Danai Gurira as Okoye in Black Panther

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Correspondent
ONE of the country’s leading radio stations has come under fire from movie fans who accused it of stealing the gloss from the debut of the much anticipated Black Panther movie, after it announced that it would be hosting the premiere of the movie a week before it hits the cinemas across the globe.

Just over a month into the new, Black Panther has already been billed as the movie event of the year, spreading excitement across the globe with its all black starring cast, the first in a superhero movie, with Zimbabwe’s Danai Gurira featuring prominently.

That the movie might turn out to be career defining for the actress who has dazzled on such shows as The Walking Dead and Tupac Shakur’s biopic is an illustration of how highly regarded the movie is.

However, there was uproar among Zimbabwean movie buffs this week after it emerged that the station would host a premiere of the movie a day before it is expected to hit cinemas elsewhere across the globe.

In addition, those who want to watch the premiere would have to part with a cool $12, instead of the $6 that had been initially set to be charged for the opening night on 16 February.

Many took to social media to express their displeasure at the fact that tickets for the radio station hosted premiere were being sold at a mark up, with tickets for the prestige section of Ster Kinekor unavailable as they had allegedly been given away to the station’s clients. Moreover, Ster Kinekor also announced that the premiere date for Bulawayo had been moved from Friday to Thursday.

Nonetheless, far removed from the drama at home, Gurira is basking in the glory of the debut of a movie that is expected to reaffirm black pride across the globe. A visit to Zimbabwe last month confirmed to Gurira that excitement for the film was indeed widespread.

“I was in Zimbabwe early last month and the excitement around this idea of a Marvel movie being told through the African prism was overwhelming.

The excitement was amazing. It floored me, the impact this movie is set to have, if even where I’m from, there is that much excitement around it.

“How often do we get to see a portrayal coming from the continent? And it’s celebrating the continent, and celebrating African aesthetics, and celebrating African cultures and language, as well. Celebrating all those things and people of African descent,” she said in an interview.

Gurira who portrays Okoye, a warrior leading an all female army, said that of particular interest to her was how the movie would inspire pride in young people who would see black people and people women in particular, in positions of strength.

“They’re in the centre of the screen, their faces are what you’re seeing. Their perspectives, their struggles, their stories, their characters, their destinies.

That’s what we’re focused on, and their heroism. I tell you it’s amazing, the impact of imagery and representation. It’s no small thing. Think about how these portrayals could truly affect the minds of these young children and their sense of esteem,” she said.

Winky D

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Correspondent
WHEN he announced that he would be releasing his album on his birthday on 2 February many fans would have been wondering how the chanter would reinvent himself with his latest effort.

This is because listening to a new Winky album is like a watching a snake shed its old skin and promptly dress up in a new one. Prior to the release of this album he had made it abundantly clear that the Gafa, that enchanting chanter spitting rhymes at machine gun speed was dead. Just like the Ninja president and Bigiman before him.

Winky, it seemed, was about to commit suicide again. With the impending doom of the electrifying Gafa, the question on most minds would have been whether the wordsmith who emerged after the 2 February resurrection would be better than the recently deceased version of Winky D that fans had grown to love.

Fans that have followed Winky through his many transformations will be glad to hear that the chanter has lost none of the electrifying energy and skill that took him to the top of the Zimbabwean music scene and has kept him there.

To begin any discussion on Gombwe without mention of the Vabati VaJehova-assisted Ngirozi would be criminal. The song packs as much emotional punch as Panorwadza moyo and perhaps even surpasses it in terms of sheer craftsmanship. Ngirozi is, simply put, the undoubted highlight of the album. Anyone turning a deaf ear to this masterpiece is simply asking to be struck down with lightning by the music gods.

On the track Winky speaks to the spirit and when his sermon is over, one could be forgiven for forgetting that this is the same man who has given them countless dance anthems through the years.

Despite his proven track record as a hit-maker, it is when he tries to heal the broken and pained that Winky’s star shines brightest.

It is on this song where Winky earns the right to claim that he is indeed a gombwe, as he reaches new levels of spirituality. As a preacher and healer, the Kambuzuma-born musician is more credible than the dubious miracle dispensing prophets that have invaded the country in recent years. It takes more than trickery disguised as miracles to heal the down and out. That said, song’s mere existence is a miracle on its own.

Vabati and Winky, to the surprise to any ear that has heard this song, is a match made in heaven. How a hit topping dancehall chanter, barefoot masowe crooners and a prolific dancehall producer found each other in the same studio is a story that the architects of this bit of music heaven will have to share one day.

Vabati’s voices are golden on this one, with their delicate voices bringing a mournful touch to another inspired Oskid beat. There’s no hosho or the clap of cupped hands. Just the steady tap tap of another Oskid produced banger. And Vabati, in such unfamiliar dancehall surroundings, sound totally at home.

The angelic Vabati were perhaps performing the last rites on the man previously known as the Gafa. The Gafa is dead and in his place the Gombwe has arrived.

The track comes after Winky has already as “gombwe as ramangoma” and one cannot help but feel that the moniker is well deserved.

Beer has to be brewed and a beast has to be slaughtered to welcome this new version of Winky. It is this version of Winky that delivers another excellent message of strength in the face of adversity on another standout song, Simba.

Winky’s willingness to break out of the dancehall shell is evident throughout the album and as usual, catchy melodies sit well next to his well crafted lyrics. At various times he removes the gombwe’s garb and puts on his dancehall gear. He is no longer a spiritual being interpreting messages that speak on the everyday Zimbabwean social conditions but a master of ceremonies directing his worry-weary people to the dance floor.

This is what makes Winky, especially on Gombwe, unique. He’s the street wise chanter who watches out of his window and jots down the struggles of many people his age trying to eke a living on the city streets while he also does not forget that even those hustlers also party their stresses away at night.

