

Kungwavha -ngwavha is a combination of the words ‘cleverness’  (ngwara) and ‘thievery, trickery,  crockery’  (Humbavha) in an economic situation. Unemployment as reflected,  is a condition whereby people are out of paid work but available seeking for a job to earn a living. Poverty is a condition whereby individuals are deprived from basic necessities such as food, shelter and money.

Due to this economic situation,  youths have been pressured to use all ‘masikiri’/ ‘chikiri’ (tricks) to smartly and cleverly deceive   society and economy to earn a living thereby making  the illegality legal. 

A job well done to  President Mnangagwa for recently denouncing  Kungwavha – ngwavha in the context of youths. However, efforts to denounce it have not been given a chance in the minds and hearts of social entities,  media and other influential politicians or groups. In sociology, I regard Kungwavha – ngwavha as a social problem that needs the attention of the media and government to denounce it. 

The term “Kungwavha- Kungwavha” a portmanteau closely related to ‘Kuhardira’ from English word ‘getting hardened’ which means hardened perseverance. Youths also use the word going ‘muchi raa’ which comes from the English words ‘round ,circle’ which means roaming around the streets. They say I am going ‘muchiraa kunokiya kiya’. ‘Kukiyakiya’ as reflected by Melusi Nkomo is all about a zigzag  search for opportunity to smartly deceive and trick people in the face of reality.

The economic situation has promoted the Kungwavha-  ngwavha culture which is predominated by profit making element leading to moral decay. In a dollar youth are given by parents to buy be it vegetables or tomatoes,  they have to ‘smartly’ take a cent from it indicating ‘kungwara’ (their cleverness). 

This hustling is not morally upright rather it is scary and morally inappropriate as it is leading to moral degradation in society. Most of them say ‘hustlers do not sleep’ meaning they should sweetly go in the circles looking for the opportunity for trickery and thievery.

I interviewed  Mbizo high school students in Kwekwe and one of the students stated that; “I cannot go broke, if i need a dollar, I deceive my parents smartly by replacing a functional bulb with a malfunctioning one.  Then I report to my parents that a bulb has developed a fault. When given a dollar to buy a new one for replacement, I will just remove the malfunctioning and replace it with the one I removed”

Youths can also engage in ‘kutsara’ stealing in the stance  involvement  possessing, selling, producing, and trafficking drugs.

While the image of all street children being addicted to drugs is inaccurate, some street-connected children do engage in substance use to cope with the realities of living on the streets, trauma, illness, hunger, stigmatisation and discrimination. Long term use at the age when children are still physically and mentally developing can cause long term problems in adulthood.

A disturbing story  published by H- metro reported that on 21 July 2022, a teenager who was a form six at Loreto high school was jailed three years after he pleaded guilty to robbing a lady who is a Judial Service Commissioner.

This issue of  ngwavha-ngwavha has no gender dividing line, rather it touches both boys and girls. Girls usually do what is referred to as ‘thigh vending’. I recently talked about ‘sociology of iphone’ where I said girls give what ever they have to get a living or an iPhone. In India for example,  we can observe people purchasing iPhones by even offering to sell their kidneys symbolising how an iPhone is more of a status symbol than the brand itself. 

λ Tatenda chihota is a Zimbabwean sociology author. He can be contacted for views and comments on +263718786253

Jobert Ngwenya

In October 2018, I presented a mini-conference paper entitled, “Why I love My School Library”, as part of an event to celebrate school libraries. As a passionate advocate for education reform and a firm believer in the power of libraries, I was thrilled to share my vision for a school library that embraces the demands of the 21st century. Last week, I penned a piece that focused on the person of the school librarian in the face of technology and 21st century education. In this article, I will outline some of the key features of a Fourth Industrial Revolution library that caters to the needs of the modern learner, as initially presented during the said conference.

As I rightly stated last week, the 21st century has brought about significant changes in technology, transforming the way we access and interact with information. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has ushered in a new era of digitalisation, where learners are constantly connected to their devices and have access to a wealth of resources and peers from around the globe. To cater to this digital-native generation and to align with the competence-based curriculum, our school libraries must undergo a revolution of their own.

First and foremost, a model school library should provide a collaborative environment that encompasses both physical and virtual spaces. Traditional notions of a library as a quiet, solitary space need to be replaced with an atmosphere that fosters participatory learning. Special activity corners such as Children’s Corner, Author’s Corner, and Games Corner can engage learners in educational activities that promote creativity and collaboration. The transformation of school libraries into “active learning spaces” is a key aspect of this collaborative environment. While printed books remain important, library spaces should incorporate more open areas and common spaces that facilitate interaction between learners and teachers. By creating, sharing, and collaborating, learners can develop essential 21st century skills and construct new knowledge together.

Digital technologies play a crucial role in meeting the needs of the 21st century learner. Given that learners today are digital citizens deeply immersed in the digital realm, it is essential to reach out to them in their own environment. Digital libraries, consisting of digital objects in various formats, provide easy access to information and offer features such as word search capabilities that enhance the speed and efficiency of information retrieval. In an ideal digital library, information could be accessed as texts, images, videos, audio and through the use of virtual reality, mixed reality, and augmented reality among other emergent technologies. Needless to say, this provides more learning opportunities that meet different learner needs.

The advantages of digital libraries extend beyond accessibility. They can transcend physical boundaries, allowing for round-the-clock access and multiple users simultaneously. Furthermore, digital libraries can provide links to other digital resources, fostering a network of interconnected knowledge. Installing digital devices such as televisions, gaming devices, audiovisual equipment and extended reality within the library can encourage content creation, global networking, and inclusive learning for learners with different abilities.

Creating a participatory learning community is another critical aspect of a 21st century school library. This approach involves actively engaging learners in knowledge building and learning, allowing them to take part in the construction of their own education. The library can facilitate team-based learning, encouraging long-term commitment, trust, and collaboration among students. Through team-based learning, learners develop more positive attitudes toward the subject matter and experience greater interest and engagement. Knowledge is not only inquired for the sake of summation assessments but through socially constructed experiences, deeper learning is achieved.

Resource persons, such as experts from various fields, can also play a significant role in enriching the learning experience in our school and even public libraries. Library visits from professionals serve as valuable teaching tools, providing learners with real-world examples and making community institutions more familiar. These resource persons can provide additional content support and foster civic skills and active participation in learners. Through these activities historians, businesspeople, lawyers, medical professionals, civic leaders and leaders of various community-based organisations can be part of the student’s learning experiences in schools. Within this context, the concept of “human libraries” comes to mind. Human libraries are events or initiatives where people act as “books” that can be “borrowed” by others to have a conversation with. The “books” are people with various experiences such as discrimination, prejudice, or stereotypes based on their identity or background, such as their race, religion, or profession. The goal of human libraries is to promote empathy, understanding, and dialogue between people from different backgrounds and to challenge stereotypes and prejudices.

However, a digital library is only as effective as the staff that manages it. A professional and knowledgeable team is essential to ensure the library’s success. This team may include a head librarian, a reading specialist, a curriculum specialist, a technology integration expert, and a learner counsellor. These individuals should be equipped with the skills to serve as digital leaders, innovators, and resources for learners and teachers alike. They should continuously update their knowledge by attending workshops and conferences, keeping pace with the latest technological trends.