With this in mind, tracks like Robots and Highway are sure to be hits. The two are potent one-two punch, a jab and uppercut combination that are likely to floor any dancehall challenger that might have felt that now was the time to step in the ring with Winky.

The aggression and hunger in his delivery showcase that Winky is still an out and out chanter at the core and he’s still not taking any prisoners. Oskid also delivers a fitting beat, with Winky matching the fast march of the beat with soldier’s precision.

However, as excellent as some of the standout tracks on the album are, Gombwe is not without its flaws.

Tracks like Finhu Finhu feel like Winky is still trying to recreate the formula that brought him his career’s biggest hit, Disappear. His previous album was also filled with such half-hearted attempts, and perhaps it is time to give up the search for another Disappear and admit that catching lightning in a bottle twice is an impossible task.

While he is sublime on occasion, Oskid’s production on Gombwe can also feel a bit monotonous, leaving one with the feeling that they have heard some of these beats before. It is old wine in new bottles and sweet as it tastes it is not as intoxicating as when we heard it the first time. Amongst the lyrical excellence of a punch-line filled project, My Woman, a blockbuster collaboration featuring Beenie Man sticks out like a sore thumb. The song was never anything to write about, and one wonders whether an opportunistic attempt to go for the international market was the reason it was included in place of the excellent Dzemudanga.

It is a wonder how two microphone heavyweights conspired to come up with such a featherweight collaboration.

When all is said and done there is no doubt that this album will extend the Ninja president’s tenure on top of the Zimbabwean music scene. Whether the death of the Gafa and the subsequent rebirth of Winky as gombwe were necessary is a question that only time will answer.

Tytan and Olinda

Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter

WHEN the name Tytan Sikhokho is mentioned, one quickly ruminates of the red-hot romance of two famous lovebirds, Olinda Chapel and Tytan Sikhokho that has headlined social media platforms since it astoundingly took-off last year.

Before the Tytan-Olinda era, people knew Tytan as a promising hip hop star that had made a breakthrough to the music industry with that blockbuster hit featuring songbird Ammara Brown.

Titled Mukoko, the song was nothing but a flawless project that hogged limelight within weeks of its debut and currently boasts a mouthwatering two million views on YouTube.

Despite Tytan being a decent rapper, much attention has been given to his relationship with beautiful Chapel, the ex-wife of Zimbabwean rapper Stunner. It can be argued that the romance has put the Mukoko hit maker in the center of attraction more than his music.

Many Zimbabweans and fans in general will be extensively heartbroken if Olinda and Tytan blocked and left their social media accounts for some time as it is through the platform that the lovebirds have updated their fans with every detail of their relationship.

They post pictures of them every day captioned with romantic and love messages. All this is usually done through their Instagram accounts that boast over 30 000 followers respectively. It`s clear that Sikhokho has managed to keep Chapel`s face happy since her controversial breakup with Stunner judging by the pictures they share on their social media accounts.

Back to Tytan`s music career, the hip hop star has somehow managed to keep on producing hits while sharing his time with his sweetheart. He has released hits that have been successful and decently received by fans.

After that Mukoko hit with Ammara, Sikhokho has dropped decent hits that have over 100 thousands views on YouTube. These include hits like Handirare, Bho and Penge penge which have been accompanied by delectable videos. All the hits that Tytan has produced have shone Tytan`s talent as a musician.

However, his relationship with Chapel seems to be more followed than his music. Day by day, thousands of people are interested in their hot relationship. It is that relationship which Tytan and Olinda pulled out an unimaginable marketing gimmick in a bid to promote Tytan`s trip to Australia where he was set to perform.

Anywhere, it’s not a new precarious strategy in the world that artistes pullout stunts and have staged fights to promote their upcoming projects.

Artistes have staged fights to promote their music and projects; it`s common occurrence that where there are fights, brawls and feuds, people are interested which is the reason so many fake beefs have happened across the world.

@NcubeBhekumuzi

Love Is Not Enough Cast

Rumbidzai Mbewe, Sunday Life Correspondent

A Zimbabwean film commissioned by DStv’s Zambezi Magic channel premiered on the channel on Valentine’s Day, further enhancing the country’s status as a growing motion picture producing nation.

Love Is Not Enough is a drama created by Light Image Productions, starring Michael Ruwizhi, Charlene Mangweni and Bathabile Dlamini, and was commissioned by Zambezi Magic as part of a set of 10 Zimbabwean films to be aired on the channel in coming months.

Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe, said the screening of Love Is Not Enough would not only give an international platform to the film and its creative and production team, but would also enhance Zimbabwe’s status within the field of film production.

“Zambezi Magic has been created to offer Zimbabwean producers a chance to platform local productions and for the promotion of the wealth of creative and technical talent that we know exists throughout the country. So we are excited to see this commissioned film having its premiere on Valentine’s Day, and we look forward to this as being the start of what could be boom period for Zimbabwean content on this major international showcase,” she said.

Love Is Not Enough is an emotional drama that is aimed at mature audiences.

@rumbie_mbewe

Thick Leeyonce

Rutendo Chidawanyika

IF you are into fashion there are certain people you look up to. It all depends on what kind of style you are into. Your style could be classy, chic, rock/punk, weird and even tomboy. Fashion is all about creating a style that works for you but in most cases we look up to celebrities and aspire to be like them. For example, Pokello is a fashion icon and she influences how women see fashion and because she looks so good; we all want to be like her.

The Marilyn Monroes have come and gone. Fashion keeps on evolving and each season new fashionistas are born, we can’t help but notice how fly they look and we secretly want to live in their wardrobes or borrow their style on a daily basis.