It is disheartening to witness the ever-growing divide between rural and urban areas when it comes to access to, and quality of school libraries. While some “elite” urban communities have tried to adapt to the digital revolution and transform their libraries, many low income urban communities and most rural areas are left behind, grappling with limited resources and outdated facilities, if at all there’s any such facilities. This neglect not only hampers the educational opportunities of learners in these communities but also perpetuates the cycle of inequality. It is high time that the powers that be, recognise the importance of equitable access to information and take concrete actions to bridge this gap.

Adequate funding, infrastructure development, and targeted support are needed to empower rural communities and other low income communities to ensure that their libraries become vibrant centres of knowledge and opportunity. Without such intervention, we risk further marginalising those who are already disadvantaged, hindering their educational growth and limiting their future prospects. Let us prioritise the construction and transformation of rural libraries, recognising their potential to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and bridge the gap between rural and urban areas.

As we embrace the demands of the 21st century, our school libraries must transform into vibrant spaces that cater to the needs of the digital-native learner, breaking the traditional boundaries and embracing the wider world of people, places, and ideas. The school library must adapt to these changing needs by transforming its physical space and design. By incorporating digital technologies, fostering collaborative and participatory learning environments, and providing responsive and skilled staff, the school library becomes a central hub for digital teaching, research, and lifelong learning.

λ Jobert Ngwenya is an award winning educator, Fulbright TEA Fellow, National Geographic Education Grantee, Citizenship Diplomacy Action Fund grantee, author, and academic audio content creator. He holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies (MSU) Bachelor of Arts (UZ) and Post Graduate Diploma in Education (ZOU). He can be contacted by email on jobert.ngwenya@gmail.com

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

ZIMBABWE senior national team captain Felistus Kwangwa has scored yet another big deal after she was appointed Brand Ambassador for the United Kingdom-based insurance and risk management firm, Diaspora Insurance.

The deal will see the 28-year-old Gems star feature in Diaspora Insurance’s marketing and promotional campaigns both in Zimbabwe and in England where she plays in the Vitality Netball League for top-tier side, Surrey Storm.

Diaspora Insurance is now more than 10 years old and covers 13 African countries with plans to add more. Last year, the Njube-born Kwangwa, was the poster girl of Gilbert Netball’s limited edition of evolution shoes marketing campaign. The deal came with a package of a signature ball with the Zimbabwean flag colours. 

Her colourful signature ball features the Zimbabwe flag and her quote: “never say never.” The ball is available in size five and features a blended rubber surface and synthetic latex bladder. The goal defender is expected to join the rest of the Gems’ training camp on 1 July.

Kwangwa is widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s finest netball players ever, a status she cemented when she became the first local player to secure a move to England. Kwangwa managed to make her most appearances in a season this year since joining Vitality Netball League side, Surrey Storm in England.

This season alone Kwangwa managed 20 appearances compared to last season’s 16 and19 in her maiden in 2021. She has represented the club on 55 occasions since making her historic move to the United Kingdom.

This season, Surrey Storm finished in fourth place and focus for Kwangwa will now shift to leading Zimbabwe in their second World Cup participation. After leading the Gems to their maiden World Cup appearance in Liverpool four years ago, Kwangwa also helped Zimbabwe secure a second successive World Cup qualification at the Africa Netball World Cup qualifiers held in South Africa from 28 July to 6 August last year.

Sibongile Ndiweni, Sunday Life Reporter

After successfully hosting the #Indlu’kaMrapper Campaign Concert on 9 June at The Oasis Creators’ Hub in Bulawayo, 2022 Bulawayo Arts Awards winner musician Msiz’kay said the #Indlu’kaMrapper Campaign is still ongoing and will host more events  to raise funds towards the building of his dream home. 

The #Indlu’kaMrapper Campaign Concert was the first stage of the campaign and it was set towards raising money for building material. He said he was aiming at raising  US$30 000 to build the house. The land was given to him as part of the prize for winning the award by a local land developer. 

Speaking to Sunday Life, Msiz’kay said the #IndluKaMrapper Concert was amazing as it played a great part in making his dream home a success. 

“This concert was just a part of the Campaign and I was impressed by how people came out in numbers to support in building indlukaMrapper, something that would help encourage the young upcoming artists that if talent is supported by hard work, it does pay off. The concert played its role and as we are still pressing forward with the Campaign, more details on it will be shared soon”, he said.

Sibongile Ndiweni, Sunday Life Reporter

Bulawayo-born and bred Walter Masvoreka has shown a passion for Zim dancehall, a genre that is not so popular in the city of kings.

The 20-year-old who is known as Starter in music circles uses Zim dancehall to communicate his gospel lyrics and expressing messages of encouragement. He has 11 singles to his credit as well as the album Ndinopererei, the Extended Play which was released on 25 May.

Speaking to Sunday Life, the young musician said that occasionally, in addition to serving as motivation, his music also speaks for other young people who are unable to communicate how they are feeling or what they are going through as they face each day’s challenges.

Growing up in Sizinda with a single parent and three siblings, Masvoreka started his music career in  2021 after discovering his talent and embracing it with the hope that one day his talent will change fortunes for him and his family. Although he has not yet featured any well-known artist in recording his music, he has had an opportunity of sharing the stage with Zim dancehall’s own Dj Levels and Fantan.

Masvoreka expressed how his journey was not easy at the beginning, stating how he had to maintain a balance between his school work and his talent. He also stated how it became more difficult when his mother was not yet believing in his talent.

“It wasn’t easy to attend evening shows and try and learn more about music from those who are already in the industry because my mother had not yet understood anything about my talent, so at some point, she had to place a rule which would only allow me to attend shows during the day. She began to accept that I had a talent after I excelled in a gospel music competition which had been sponsored by Christ Ambers church at Mpopoma, and also after she started to hear some of my music being played in the streets. I hope that one day my music will become more of an inspiration to my peers so that they use their talents wisely and aim high as this will give them no time to abuse drugs,” he added.

People and Culture

By Mzala Tom

In the last years of the Rozvi/Lozwi empire (early 1800s) there was a Mfecane-pushed scramble to take over the territory by Nguni-Sotho generals from the south who were seeking new territories. The empire was severely divided and weakened by power struggles.

The Nguni-Sotho groups that attacked and dismantled the Rozvi/Lozwi territory included the Nguni of Zwangendaba, Soshangane, Ngwana Maseko, Nqaba, Nyamazana and a Sotho-Bafokeng group known as the Kololo of Sebetwane. 

This was before the arrival of the Ndebele of Mzilikazi.

When the Ngwana Maseko and Nqaba Msene group of Swatis passed through the Duma area they captured many Karanga young men and conscripted them into their armies. These recruits were later to become the notorious raiders known in Shona communities as the Dumbuseya.