Top fashion influencers of 2018

Solange Knowles

The 31-year-old singer, songwriter, model and younger sister to King Bey is the ultimate style guru. From her creative hairstyles to her head to toe mixed prints. Solange’s style is a fusion of chic, futuristic and weird in a good way. If she doesn’t have braids on you can catch her with her long natural hair which pulls off so easily. When it comes to fashion this girl is a trendsetter and definitely not a follower.

Yemi Alade

The single and searching hit-maker, Yemi Alade is a Nigerian Afro-pop singer. She’s not just famous for her powerful vocals or her awards but her style is crazy. She can do no wrong when it comes dressing up. Her style is punk with a twist of class. Prints are what she rocks best. One can take down fashion tips from this girl because she is killing it. Her trade mark stylised afro hairdo sets her apart from most performers. Come to think of it she doesn’t rock weaves. BLACK GIRL MAGIC.

Yemi Alade

Sho Madjozi

The 25-year-old Tsonga rapper started making waves in the music industry when she featured on a hit song ‘‘Gqi’’. It was love at first sight! She was in a Tsonga attire and from that moment on I knew she was the one to watch out for. Maya Wegerif aka Sho Madjozi studied in the USA, she is now based in SA. The ability to make anything look fashionable is rare but she does it any way. From her raps in Tsonga and incorporating her Tsonga culture in outfits is super dope.

Sho Madjozi

Charity Baaitse

The thirty-two-year-old pastor’s wife is not here to play all. If you are into classy, chic and fabulous then check out her Instagram page; you will literally fall in love. She really dresses up and makes no mistakes when it comes to fashion. Charity is a businesswoman, she owns Material Girls Botswana, a boutique where the rich and famous in Botswana shop. This Motswana lady from Serowe, is associated with Pokello and Nhlanhla Nciza ( Mafikizolo) among other celebs. This explains it as the mentioned ladies are known to be trendsetters.

Thick Leeyonce

This plus-size model has become an inspiration to most if not all the thick ladies. She poses in swimsuits and shoes off her curves. Her confidence gives other thick girls the motivation and self-esteem to accept their plus bodies. Thick Leyonce is a fashion blogger, photographer, model and tweleb (whatever tweleb means, guess someone famous on twitter.

There you have it. Top 5 fashion icons/ influencers in 2018. It’s not just the women mentioned above, there are many more out there. If the style works for you rock it.

Fiona Gumede

Mthabisi Tshuma, Sunday Life Reporter
IT is her appealing eyes, enchanting smile, astounding confidence and obviously the alluring looks that can not go unnoticed, this describes the youthful model Fiona from Gwanda.

Growing up, 18-year-old Fiona Gumede has always desired to be a professional model waltzing on the ramp. The experience she has gained at beauty pageants has increased her enthusiasm for modelling.

This beauty from Phakama suburb in the mining town of Gwanda, has carved out a career for herself out of modelling in the mining town and is working towards developing her dream to turn her dream a reality.

The dream was and is, modelling. This dream is real today, as Gumede was last Saturday crowned the first princess at the Miss Valentine Gwanda 2018 contest after shrugging off competition from other contestants.

More diamonds were unleashed on the day as 18-year-old Genteel Mabutho was crowned Miss Valentine Gwanda 2018 Queen while Phantel Phiri (17) and Bokang Ndlovu (19) were named second princess and Miss Personality respectively.

Miss Valentine Gwanda 2018 Queen Genteel Mabutho (centre) with Ist Princess Fiona Gumede (second from right), Phantel Phiri (2nd from left) and Bokang Ndlovu (left) who was named Miss Personality

Gumede held her head high, and waltzed on the incline easily. The fully-packed crowd at Mkhekhelezi Leisure Centre was shocked by her confidence and of course she received an overwhelming applause from them.

She is confident, fearless and expresses herself well. She is determined to demonstrate to the world that even a small town girl can become whatever she desires to become given the opportunity and being confident in themselves.

The click sound of her stilettos for the night wear category synched with the popular beat of Davido’s Fall, one could swear she could hear the music that blast from the speakers.

The quiet young person says she has cherished being part of modelling events modelling since kindergarden and believes she was destined to be a model.

“I have been competing in modelling shows since l was at pre school so much that I believe that this is a profession that I must use to develop myself. I need to be a role model for the girl child, particularly girls who live in small town and have been overlooked because of the areas they come from,” she said.

“With this accomplishment, I need to empower them to realise their dreams completely in spite of the places they come from.”

Asked to describe herself, Gumede said that she is basically a go-getter.

“I am yearning to show the least bit of kindness to someone. I am strong-willed because I never surrender without a battle. Regardless of what life tosses at me, I never surrender rather I transform each challenge into a favourable position”.

Miss Valentine Gwanda 2018 Ms Mabutho, an A-level student at Gwanda High School said her next stop is to be part of the Miss Zimbabwe and Miss Tourism Zimbabwe modelling contests.

“This is my first achievement and this is the start of my new journey as a model as in the future I wish to compete with other models from all round the country at the Miss Zimbabwe or Miss Tourism Zimbabwe and this will be after all the hard work l put in modelling.

“I wish to make a living out of my talent and be able to be an inspiration to the the young ladies in my community,” she said.

Silethokuhle Dube, who organised the Miss Valentine show, said most up-and-coming models in small towns were failing to develop as they lacked exposure.

“l look forward to becoming a bigger brand and hope to get support from people who have the funding me to make modelling careers out of the talent in small towns. Finance isneeded to facilitate the growth of models. This does not only refer to models but also young artistes,” Dube said.
@mthabisi_mthire.

Hi Sis Noe
I JUST discovered that my husband has been living a secret sex life. He has been sleeping with many women and attending sex parties. I want to leave him but I am failing because I love him. — Help.

Reply
It is easy to think we know what we would do when we are cheated on, but when we are in it, it is difficult to walk away. Why? Because you know and love them and they bring something to your life, it is much harder. What you can’t do is stay out of fear that you won’t meet anyone else, or that another relationship would end up the same. You can’t put up with things you find intolerable or don’t keep you safe. You also should not leave this relationship if, actually, you are happy in it and want to stay in it, but feel other people will judge you. While partners such as yours can cause a knee-jerk reaction, I hope you can see past his sins to the man behind all this and see if he is someone you want.

Hi Sis Noe
I am 21 and my girlfriend dumped me a year ago and I am failing to fall in love again. I worry that I will never find another person again. — Worried.

Reply
You are dwelling on your past relationship because it has not — yet — been replaced by anything. Although I can’t tell you that you will find someone, the overwhelming probability is that you will. But I don’t know anyone who hasn’t felt as you do, especially in those tender early-adult years. You are still very young; some studies a few years ago suggested that adolescence lasts until the mid-20s — that the prefrontal cortex of the brain is still developing until then. If only you could see what you perceive to be your failings as strengths and your stumbles as learning curves. This girl is a past tense, forget about her and allow yourself to move on.

Hi Sis Noe

I want to settle down but I don’t know which woman to choose. I have a girlfriend that I love and an ex-girlfriend that I also love. We have a good time together. What should I do? — Confused.

Reply
The answer to your dilemma is that, very probably, neither of these women is right for you. When there is a choice between two people, it is not always a case that one of them must be right for you, if you could only work out which. It is more likely that you have two not-quite-right-for you people in front of you at the same time. I think the fact that you are feeling ready to “settle down” is making you look at your situation and evaluate — and that is good. Just don’t mistake availability for suitability. My advice is to break from both women.

Let them be free to meet someone else if they choose to. Don’t give them false hope and string both of them along – that would be really cruel. I know this is not going to be easy for you because of your indecision, but you also seem to be trying to keep everyone. But you have to do it; otherwise you are going to make a really big mess. So take time to find out a bit more about yourself, who you really are, and what you want. Our own insecurities can make us indecisive — and I think these two women are manifestations of yours. Take time to work this out now and there is no reason you can’t settle down in the future. But don’t be surprised if it is with someone you haven’t met yet.

Hi Sis Noe
I am a married man and I have children but I have fallen in love with a colleague. I have not told her that I want her. What should I do? — Worried.

Reply
Once you develop a big crush on someone it’s really hard to stop thinking about them unless you stop seeing them and actively stop thinking about them or the crush wears itself out. Both take time. I do think this is a huge crush you have. That is not to undermine how you feel, but I think you need to see it for what it is. I think you also need to ask yourself what you would like to happen — really like to happen. Because I bet that, when you consider the reality of what leaving your wife and starting a relationship with this woman might look like, it won’t appear to be quite so much fun. The great thing about fantasies is that they can be whatever you want.

That said, it did make me wonder whether you have much time for fun in your life and whether this provides some levity away from what may be the “grind” of everyday life. It’s totally normal to have crushes, but when they tip into being all-encompassing like this, something else is going on. Really intense crushes can also be less about the person you are projecting on than about yourself. Admittedly, married people fall in love with other people and they leave their partners and start a new relationship. It happens. But I don’t think that’s happening here — at least not yet. Not least because nothing concrete has happened; it’s all, still, very much in your head. I don’t think you should communicate how you feel to the woman at work. I think this has the potential to have a negative impact on your work environment and may be seen as harassment if it’s not welcome. But you could definitely work on the communication with your wife – this is what intimacy is

Hi Sis Noe
I have great sex with my boyfriend but he does not want commitment or children. We have been together for years, now I wonder if we are just using each other.

Reply
I really do believe you need to think very carefully about this. From the way you write about your relationship, it sounds as if your boyfriend already irritates you a lot. Whether this is because there is nothing else to tell me about it, or that is how you have chosen to present it, I don’t know. Sex aside, what is there? It is only the sex part of the relationship that you describe as really good, and while that is excellent, I do wonder if it will be enough to compensate for the other things you seem to lack. Staying in a relationship that’s not right for you will eventually make you bitter and angry – two emotions that you really want to avoid. You are already sort of single. There is no relationship to talk about here.

Thomas Gumede

The creators of Uyang’thanda Na have have denied claims that the show is scripted after one of the singles on Wednesday night’s episode had apparently appeared on several other TV shows before.

Lerato Makathu was brought onto the show by her friend Kagiso who claimed to have a massive crush on her. But Twitter detectives smelt a rat and soon brought files claiming that she had been on several other shows before.

They went on to label her an attention seeker and claim the show was scripted.

Speaking to TshisaLIVE‚ one of the show’s producers Thomas Gumede‚ said nothing could be further from the truth.

“If I could script something like that‚ I would be rich. It was not scripted‚ everything you saw was real and happened in the moment.”

He denied knowing Lerato before filming and said the producers first contact was with Kagiso.

“Kagiso wrote into the show and asked us to help. We heard his story and thought it was great so we agreed to have him on. We had no idea that she had been on other shows. The show goes through several hands and eyes before it goes to air and not once did we suspect she was acting. There were no red flags.” — Online

Gary Tight

Kudzai Mpangi, Sunday Life Reporter
THE country’s much anticipated “Bira Concert” has brought a great deal of excitement not only to local music aficionados, but to the young generation in the arts industry who have longed to see one of their greatest icons perform in their home land.

Given that when the crooner, Thomas Mapfumo left for United States 14 years ago some of the young artistes were still toddlers, they did not have an opportunity to see him perform live on stage.

The only vision they had of Mukanya’s performance are from tales told by their fathers some of whom shared the stage with the Chimurenga guru. One of those young artistes is Gary Tight, son to veteran musician Willom Tight, a young star who all his life has dreamt of one day sharing the stage with the crooner.

Gary Tight has shared the stage with top Zimbabwean musicians such as celebrated Oliver Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah, the late Chiwoniso Maraire, Sulumani Chimbetu and Ammara Brown, among others.