When Ngwana Maseko and Nqaba consolidated their group they waged a war for the control of the Rozvi /Lozwi territory with the Zwangendaba group. This war happened near Mt Wedza at Zvishavane. Zwangendaba defeated the Maseko-Msene group despite their numerous local recruits

The Maseko-Msene group fled towards the Zambezi Valley heading to Tanzania. The Dumbuseya however, returned after only trekking as far as the Zambezi Valley. Among the Dumbuseya who returned were some Nguni-Swati clans like the Masuku from the Maseko-Msene group.

This group of Karangas was now Ngunilised and had adopted Nguni attire, military fighting skills language and weapons. They settled in Zvishavane from where they raided many Shona communities for cattle and grain, masquerading as Ngunis. They became known as the Dumbuseya.

The Dumbuseya clashed with and were defeated by the Ndebele during the reign of King Lobengula. This was after they attacked Lobengula’s ally Chief Mposi of the Lemba/Remba group. They later forged an alliance with the Ndebele like the Lemba/Remba. (source:@RealMzalaTom)

The present day Dumbuseya groups eventually settled under chiefs Wedza in Ture, Zvishavane and Mazetese who were relocated from Fort Rixon to Mwenezi. The Dumbuseya are largely of the Moyo clan and include the Masukume, Zibanayi, Mdonga, Mazvizvo and assimilated Ngunis, etc.

When the Ndebele under Mzilikazi arrived, the former Rozvi/Lozwi territory was now under the control of Nyamazana Dlamini the Swati female warrior and niece to Zwangendaba who had defeated the last king Tohwechipi Tjilisamhulu/Chirisamhuru. The Swati settled in Mzingwane

On arrival, the Ndebele had clashes with the Swati. They later had a peace treaty sealed by Mzilikazi’s marriage to Nyamazana. Soshangane on the other hand occupied the eastern Rozvi/Lozwi territory and established his capital in the highlands of the middle Save River. (Source: @RealMzalaTom)

Mandla Moyo, Sports Correspondent 

BULAWAYO Social Soccer League (Bssl) has lined up a number of fixtures which have the potential to leave followers of the league asking for more beginning this morning.

Games kick off at 11am.

In Pool A all eyes will be on reigning champions Man U who are playing away against FC Pirates.

Man U powered by their pool of former PSL players among them Abraham Mubaiwa are expected to brush aside FC Pirates.

Josiah Joker Kashiri, the Man U assistant coach said derbies are tricky.

“It’s another tough one as it’s a local derby in that we have players in our team who come from Lobengula. 

“To make matters worse this year everyone wants to beat us as the defending champions.

“They (Pirates) always give us tough matches at their home ground, I am sure it won’t be any different,” said Kashiri.

When asked if he believes his team which has been pushed off the apex by Stars are still in the running for the top gong come end of the season, he said as a team they are not yet looking that far, for now.

“As for the championship we are not looking that far away but we are trying to gain some momentum by putting on a winning streak of several consecutive games starting with this weekend’s local derby,” he said.

Former Bosso player Mkhokheli Dube will be the driving force behind Stars FC’s attack when they take on Fireworks away at Cowdray Park. In Pool B high flying Delta play host to Happy Valley at their favourite Sizinda home ground. In Pool C it will be a Mpopoma affair when Mayihlome take on Skippers at Inyathi Youth Centre.

Today’s Week 18 fixtures 

(Kick off 11 AM unless stated)

Group A

Fund’kulinda vs Creamtata (Tshabalala Extension), Fireworks vs Stars FC (Luveve High), Patapata vs Makwee (Iminyela 2),  70 Combination vs Magwegwe Bullets (Magwegwe  High), Glenkara vs Iminyela Timers (Somhlolo), Tigers vs Cowdray Masters (Mazayi), Old Timers vs Zulu Chiefs (Pumula North),  Mthala vs Brotherhood (Bango), Vulavale vs Edgars (Magwegwe West), FC Pirates vs Man U (Rugby Lobengula)

Group B

Santos vs Ndola (Isilwane Youth Centre), Delta vs Happy Valley (Sizinda),  Pioneer vs Mabuthweni (Matshobane 1PM),  Bombers vs Pelandaba Legends (Esporweni Entumbane),  94 Strivers vs Emganwini Legends (T.M Cowdray Park), Gwabalanda vs Robert Sinyoka (Amakhosi), Osiphatheleni vs Khami (Crescent), B.C.T vs West Comm Luveve (Opposite Stadium), Nketa vs Congo Chiefs (Nketa), Hyde Park vs Wembley (Hyde Park Shops)

Group C

New Jack City vs Real Shwelele (Mazayi 1PM), Mex Mawaya vs Finance (Sizinda),  Zobha vs Real Magwegwe (Sizinda 1PM), South Gunners vs Wolves (Emarolini Pumula South), CIWU Legends vs Bangane (Desert), Mayihlome vs Skippers (Inyathi Youth Centre), Matshobane vs Celtics (Matshobane),  Luveve vs Nkulumane (Chigumira), Siyabangena vs Shwelele (Phekiwe),  Sekusile vs 11 Stars (Nketa)

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter 

CHILDREN of Matobo opens with Emmanuel “Rootz” Nkomo walking softly through sunbeaten Matobo Hills. Dry grass and twigs crunch beneath his feet as birds chirp, seemingly disturbed by the presence of this unexpected stranger amongst them. 

This calm, measured start to the video is a short but appropriate prelude to a song and video that feel like a meditation on one of the most famous but perhaps underappreciated natural wonders in Zimbabwe. Children of the Mountain, a collaboration between the award-winning filmmaker Daniel Lasker and Djembe Monks percussionist, Rootz, is not only a fitting love letter to Matobo, but it is also perhaps a taste of what happens when two worlds collide as Bulawayo’s most talented sons and daughters take on the responsibilities of combining their talents for a collective good.

Those who have seen the excellent Djembe Monks perform know Rootz as the heartbeat of some of the trio’s most jaw dropping performances, with his almost manic performances on the drums enough to make one think the group can awaken the inner-spirit medium of those that have long denied their calling. The running joke in showbiz circles is that if you have untapped spirituality that you have long been in denial of, it is sometimes best not to go stray to a Djembe Monks performance, as the group’s heart stopping performances will awaken the n’anga within you.

A lot of that is down to the work of Rootz, a man who makes the drums “talk”, beating tempo and rhythm out of cowhide in a manner that beggars belief. On Children of the Mountain, however, Rootz is unrecognizable from the man that fans usually see on stage. Sitting on a chair on top of the mountain Madzi, the percussionist is at his mellow best playing the Hang drum, an instrument that, although unfamiliar to many, gives out a captivating and mystical sound.

Throughout the duration of the song’s 4:49 runtime, Rootz caresses this instrument, luring it into giving off a seductive tune that seems in sync with the serene landscape of the Matobos. The song never breaks stride, strolling along at a steady pace from start to finish. Accompanying the song are Lasker’s visuals, which show the Matobo Hills in its natural splendour. Perhaps in our obsession to earn a living in the urban jungle, we forget and overlook the natural wonders that lie on our own doorstep. It is up to the storytellers like Lasker to keep our memories fresh, and in Children of the Mountain, he does exactly that, giving a panoramic view of a beautiful landscape. Every boulder, every tree, that is shown seems to have been especially handpicked for this mesmerising display of visual storytelling. Yet such beauty lies everywhere in this rocky and sunny southern end of Matabeleland. 