“It’s an honour to share the stage with two legends on one stage as I grew up looking up to them especially Mukanya. I grew up hearing about him from my dad but I have worked with Doctor Mtukudzi a lot of times. So sharing the stage with Mukanya is a dream come true for any young artiste like me who looks up to him,” Tight said.

Tight said that having an opportunity to share the stage with Mapfumo is God’s doing as it will take his career to the next level.

The Big Bira Concert is scheduled for 28 April in Glamis Arena in Harare and will also feature Mtukudzi, among others. -@kayskudzai

Ruvheneko

Bhekumuzi Ncube,  Sunday Life Reporter
ONE of the country`s top female celebrities, who has stood tall and proved that women can achieve incredible feats if they dare to dream and believe in themselves, Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa revealed that she and other women had a special “woman to woman” chat with the country’s First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa.

The illustrious radio personality who has interviewed business tycoons from and outside the country said she met the First Lady during her “High Tea” occasion early this month in Harare, and discussed about the plight of women.

Ruvheneko said First Lady Mnangagwa advised women who were present to overcome the obstacles that have stood in their way and prevented them from being heard in the past years.

“The First Lady Mnangagwa welcomed us to her High Tea saying this is not a political meeting. It’s a platform for Zimbabwean women in media to socialise. You have the tools, you have the voice and to some extent, you have the power. She went on to talk about ice that needs to be broken within the fraternity, especially amongst female journalists,” she said.

Ruvheneko, who is a former ZiFM Stereo Programming Manager and now with Zimpapers radio section, didn’t only share her special encounter with First Lady but also took her time to slam unkind and biased cultural beliefs that have negatively affected people with albinism.

Countless myths surrounding albinism have endangered albinos. The common myths includes that albinism is contagious, it is a curse or punishment, albinos are evil, can cure HIV and their body parts possess magical properties, among others. All these myths have been proven false.

Ruvheneko shared on her official Facebook account that the myths surrounding people with albinism needed to stop as some have facilitated the spread on HIV and other diseases.

“Too many myths falsely represent people with albinism. A common African one is: Having sex with a person who has albinism cures HIV. In fact, this weird belief has led several HIV infections since some men with HIV rape women and girls with albinism. I encourage you to actively spread truths about albinism so that we fight stigmatisation and abuse against people living with albinism in our country and across our continent,” she said.

In some parts of Africa, albinos have suffered brutal attacks while others were killed as result of false myths surrounding them. For instance in 2016 it was reported that 18 people with albinism were killed for their body parts in Malawi as they were believed to bring good luck.

Cal_Vin and Shantel

Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
Engagement breakup so soon!

Award winning rapper Cal_Vin last year posted pictures of him and longtime sweetheart, Shantel who wore an engagement ring silencing rumours that the lovebirds had made a controversial split.

However, it seems their engagement has lasted only a few months as the Z’khuphan hit maker told Sunday Life that the two had call it ‘quits’.

“Shantel and I are no longer an item, and she has since left town. We had our own problems that escalated when my son was born. Shantel is the first girl I have been loyal to. I told her everything and I never kept secrets. I really loved her. However, I’m very happy being a father and the feeling is remarkable. We have a beautiful ‘thing’ going on with the mother of the ‘young king’. We are all overjoyed to have been blessed with a handsome boy,” he said.

With celebrities increasingly creating marketing gimmicks to promote their upcoming projects, time will tell whether Cal_Vin has really broken up with Shantel for good.

If Cal_Vin’s shocking revelations are true, their breakup might be considered one of the “shattering” breakups as their relationship was gradually winning fans’ support.

Cal_Vin said he was more focused on being the best father and making his family happy

“I have high hopes that my son will achieve great things in the future and I’m determined to be the best ‘dad’. My son will grow under special care of his parents. I named him King because the best will come out of the boy. It’s every parent’s dream that his or her children grow up to become noble people in life. I will balance my time on stage with that of Cal_Vin JR as well as my family,” he said. @NcubeBhekumuzi

Thandie Newton

Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
WORLD-acclaimed actress Thandiwe “Thandie” Newton is set to play a “hardcore woman” not to mess with in the refuelled renowned action film, Star Wars franchise after the production company dropped a thrilling trailer of the movie which has garnered over ten million views on You Tube, as well as earn positive comments in the commentary box.

Daughter of a Zimbabwean woman, Nyasha and raised in England, Newton is best known for her role in one of the greatest spy movies of all time, Mission Impossible 2 which was directed by the famous John Woo and starred a “badass” in the world of acting, Tom Cruise.

In Mission Impossible, Newton played the role of beautiful and vulnerable Nyah who teamed up with Ethan (Tom Cruise) to stop the movie villain from spreading a deadly virus that would wipe people.

However, in the upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story movie, Newton seems to be playing a “tough woman” ready to “kickass” whatever is in her way.

Newton will play a character called “Val” which is yet to be disclosed by the producers however, the trending trailer of the film gives the notion that the high flying actress will not be a defenceless woman at all.

A glimpse of her in the trailer, portrays a serious ‘Val’ wielding a gun which extensively gives the idea that she isn’t a female to be messed with in the movie that promises to smash box office records.

Newton told journalists that being in the legendary action movie was an amazing experience and slammed people who think the movie is going to fail after the controversial firing of the former directors of the movie, Chris Miller and Phil Lord.

“Apart from the initial shock and feeling bad for Lord and Miller not being able to finish their work, their work is everywhere in it. Ninety percent of my stuff is with them. And it certainly wasn’t about, “Oh we have to start again and do it all over,” she said.

“I love Phil and Chris, everybody loves Phil and Chris, and they’re so brilliant. Ron and the guys were talking to each other. As far as I’m concerned what’s on screen, in the end, is going to be an amazing collaboration. It’s a massive piece.