Daniel Lasker

Not a word is uttered throughout the whole video, as the Matobo serves as its own eloquent spokesperson, with the views showcased effectively whispering of a land that is still untamed in its beauty, despite the fact that it neighbours a busy metropolis. As a gust of wind that blows throughout the song gets stronger towards the conclusion, one is left with a yearning desire to go and rest on the warm rocks of the Matopos at the end of a warm wintry day.

In an interview with Sunday Life, Lasker said in addition to capturing the beauty of Matobo, he had also been fascinated by the thought of hearing the Hangdrum in that setting.  

“Matobo is such a magnificent place. Rich in history and spiritual significance, along with unbelievable beauty. I wanted to showcase Matobo’s beauty and spiritual essence at the same time. The Hangdrum is so beautiful, and we haven’t seen in play in that setting yet, so I asked Emmanuel to come up with something that sounds like “the voice” of the hills. We had so much fun making this love letter to Matobo,” he said.

His views on the Hangdrum were echoed by Rootz, who said that the added attraction of working with the renowned young filmmaker, made the collaboration an ideal opportunity for him. 

“Hangdrum is a spiritual instrument and there was no better place to make music with it than the Matobo atop the mountain Madzi, one of the most beautiful creations in the world. It’s haunting and calming. The decision to work with Lasker on this project was a no-brainer. The man has a cool head and a beautiful mind. His brilliant work on ‘The Signal’ says it all. I have a huge appetite for experimental, non-conforming artwork. Routine can become really boring and being an artiste becomes worthless. It’s risky. It’s a long road, but it feeds the soul,” he said.  

Rootz said Lasker’s rebellious nature as a storyteller had meant that their creative spirits were in alignment from the beginning, as they made the Matobos a feast for both the eye and ear.    

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter 

ON what had been a pretty ordinary and innocuous Tuesday afternoon, there was suddenly a flurry of activity around the corner of George Silundika and Sam Nujoma in Harare.

Like bees attracted to nectar, the late afternoon crowd seemed to be buzzing towards one particular hive as the sun set on the capital. At the centre of all this, sitting calmly in the eye of the storm, was a large man, his attention firmly fixed on the food in front of him. He barely glanced at the mass of people gathering around him at a local restaurant. 

His head sweaty, biceps now bulging from repeatedly scooping large handfuls of food from the platter in front of him, Arnold Zikhali had the appearance of an unlikely superstar. 

In an event viewed live by thousands of people on social media, the Oxman, as he is popularly known, had done his best to scale the mountain of food in front of him. Two kg worth of isitshwala had been methodically diminished, while 3kgs of chicken stood in tatters, devoured to the last few pieces. To wash it all down, Zikhali wanted milk, but only if it was from his preferred brand, Dairibord. 

When it was all said and done, as he strode towards a tap to wash his hands, Zikhali was sent off with a round of applause in recognition of his Herculean effort. Only a month ago, few knew the name Arnold Zikhali. In fact, what had made him the name on every Zimbabwean’s lips was not his ability to run through amazing amounts of food, but his eye-popping brute strength which made him capable of acts that seemed physically impossible. 

Standing at 1,9 metres and weighing 145kg, Zikhali had grabbed a nation’s attention by pulling three train wagons, thus becoming the country’s self-proclaimed strongest man.  All of a sudden, a lad who had grown up brawling on the streets of Bulawayo became a nation’s newest obsession. People had questions that needed answers. ‘Who is Arnold Zikhali? Where did he grow up? And does he really eat 30 eggs (15 boiled, 15 fried) for breakfast?’ 

Perhaps the best way to explain Zikhali’s rise to prominence lies in the simple fact that he is not the first man that Zimbabwe has become obsessed with just because of his brute strength. However, for all his astounding power, the nation is rarely ever fascinated by brawn for its own sake.

Zimbabwe needs a showman, an entertainer who is able to show character and muscle in equal measure. Before Leonard and Miriam Zikhali even thought of conceiving the man who would later become the Oxman, Proud ‘Kilimanjaro’ Chinembiri had Zimbabweans packing stadiums just to see him pummel opponents into a sorry heap. 

This was during Zimbabwe’s boxing golden age soon after independence, with Kilimanjaro vanquishing such colourfully named opponents such as Black Tiger, Jukebox Timebomb, Captain Marvel, George Foreman (not the former World Heavyweight champion) and Ringo Starr. 

Like Zikhali, Kilimanjaro was a larger-than-life character, who grew up rough on the streets of Mbare, where he was reputedly a “professional mugger”.  This man mountain was also a renowned brawler in Mbare, picking up fights for fun in some of the township’s notorious bars. 

 “Proud was a rough guy, a heavy drinker who fought in bars,” his brother Punish once narrated. “I was an amateur boxer at that time and I sat him down and pleaded with him to try boxing.” 

His trainer Dave Wellings, who at one time was not impressed by the man, was one of those that changed their minds about him when they met the incredible hulk of a man. 

“That was until I walked over to him to shake hands, my hand disappeared inside his great paw and I had to crane my neck upwards to make eye contact.”

At the height of his powers, Kilimanjaro, famed for his quickfire knockouts of dizzy opponents, ranked ninth in the world by the World Boxing Corporation, at a time when Mike Tyson was the champion. Kilimanjaro passed away at the tender age of 36. 

In the 1990s, as TV spread to more and more households in the country, the World Wrestling Federation became a widely followed phenomenon, Zimbabwe also caught the wresting fever. 

While young Zimbabwean boys broke their beds trying to emulate such stars as Hulk Hogan and the British Bulldog, Zimbabwe also had its own roster of fighters that caught the country’s imagination. Oliver Black Panther Tengende, Spider Bhamu, Patrick Flyer, and Voodoo Ray Silubonde, were some of the stars that emerged from this era. 

Amongst this class of strong men was one Maxwell “Moondog Max” Kutsanzira, a charismatic fighter, and businessman that once claimed that his doctor had prescribed that he drives cars manufactured by Mercedes Benz or he would die. 

Max Kutsanzira

Although he reportedly did not make a lot of money from the sport, Kutsanzira made Zimbabweans fall in love with local wrestlers with his theatrics during interviews. For example, during one interview, when asked what he drives, Moondog calmly replied that “he walks in a Mercedes Benz” 

Moondog’s first big fight was when he beat Tony “Dirty White Boy” Chessman by two pin falls in Masvingo in 1990, earning him the light heavyweight title after which he left to campaign in the US, Belgium and the UK. 

Despite his antics, Moondog was a religious man who did not forsake his beliefs when he became one of the country’s most famous sporting personalities. Despite the fact that he had no formal education, Moondog had pulled himself by the bootstraps, becoming an accomplished businessman in his own right. He opened his first business venture, Friendly Fish, in 1986 before going into the hardware business. He would later build a complex comprising of offices and shops.  

“He was a devout Masowe member throughout his life and never went to school,” said family member Benjamin Munatsi when Moondog passed away in 2002 at the age of 42. “He learnt his father’s trade, carpentry, from an early age and in the 1980s he survived by buying and selling goods. He would go to Botswana and South Africa to buy things and sell here.” 

Moondog, at one time became the chairman of then Bulawayo football giants, Zimbabwe Saints. While the country’s “strong men” could always be relied upon to provide a spectacle because of their antics, sometimes their enterprising nature saw them fall foul of the law. 

One such figure was another wrestler, Michael “Big Mike” Tshuma, a mythical figure in Bulawayo, whose strength and power was the stuff of a legend. Even some of the city’s most notorious thugs would hesitate to go toe to toe with Big Mike, a man that became a huge part of Bulawayo urban folklore. 

However, in 1991, Big Mike would find himself, alongside partner Albert Dube, in trouble with the law after he was fined what was then a staggering sum of $22700 for contravening sections of the Exchange Control Act. 

The pair had reportedly imported photocopiers, fax machines and cars under the pretext that they were gifts from friends. What would have gone down as just another case of smuggling became national news, as Zimbabweans finally saw one of their strong men come up against the strength of the long arm of the law. 

Cultural Heritage with Pathisa Nyath

CHARITY begins at home. Before I venture to unpack African communities’ ideas and mythologies concerning the sun, it is only right to begin the search at home. I will pose several questions so that my search is directed and comparative. When that is done with regard to my own people, I am in a position to compare with other communities on the African continent.

What I am saying in essence is that there is need to focus the spotlight on the Ndebele society and investigate their perceptions, ideas, knowledge and mythologies, if any, that have a bearing on the sun. What cultural fields do I visit to search for the requisite information? Is it history, language, myths, proverbs, wise sayings or even the tangible as aspects such as architecture and sculpture? 

In the Ndebele language, the sun is referred to as ilanga. In some article, we did introduce preliminary ideas about the sun from a Ndebele perspective. We continue with some more ideas and thought as it will be apparent, language is an important repository of relevant ideas. We have raised this issue before. 

Language communicates ideas and concets. Historical events are indelibly etched on language. At the same time, language is a repository or archive for ideas, knowledge, concepts and information from the past. Future generations rely for direction and conceptual clarification on the archive, the language archive.

Ilanga, as referring to time is an indicator of the duration between sunrise and sunset. How long has he been gone? The answer may be given in terms of “how any suns.” Emphasis is on the length of time, in units, when the sun shone. The answer could be, for example, “ulamalanga amane ehambile.” He has been gone for four days. 

In the Ndebele language, some people will thus refer to length of time by referring to the units of time when the sun was visible in the sky. This is not the only way of answering the question. Ubusuku, on the other hand, carries two concets rolled in one. Some people may choose to answer the same question in time units when the sun did not shine. When the sun does not shine there is darkness, ubusuku. However, we need to differentiate between ubusuku and umnyama. 

“Kumnyama khaca. Kumnyama bhuqe.” Both expressions refer to colour when the sun has set or has not risen. So used, the two refer to the absence of the sun. However, the terms may be used to where they have nothing to do with the presence or absence of the sun. They may describe tangible objects. “Inja emnyama,” a black dog. “Inkomo emnyama,” a black cow. 

Some people will give the response to the question as ‘Ulensuku ezine ehambile.” He has been away four days. The Law of Opposites is being applied. Usuku is the opposite of ilanga. Both are solar conditions but differ in reference. Insuku ezine and amalanga amane express the same duration. What matters though is that the sun is the reference point as presence or absence. People make a choice between the two.

The absence or of the sun has a wide scope in human activities and animals too. There are animals, predators in particular, that hunt at night and they are provided with special eyes that see at night when there is limited or suppressed light to enable full vision. There are other animals, the Homo sapiens included, that have limited vision in the absence of light from the sun. Such animals and their human counterparts go to sleep at night. Their activities take place during daylight. Of course, now there are artificial lights that allow humans to work at night. However, their bodies require rest. The much-needed rest is premised on the presence and absence of the sun.

Witchy human beings wake up and travel at night. The question we may pose is, “Are they provided with a different visual gift to see at night?” How do they navigate their flight, for example from Mufakose Township in Harare to Mount Darwin? Surely, we need to come up with research so that it provides the much-needed answers to such a critical area. Technologies have their positive and negative sides.

To some people it may seem as if I am condoning witchcraft. The journey that I have travelled so has persuades me to differentiate between the science and craft in witchcraft, (the Ancient African Science, AAS) as a neutral field of study. The science and craft differ from the dual practices of witchcraft and the work of traditional doctors. Both professions draw from the same Laws and Principles resident in AAS. The two professions are applied AAS. This is the challenge that I will be facing when, hopefully next year, I seek to unpack the AAS.

We got this far in an effort to unpack ideas, beliefs and myths that pertain to the sun. The witches that we are referring to, travel or rather fly at night. When the sun sets, it facilitates their airborne mobility. The stories that emerge from the sun are many and varied. In the Ndebele language, one may be described as being beautiful like the sun. This perceived beauty relates to the position of the sun in the firmament. In the morning when it rises, it greets human beings with beauty and loveliness.

In the evening, it gives them the good-bye kisses and is at best in terms of beauty. Perhaps it seeks us to desire and cherish its company the following morning. “Muhle njengelanga.” She is as beautiful as the sun. Actually, it is the setting sun. Beauty is more associated with the womenfolk than their male counterparts are. A he-goat smells foul, that is natural. Men are generally the same. Let us remember that it was women before colonization who knew what plants to use in the process known as ukuqhola, getting rid of foul ordours, uhlofu. The three most commonly used plants that women used were ubande, imadlana and inkiza. The plants, in powdered form, were used as talc.

What is actually happening is that the sun is least hot during the two times of the day. The different times and the levels of heat render appropriate language and description. Beauty is associated with both sunrise and near sunset. The sun is not that hot. It is toned down and its perfect circularity is readily observable. Our African eyes as Africans were conditioned to perceive beauty in a circular design. A rounded woman is to the Ndebele men beautiful, well formed, igcwalaguma (big, rounded and filling up a big forecourt) with a rounded waist. 

Cosmic design is our design of choice. It is the design that our ancestors envied for what it expressed eternity, perpetuity, continuity and endlessness. A circle, in one respect has no end and no beginning. That translates to eternity. Besides, the sun has been around long before the advent of humans as residents on Mother Earth. That common adage, “As above, so below,” applied when Africans envied and sought to acquire for themselves the eternity that they see in the sun, indeed in other cosmic bodies. The cosmos is beautifully enchanting. Its component parts move around and do so with regularity and predictability.

No wonder therefore, ancient Africans sought to replicate the cosmic traits on the earth’s cultural plane. What they managed was to adopt the circular design in particular and its variations such as the chevron, the dentelle, the spiral and the whorl. Their embellishments assumed these beautiful designs on beautiful designs. African artifacts and other objects already exhibited circularity, meaning they were already beautiful. A clay pot is beautiful even without embellishment. When it is decorated, this is beauty on beauty. On them circular designs were posted. It was reiteration and replication of the same ideas pertaining to aesthetics. The sun was captured and painted, drawn, etched and then given some pride of place on the cultural artifacts that ancient Africans fashioned.