We see so often now there are two directors working on pictures. We already had two with Phil and Chris. Now there are three. With a project like that where it’s a vision that’s been created over so many years, that’s so expansive, I think it’s less about things going wrong than getting more help to bring it into the best position it can be in. I really like Ron though, he’s very sweet,” she said.

The film that will be produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by Disney Studios will explore the life of young Han Solo who will be involved in precarious exploits in the gangland.

The original movie or the old version of the movie starred American icon Harrison Ford in 1977 who played the role of Han Solo, the protagonist of the movie.

Ford’s role will be played by Alden Ehrenreich popularly known for his role in famous television series namely Supernatural and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Alden will portray a young Han Solo as the main protagonist of the blockbuster action movie.

It might be a hard task filling Ford’s boots, but it`s no doubt the talented Alden will deliver an exhilarating performance in the movie that is expected to rock global movie theatres this year in May. -@NcubeBhekumuzi

Kudzai Mpangi, Sunday Life Reporter
VIDEO Arts piece, Intokozo (Joy) by Kudzai Chikomo, Marc Anthony Greenland and Alexander Mhlanga has been selected for the Its Liquid International Arts Show 2018 in Venice, Italy.

Its Liquid International Art show is an international exhibition of photography, painting, video art, installation and performance art organised and curated by Arch Luca Curci. The show began on 9 February and set to end in 9 March during the Venice Carnival. The director of Intokozo, Marc Anthony Greenland, told Sunday Life how they got chosen for their marvelous art piece.

“We responded to an international open call for artists to create visual work under the theme Body Language. We came up with a video piece that embraced dance as a form of creative expression. The video resonates with the theme of exploring the human body as an evolving organism and we were selected for showcase together with 35 artistes from different parts of the world,” Greenland said.

Greenland said the short film has been a joyous experience and with their work they are looking forward to making the right connections in international forums.

“Our selection is a testimony that Zimbabwean creative’s can produce cultural products that can compete globally. This is an introduction to the international art stage, there are so many ways that we as film makers can benefit from this sort of exposure. We have to play catch up. We plan to learn from our fellow artists and our hosts and make the right connections with international artists,” he said.

In the video, a performer uses his body to give emotions a physical existence. He uses his body to express his appreciation for the gift of life, through dance and interaction with his surroundings.

“The short film basically highlights the power of choice. We either choose to be victims or victors of our circumstances. The performer is in sync with the rhythmic instrumental to symbolise the rhythm of life’s ups and downs. We are caged into our circumstances, but we pull ourselves out to dance above what restrains us,” he said.

Greenland and Mhlanga are set to live for Italy in a few days while Chikomo will be left back home working on their MNET movie which is set to premiere this month. The team is hoping to come back home with a share prize of 100 000euros. — @kayskudzai

Oliver Mtukudzi

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Correspondent
THE mere mention that Hany’ga (Concern) was to be Oliver Mtukudzi’s 67th album, released at the ripe old age of 65, saw many raise their eyebrows as they wondered how the superstar had got the stamina to come up with such an impressive haul of music projects.

It seems almost beyond human ability that one man can have albums that outnumber even the number of years that he has been alive. It also takes superhuman effort to somehow convince people to give you an ear when they have heard your story before in 64 previous albums.

Yet somehow Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi, the decorated elder statesman of the Zimbabwean music scene, has managed to pull off that seemingly impossible task.

As his 67th album hit the shelves, he is still as relevant as he was decades ago when he stepped on the scene as a fresh faced, guitar wielding prodigy.

Ever since it got its first taste of Tuku music, Zimbabweans have been going back for more helpings from the jazz maestro. This time, over a year since his last album release, the musician has decided to serve a plateful of laidback, lyrically rich tunes.

Every Tuku album release is greeted with a flutter of excitement from music lovers and the reception of Hany’ga has been no different. The way the album has been released is perhaps telling of Tuku’s standing and the position that he believes he occupies on the local music scene.

Instead of an extravagant album launch, something that has become synonymous with big name artistes in the country, Tuku held a private listening session, giving a few selected ears the pleasure of sampling his latest. This was in sharp contrast with the album rollouts of two young upstarts that are considered his staunchest rivals in the local music scene, Winky D and Jah Prayzah.

The launch perhaps, can thus be seen as a declaration by Tuku that, although he might be running the same race with the two young pretenders to his throne, he’s doing so at his own pace. While they sprint for the finish line, he is jogging steadily, unbothered on a separate lane.

“It’s an album I wrote last year after I realised that the world keeps getting tangled up in ‘unnecessary’ problems. All because we are focused on competing and being better than the next person. In so doing we keep stepping on each other’s toes but that is not how God created us. God meant for us to compliment each other, that’s why he didn’t duplicate talent,” he said in an interview.

The same could be said of Hany’ga as an album. It is miles apart from the music released by his closest rivals.

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that Tuku does not make bad albums or terrible songs anymore. He’s a now the seasoned chef who has simply spent too much time in the kitchen. Band members might change, drummers will come and go and guitarists might chose to graze where the grass is rumoured to be greener, but Tuku plays on. The pots might change but the chef’s recipes do not.

Hany’ga finds Tuku at his honest and touching best. There’s no desperate search for hits here. In that sense Tuku has become the wizened old head of African lore, dispensing wisdom we might not want to but need to hear. He is now the wise elder, pulling aside a wayward youngster aside in the midst of an adrenaline filled party for a quiet word of advice. He is now a master teacher, determined to use his music for positive change.

“Culturally, you don’t get to sing a song when you have nothing to say. That’s how it is supposed to be. You lose the purpose of a song if it says nothing, you must have something to share with the people who are listening. A song is what you are talking about, adding instrumentation, is adding flavour,” he said.

One distinctive part of the album is the dominance of the saxophone throughout. The horn runs feels like distinctive thread running through the entirety of the album, weaving a beautiful yet sorrowful pattern through the ten track effort.