Their architecture equally reflected and represented the sun, as did their performances. Where they did not succeed was in replicating themselves in ways other than through sexuality. Even on that front, the cosmos was emulated. The evolution of pregnancy was perceived as tied to the waxing of the moon. The cosmos is everywhere in us and around us.

The beauty of the sun started earlier than when it was setting. Language demonstrates that. “Selibantu bahle,” is an expression used when humans take on some rare beauty when the sun is progressing towards sunset. At that time, people look beautiful. That could be because of less intensity of the sun, allowing people to see more clearly in the absence of glare. Body surfaces are themselves clearer. 

African sculptures, whether on stone or wood, were finely polished to produce a smooth surface. That was one component in African elements of aesthetics. For example, a maid about to get married had egg white applied on her face so that when her face was embellished, ukulotshwa, hence umlobokazi, the designs would stand out and reflect light uniformly. This is not possible where the surface is uneven as light is reflected irregularly.

Once again, we are conditioned to the beauty of cosmic bodies. When African art was contrasted with European art, it was observed to be geometric. That characteristic was informed by cosmic design. At the cultural level, we encounter several examples of the heavenly design: curviliarity, circularity, the dentelle, spiral, whorl, and the triangle and chevron pattern.

Around us, on the cultural plane, and in us, in the natural plane, we see the cosmos, from performances to artifacts and from our cylindrical bones (cylindrical is circular) to our circular eyeballs. That is the power of the cosmos that has underpinned and informed our ideas regarding beauty, aesthetics and eternity.

Wilbrought Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter

A ZVISHAVANE based resort, Palawani Network is on Saturday set to host a bonfire fish fiesta which is a fish catching and cooking competition in the mining town in a bid to promote fish farming.

Palawani Network Resorts sales and marketing officer, Miss Mercy Masayite revealed that the idea to host the bonfire fish fiesta was not only to promote fish farming but also to encourage networking among the Zvishavane communities.

“The purpose of this bonfire fish fiesta is to promote fish farming and small medium sized enterprise in the food industries through showcasing their talents in cooking and fish catching,” she said.

“The competition is going to help brings families together so that they spend the whole day bonding and relaxing in the view of the Palawani dam. All kinds of people are invited including companies, canteen, hospitality schools, individual groups, pastors and the community at large are all invited to participate in these competitions,” she added.

Sibongile Ndiweni, Sunday Life Reporter

BULAWAYO bred Patience Tangirai who was crowned Miss Ecotourism Africa in April at the ZITF is working on initiating a campaign that focuses on the restoration and promotion of wetlands in Africa while paying particular attention to Sustainable Development Goal 14 which is talks of life under water.

Her project comes with her full appreciation and acknowledgement of the Miss Ecotourism World International Competition theme which is preservation of natural areas while promoting tourism which is aimed at upgrading ecotourism areas into sustainable sites that bring income to the community that they are situated in.

Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF)

Guided by the understanding of the saying that charity begins at home, the newly crowned queen will also focus on protecting wetlands in Bulawayo, the likes of Hillside Dams, as well as Cowdray Park and Nkulumane which are at inception phase as they are in need of more funds.

Speaking to Sunday Life, Mthokozisi Masuku who is Patience’s spokesperson under the Ada brand said as an advocate, Patience seeks to bring to the table sponsors and prospective partners who are willing to work together with her in line with National Development Strategy 1 (NDS-1) key result area.

“We have been advertising the advocacy amongst environmentalists, visiting schools and various government offices as well as attending fellow environmental awareness campaigns, to try and make everything possible for Patience’s project to be a success, for her to have a programme that she would have achieved during her reign as Miss Ecotourism Africa,” he said.

National Development Strategy 1

The 20-year-old Miss Ecotourism Africa is a charismatic, energetic and bubbly young lady who broke into the modeling industry this year when she first took part in a modelling competition at the Bulawayo Polytechnic where she is  pursuing her studies in accounting and finance. When she became a second runner-up in the competition, she decided to embrace her modelling passion and took part in the Miss Ecotourism Zimbabwe.

She was then spotted by national as well as international directors who realised her potential and she was eventually crowned the Miss Ecotourism Africa.

Vuyisile Mlilo, Sunday Life Reporter

Zimbabwe’s film and videography industry has witnessed the rise of a dynamic and talented force known as AJV AfriArt. This emerging company Led by Allen Chigumira.

The leadership also includes Jeffery Sibanda.  AJV AfriArt has quickly established itself as a leading presence, delivering exceptional visual experiences for renowned artists and producing captivating television shows. With an impressive portfolio that includes collaborations with popular musicians such as Winky D, Enzo Ishal, Holy10 and Poptain, as well as successful TV productions like “Indlalifa” and “Actors Den,” AJV AfriArt is making waves within the country’s entertainment landscape.

Winky D

Led by a team of visionary creatives, AJV AfriArt has mastered the art of capturing the essence of Zimbabwean music and storytelling through their films and videography.

Their ability to bring out the unique qualities of each artist they work with has earned them widespread acclaim and a growing client base. By seamlessly blending technical expertise with artistic flair, AJV AfriArt has become a go-to choice for musicians and TV producers seeking high-quality visuals that resonate with audiences.

Enzo Ishal

The success of AJV AfriArt can be attributed to their meticulous approach and commitment to excellence. From concept development to post-production, every step of the filmmaking process is handled with precision and attention to detail. The company’s talented team of directors, cinematographers, and editors collaborate closely with their clients to ensure that their vision is transformed into visually stunning and engaging content.

The impact of AJV AfriArt extends beyond the realm of music videos. With their foray into television production. Their television shows, such as the critically acclaimed “Indlalifa” “Actors Den,” “the Wave “, “Iris the legacy” have captivated audiences with their compelling narratives and high production values. By pushing boundaries and exploring new storytelling techniques, The Bulawayo based Videography and Film Company continues to redefine the television landscape in Zimbabwe.

Holy10

Reneiloe Mrimirwa, who is the Company’s Technical Director said: “What sets AfriArt apart? Teamwork makes the dream work It’s not individualistic. we are really a team and we can depend on each other so much so that I don’t have to worry about what the people in charge of costumes are doing because we all do our Jobs.

Also, what makes our team particularly special is that we are completely involved in the creative process from pre to post production.

We offer everything from writing services to styling the artist or brand. We are committed to bringing life to an idea from its inception to its completion.“

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter

WHEN one asks the ordinary man on the street who they count among the country’s most popular musicians, probably few would mention the name Nite Freak DJ.

When all is said and done, one cannot blame them for their ignorance of the Barbourfields-bred performer. At parties, in clubs and in kombis, Zimbabweans are constantly bombarded with music from popular names such Jah Prayzah and Winky, artistes who have managed to win over the hearts and ears of their countrymen by dominating both the airwaves and the charts.

Jah Prayzah

These are now seasoned artistes who, despite their relatively young age, have managed to carve out fanbases that are fiercely loyal to them, a testament to their sustained excellence over a lengthy period of time. However, a look at numbers on Spotify, one of the biggest online streaming services in the world with over 527 active monthly users, tells a different story.

On that platform, Jah Prayzah commands an impressive 120 536 monthly listeners, with Dzima coming in as his most streamed song, at 370 298. On the other hand, Winky D has 47 621 monthly listeners, with his song Ngirozi listened to at least 370 928 times.

As popular as these artistes are however, their numbers are pale in comparison to Nite Freak. The young Bulawayo DJ, born Bheki Mabhena, possesses 1 255 407 monthly listeners on the streaming platform, with that number growing by the day. One of his songs, the Premier Gaou Remix, has been listened to over 10 million times, while two other songs hover around 2 million listens.

Winky D

Simply put, Nite Freak’s numbers on various platforms put a lot of the country’s biggest artistes to shame, making him one of the most listened to artistes from the continent. A testament to this fact is that, the young DJ’s music has been playlisted by most of the elite DJs in deep house and Afro Tech.

From Black Coffee to Themba and Diplo, Nite Freak’s music has become a staple in the playlists of DJs who make eye-watering sums of money playing in dance friendly stages around the world.

Nite Freak has thus changed the tune of many regarding local DJs or house music producers, reversing a trend of Zimbabwean wheel spinners basing their sets on hand-me-down tracks from South African acts. In Nite Freak’s case, it is the other way round, as he has become the one favoured by Mzansi’s world famous DJs.

While Nite Freak’s achievements have flown under the radar, the lucrative world of dance music has been listening and listening intently. It is perhaps no wonder that the young DJ has spent the last few months on a whirlwind tour of Europe. Venues in Spain, France, Greece, Portugal among others have played host to a young DJ whose star is constantly on the rise.

As he continues to give the world a taste of the excellence he constantly cooks up in his modest studios in Bulawayo, Nite Freak is breaking ground that had so far been left undisturbed by the country’s urban acts. While the country’s young urban musos also go on tour once in a while, it is undeniable that most of their shows are attended by Zimbabwean expatriates yearning for a nostalgic taste of home. It is perhaps for this reason why their music has a modest following on streaming platforms that are expected to be not only a reflection of their worldwide reach, but also provide much needed improvements to their wallets through royalty payouts.

Nite Freak has become a standard bearer for the city’s burgeoning deep house and afro tech scene, which has been impressively growing over the last few years, with events such as the Garden of House showing that there is now a paying crowd for more “mature” sub-genres of dance music.

Singlehandedly, the young DJ is also changing perceptions of what it means to be a DJ from Bulawayo.

Whenever one talks of touring groups, Bulawayo has always contributed more than its fair share.

However, artistes that leave the country’s borders, have historically always been those from more traditional artforms like imbube or mbaqanga. Rarely, have artistes from “younger” genres ever taken centre stage outside the country.

DJs are perhaps the most abused performers on the local scene, with some club owners sometimes notoriously reimbursing unfortunate performers with merely a meal after a heavy night’s work.

For all his recent groundbreaking achievements, Nite Freak remains a colourful figure that is seemingly unshaken by his rise to fame, despite his relative anonymity at home.

“I don’t have a bucket list at the moment, I am still trying to process everything that’s happening now. I am sure the universe will continue giving, we’ll see who I work with next,” he said in an interview before leaving for his tour.

In the past, the young DJ has spoken of his desire to unite the world with music, destroying all imaginary lines of race and ethnicity.

“My main reason to venture into music was because I had a dream of seeing the world as one strong entity where race, language and ethnicity are not considered. Music is a universal language and it has the power to heal, comfort and excite people in different situations. I knew that it was possible to be achieved through music hence my reason of starting this journey,” he said.

As his star continues to soar, Nite Freak continues to get closer to achieving his dream of a world united by his earthy and bewitching house tunes.

Sibongile Ndiweni, Sunday Life Reporter

Every woman is exceptionally beautiful in her own way, but beauty products always find a way to enhance natural beauty and give a better glow.

Driven by his passion to empower women and girls to be better independent people, Albert Chapasuka the CEO of Well Life Foundation hosted a beauty and cosmetic expo on Friday in Bulawayo. Dubbed Zimbabwe beauty and cosmetic expo 2023, the two-day event was running under the theme “the future of beauty”.

Different businesswomen in beauty and cosmetic industries attended the event and shared their journeys to success and also details about their beauty products. Their aim was to encourage other women and the girl child that through dedication and hard work, dreams can become true. Well Life Foundation seeks to empower women and girls living in Zimbabwe from both rural and urban areas who may be facing any sort of leadership challenges in identifying their God-given purpose. They push their aim towards providing them with a life of dignity and platforms to challenge oppressive norms and also conduct programmes that increase self-confidence and awareness about entrepreneurship.

In an interview with Sunday Life, Providence Moyo who is the founder of Divine Oro Skincare and Divine Pro Foundation said it was important for the people of Zimbabwe to support each other and help each other’s businesses grow because primary support comes from the people within our communities.

She also encouraged the people at the event to know their worth, identify their purpose and nurture it with their all.

“I’m proudly Zimbabwean and I know the importance of developing our country by making products from our own organic produce. In producing my beauty products, I work with a lot of rural women from different parts of the country to get the raw organic materials I need for my products because I understood that for me to be a better person, I also have to support those around me as they help me make my passion a success. To the women and girls who want to make it and be independent, they should work hard and know that consistency pays off eventually because success has never been built in a day,” she said.

The event was also attended by colleges that offer cosmetic lessons.

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter

“A PROPHET is without honour in his hometown.”

This illuminating bit of scripture, taken off the book of Isaiah, has applied to many a talented individual throughout history.

Familiarity breeds contempt, it is said, and sometimes opportunities can be found in places very far away from home. In Zimbabwe, Bulawayo in particular, this saying can be used to aptly describe musician, Vusa Mkhaya.

Mkhaya is arguably one of Zimbabwe’s most successful-ever artistes, being a member of Insingizi, an imbube trio that managed to pull off the unlikely feat of having a gold-selling album in the United States of America of all places.

Vusa Mkhaya

Using his imbube background, Mkhaya has gone on to forge an equally impressive solo career, while also touring the world as a member of various ensembles. He has also been instrumental in opening doors for younger artistes, with collaborations that have changed the outlook of their careers.

Despite this, to some, Mkhaya might seem like a faraway fad, a myth that becomes a reality once in a while when one of his renditions or interpretations of popular songs or events goes viral on social media.

This September however, organisers of the Intwasa Festival koBulawayo have decided to give Bulawayo a taste of a voice that has graced some of the world’s elite stages.

If the proof is in the pudding, then Mkhaya should have long titillated the taste of music lovers, given his excellence over the years. In September Mkhaya is set to prove once and for all that he is more than mere legend, performing on an evening that has been dubbed the Vusa Mkhaya Experience at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo.

For Mkhaya, who is based in Austria, the show will provide him with an ideal opportunity to reintroduce himself to Bulawayo audiences.