Songs like Shiringinya find Tuku is at his playful best, while Matope, dominated again by the saxophone, is bound to be a new favourite on festival stages. On Shiringinya in particular, Tuku sounds like a playful comedian moonlighting, expertly, as a musician. Such is the ease with which he seems to pluck out melodies seemingly from thin air. He talks about and analyses ordinary life in a way that is easy to digest.

However, one thing that critics will point out is that some of the songs here will remind them of some of Tuku’s past efforts. This is when one realising that although releasing 67 albums is an undoubted blessing, it can be a curse as well.

For example, despite the intrusion of a mournful horn on Haasati Aziva one cannot help but think of Neria when listening to the song which carries a powerful message about child marriages. Clearly, there’s a fine line between inspiration and repetition.

The songs would be fine if there were made by any other artiste but Mtukudzi has to compete with older, more innovative versions of himself. This is where Tuku’s problem lies. He is a man who, at least in the ears of the listeners, has to be great to exorcise the ghost of his former self.

The past versions of Mtukudzi are still too alive in our minds for us to accommodate any lesser versions of him. As great as he is, it is perhaps asking a little too much to seek innovation from a 65 year-old that has released 67 albums.

Bekezela Nkomo

Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter

THE sonorous sound of the Bulawayo Arts Awards 2018 drum is bit by bit engrossing all the streets and corners of the City of Kings.

Organisers are tirelessly moving up and down seeking sponsorship deals that will help the arts night picturesque as well as eclipse last year`s extravaganza that is still fresh in people`s memories.

The “out of this world” night which usually features the City of Kings` top artistes like Cont Mhlanga, Albert Nyathi and Phathisa Nyathi as well as influential people like politicians and businesspeople is set to be a one of its kind as organisers have been encouraging people to dress to kill when the glitzy night brings the city to a standstill.

One of the organisers of the awards, renowned author and playwright, Raisedon Baya has been sharing throwback pictures of people who were neatly dressed in last year`s BAAs as a reminder for people to put on their best ‘Christmas’ clothes, and steal the show when the awards takes center stage in May.

It`s not a “burlesque” claim to say that fans are already scratching their heads on fashionable clothes they will put on in Bulawayo`s top night. The same goes with the celebrities who will make it a point that they are not outdone by fans and their counterparts.

Some of them will be pushing for their fashion designers to design trendy clothes that will hog limelight on the day.

That`s where the wows, the ohhhs and the aaaahs are usually heard especially in women`s camp who will be dressed in ‘hallelujah’ dresses that will be revealing their curvaceous and sexy bodies.

Some celebrities will be dressed up in costly clothes that could match ones of the famous extravagant queen of France, Mary Antoinette.  It`s event like these which the ‘Zodwa Wabantus’ takes advantage of as they will storm the awards with clothes that reveal everything in a bid of earning ‘the queen of the night’ status.

Fans are not only thinking on beautiful and gorgeous clothes they will put on, but are also praying to see their beloved artistes being part of the nominees as well as the selected list that will be booked to perform on the night.

Scores of fans in the city have since suggested that the talented singer who made his mark in last year`s Skyz Metro FM Awards with a show-stopper performance, and has become a darling in the City of Kings and South Africa, Afro-soul singer Bekezela to be part of the performers that will be set to perform at this year`s awards.

Bekezela delighted fans with the lead song of his album, Bekezela which left people dumbfounded and begging for more last year. He didn`t only mesmerise people who were in the awards, but also dropped amazing performances across Bulawayo as part of his Asante Sana album tour.

Sunday Life contacted organisers of BAAs regarding the South African based singer`s possible presence in the upcoming 2018 awards. One of the organisers, Baya said the programme line up will be unveiled a month before the event.

“The programme of the awards evening will be determined a month before the main event. However, 90% of our entertainment will be delivered by the nominees. Bekezela is a good musician but I can`t guarantee his presence. As organisers we haven`t received any requests pleading for Bekezela`s presence in the awards. Maybe if the noise gets louder, as organisers we will discuss the matter,” he said.

Another BAAs organiser and musician Nkululeko ‘Khuliyo’ Nkala praised Bekezela`s influence in the music industry and promised that if the production team sees it fit, he might be included in the entertainment list.

“If the production team sees it fit, Bekezela might be included in the list of the performers. However, we wish his star shines brighter in South Africa. We are very proud of him,” he said.

@NcubeBhekumuzi

Kudzai Mpangi, Sunday Life Reporter
AWARD-WINNING author and scriptwriter, Fortune Tazvivinga has joined the list of “furious” artistes who allege that last week’s National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) were not fair.

Since the announcement of winners at the event which was held in Harare, artistes and fans have been posting and sharing information regarding the awards. Among them was the Bulawayo author who went all the way to the capital with high hopes of scooping the outstanding writer gong in the children’s category.

“What the Nama judges have done is beyond unfair. They should not have nominated people in those categories that did not have winners because some of us had to drive all the way to the capital just to be told the work we submitted was not up to their standard. They should have simply withdrawn and told us nicely.

“I have been a Nama winner before and to me this issue is not about losing but the fact that my work has been appreciated and taken notice of, its all that mattered to me but what these people have done shows that they are not willing to support our work because out of three nominees no one won which to me it’s simply impossible,” she added.

Among other artistes who have shared their sentiments towards the issue is musician Ammara Brown who lost to gospel bird Janet Manyowa.

Buffalo Souljah

Vuyelwa Sibindi, Sunday Life Reporter
Multi-Award-winning reggae chanter Buffalo Souljah (real name Thabani Ndlovu) is one artiste who has managed to raise the country’s flag high as he managed to swim with sharks as far as music is concerned.