“The Vusa Mkhaya experience is a gig that will enable people coming to watch us to sample our catalogue of music from all the four albums that I have recorded as Vusa Mkhaya,” he told Sunday Life in an interview.

Usually in festivals, an artiste is allocated a 40- or 45-minute slot and that means they tend to just rush through songs because they know that there’s another act or three or more acts coming up. But on this particular night, it will be Vusa Mkhaya and no other acts.

“So, we will be performing all our songs without any rush. So, people will be able to experience us in the way that we perform when we do our own shows at venues like theatres where we tend to perform without that feeling of being rushed. Performing at a festival is different from performing at a theatre alone. At a theatre, you know that you can curate your own evening from the song down to the last without being rushed and so on. So that is what we will be doing at the art gallery that evening.”

National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo

In addition to his own performance, Mkhaya said he had lined up supporting guest acts that are bound to shock fans due to their star power.

“I will be bringing friends, surprise artistes that I cannot reveal now. It will be very interesting because people will get to witness and see acts that they did not think would appear doing so. We will be bringing acts that people would never imagine they would see performing live that evening.

“They will perform one or two songs with me on that night. I am talking about acts that people cannot think they would be coming to Bulawayo to perform with me so there’s a lot for people who love music to be excited about,” he said.

Intwasa director Raisedon Baya said they had decided to make Mkhaya a headline act for this year’s act after the realisation that he was not as celebrated as he should be, given his accolades.

“First and foremost, I think that at the moment Vusa Mkhaya is one of Bulawayo’s biggest artistes. He has been touring the world for a while now and I think as a city and a country, we have been sleeping on him as a star in his own right. We are not celebrating him as we should and we are not recognising him as we should. We even have some young musicians going to the point of even insulting him. We are saying he is our biggest act and he needs our support and that is what we are doing with this show which is in celebration of him,” he said.

Vusi Mkhaya

Baya said that they also wanted local fans to have a first-hand experience of an artiste whose best-known exploits were usually on foreign stages.

“I think bringing him to the festival is not exactly recognising him because I feel that he does not need that from us but I think it is more in line with celebrating him. We want also want to give an opportunity to people that have always seen Mkhaya on tour or listened to his music a chance maybe to finally see him live and get a taste of the Vusa Mkhaya experience. Maybe it will be a chance for them to get to see what the hype is all about. We want to bring that close to home and say instead of saying, this is our guy, let’s bring him, experience and celebrate what he does. For us that is more important than anything else,” he said.

One of the organisers of the festival, Nkululeko Nkala said that the gig would serve as a chance to reintroduce Bulawayo to a world class performer that had been flying the country’s flag overseas for a long time.

“Vusa Mkhaya is internationally based but he is one of the few sons of Bulawayo but he is one of the few artistes that are lifting the Zimbabwean flag high. He is one of the artistes, with the like of Nite Freak, that are representing Zimbabwe out there and performing in some of the biggest platforms in the world.

So, a lot of people here at home, usually do not get to experience the art of musicians that play on these world stages.

“So, the whole idea was to bring the world stage to Bulawayo and as you know, Vusa is the kind of artiste that will invest in rehearsal and performance. We see this as an opportunity for fans and artistes alike to either learn or experience Vusa. Our theme for this year is ironically, imagine it, experience it, so it should perhaps maybe in a way speak to that. So, we are bringing those things that you can only imagine right to your doorstep. Beyond that, he is a man of the people and we are a people’s festival so the only thing we can do is give people what they want,” he said.

Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter

THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) held a fun-shooting competition in collaboration with various corporate organisations that was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the army and the civilian population.

The competition which was held last Saturday at the Bulawayo District 900 metre gallery range at Imbizo barracks was also a fundraising event to assist the charities in the ZNA which include the ZNA Patients, Widows and Orphans Trust Fund, ZNA Schools Welfare Trust, ZNA Patients Welfare Trust Fund, ZNA and the ZNA Benevolent Trust Fund.

Zimbabwe National Army

Christened the Executive Interaction Initiative (EII), the fun shoot is the brain child of the former Commander ZNA who is now Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Philip Valerio Sibanda. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, EII Chairman Mr Jabulani Nkomo said the event gives an opportunity for civilians to interact with the army and understand that they are both human beings in different professions.

“We are following General Philip Valerio Sibanda’s vision who launched this concept some years ago. The concept was meant to encourage the business community and the army to interact and also be a fundraising machine for ZNA charities. There are a number of injured soldiers as well as widows which the ZNA supports, hence funds raised from this initiative are meant to assist these vulnerable groups,” said Mr Nkomo. 

With the range being set abuzz with live bullets, it became an opportunity for communities to understand that contrary to the understanding that the army specialises in war, it is actually a revered organisation that has a reputable record of professionalism, loyalty, patriotism and commitment to duty within the region and beyond with marked and impactful footprints.

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, security companies like Peace Security were among some of the outstanding shooters firing the AK-47 rifle without fear or hesitation.

AK-47 rifle

Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Raj Modi also graced the event and led a team which also participated in the shootout competition. 

Addressing the participants, the Deputy Commander of Bulawayo District Lt Colonel Summerset Mazarire said the event had been suspended due to Covid-19 but has since resumed. He said the funds raised from the initiative will go a long way in assisting various vulnerable communities. 

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event was suspended as a means not to risk the participants and spread the deadly disease, however, with the pandemic out of the way, it was decided to resume this important event on the ZNA’s calendar.

“Today we are all here to help raise funds for this noble cause and I hope that as a community we will work together to raise as much as we can towards these charities which include the Tsanga Lodge Convalescent Centre, ZNA Widows and Orphans Fund, the ZNA Schools Welfare and Trust Fund, just to mention but a few,” said Lt Col Mazarire.

Vuyisile Mlilo, Sunday News Reporter 

Get ready, ! Amapiano sensation, is coming to town for an unforgettable show in what would be his second gig in the City of Kings. 

With hit songs like Hamba Juba and many others, Marumba Pitch is one of the hottest acts in the popular genre, leading many to believe that the 11 August event promises to deliver an entertainment experience like no other.  

The event will kick off with an hour of DJing, setting the mood and getting the crowd hyped up. Following that, Murumba Pitch will take the stage for an hour of live singing, showcasing the group’s incredible talent and captivating the audience with his unique style.

City of Bulawayo

One of the unique features about this event is that patrons can bring their own cooler box for a fee. This means you can enjoy your favourite beverages while grooving to the beats. And if you don’t have any camp chairs, don’t worry – you can hire some, ensuring you have a comfortable spot to enjoy the show.

Organisers have promised that tight security measures will be in place to ensure everyone feels safe and secure throughout the event.  But the fun doesn’t stop there. The line-up for the night includes some local artistes such as Jewz, Shikatoto, Stokswit, Renolife, Ash T, Teflon, Kotwane, Ryan Synth, Feel G, Prince Eskhosini, and NizheDesoul from South Africa.

The Bulawayo Business Community has also been invited to set up product and food stalls at the event as a way for the show to benefit the local economy while the Popular Amapiano Group serenades the masses.