With over ten international awards and over twenty nominations to date the chanter is now focusing on infiltrating the local music scene starting by collaborating with different Zimbabwean musicians.

Born in Bulawayo’s high density suburb of Entumbane, Buffalo later moved to Harare when he was only a year old after his father the late saxophonist Unity Ndlovu joined Thomas Mapfumo’s band in the 70s.

“My father was Ndebele whilst my mother was Shona. When my parents divorced I stayed with my mother in Mufakose and for that reason I did not get the chance to learn Ndebele,” Buffalo explained.

The Izandla Phezulu hit-maker says his collaborations with Zimbabwean artistes are an effort of bringing them up to world standard as he is also in process of bringing his finesse to his motherland. His collaboration with Kinnah on the track Gwenya reinforces his idea of giving back to the Zimbabwean music industry.

“I feel it’s time we (Zimbabweans) contest with the rest of African artistes, after the Gombwe launch I flew back to South Africa to attend to Swizz Beatz programme and when I met him I told him about the level of talent back home. The corporates of Zimbabwe are not supportive, when I look at South African or Nigerian corporates they support their music industry and this in-turn attracts global artistes,”

Buffalo Souljah who has a long time beef with Nigerian singer Burna Boy went on to rubbish the claims that he had a scuffle with Kinnah during a performance as their song solidifies that they are in good books.

“That claim is not true Kinnah is like a brother to me, we build and support each other instead. As I plan my home coming I am keeping close relationships with Zimbabwean artistes, it is a process but I believe I am ready. I have secured bookings so I will be frequenting Zimbabwe from now on, currently I am in talks with promoters to bring my music to Bulawayo,” he said.

Speaking on his spiritual track Munamato which features Freeman, the hit maker said that he finds strength and direction in God.

“This song is a prayer, where I ask God to be my eyes and ears whenever my enemies are lurking. As I move towards the pinnacle of my career, which promises to be filled with honey and milk God’s protection is important to me,” concluded Buffalo.

Diliza

Nokuthula Mavuwa
One more Zimbabwean out of Luveve suburb has made way into kwaito scenes in South Africa. Three member group Stiff namely Nhlanhla “Somnandi” Dlamini, Sbusiso “Mgijimi” Masondo and Delaney “Diliza” Dondo (Oskido’s homeboy), has been inspired to go beyond their single release last year Umcimbi featuring likes of Proffessor. The single’s video got 600 000+ views on Youtube.

Stiff has achieved popularity in Bulawayo not just for the good beats but too in support of the Luveve Secondary schooled-Diliza who has grown under Oskido’s umbrella paving way for other young up-and-coming Zimbabwean artistes to find mentorship in Kalawa stable. Stiff as a group was formed in 2014, has released three singles up to date with Umcimbi announcing their entry into the kwaito music industry.

Stiff is starting the year with the launch of a 14-track album Juluki Roof worked with Uhuru Proffessor, Bricks, Pex Africa, Gudman and Dj Nkoe of Gobisiqolo. The album is produced by Pex Africa, DJ Clap (uhuru), DJ Nkoe Sirbubzin , includes tracks Awee maah- a party song, Ngane ka ma-everybody is a sibling, Private party-big party everything big, One team-Zodwa’s one leg dance, Stand back-heartbreak song and Amantombazana-redo of Diliza’s song he did as solo about girls. The launch is set for end of February and intends soon after on a Zimbabwe launch.

Interview with group member Diliza was laced with gratitude and appreciation of Oskido’s role in inspiring and helping Stiff find its way into the highly competitive industry of music. “I respect Oskido and the fact is he always tells me patience is worth the reward in the end, I will always be grateful for the opportunity”. “We thank our fans who have been good to us they should look forward to our album end of February. We promise not to disappoint especially those back home in Zimbabwe “says Diliza.

Sipho ‘‘Snowy’’ Ncube

Kudzai Mpangi, Sunday Life Reporter
ONE of Bulawayo’s fast-rising ensembles, Gospel Unplugged, vocalist Sipho ‘‘Snowy’’ Ncube is set to prove his versatility through his much anticipated debut solo album which will be launched on 3 March at Harvest House International.

Dubbed Hanya, the eight-track album is set to keep the city of Kings alight through the different sound fusion on the tracks which tickles on rock, house, mbaqanga and R’n’b. Featuring on the album is songbird Amanda Grace and Caleb Nsipha among others.

“I believe this is going to be one of the best albums in Bulawayo since it has been produced by one of the best producers in town, Erastus Nleya who has come up with the extraordinary sound in the album and the songs are a mixture of Ndebele, Shona and English which accommodate everyone,” Snowy said.

The solo album carries with it a message of encouragement and testimony of his life, on how God has taken him to be what he is today.

“As a budding gospel artiste God has been there for me through my career and the message that I’m sending out to all music lovers is that God is concerned about all of us no matter what one has gone through, God is always there to listen to our concerns,” Snowy said.

Asked why he decided to make a solo album, Snowy said it was high time he showed the world that he can take his music career to the next level though he is still with Gospel Unplugged.

“People have received me warmly despite my skin colour and they have seen something great in me hence the decision to come up with my own music and show my full potential without the shadow of Gospel Unplugged,” he said.

On the line-up during the day is gospel songbird Lorraine Stot, Carlos Phiri, Caleb Nsipha, Amanda Grace and Nceku.-@kayskudzai

Pastor Barak

Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
WEDDINGS were once celebrations that usually took centre stage during festive seasons but with time, almost every weekend weddings are reported in the City of Kings.

Thriving gospel star, who was recently appointed chairperson of Matabeleland Gospel Music Association registered with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Sipethengani Sibanda popularly known as Pastor Barak dropped a wedding “gift” titled Bayatshada Namhlanje.

Pastor Barak, who has become a darling in Bulawayo, as he is known for giving less privileged food and blankets, said the song has been well received by people planning to wed.

“I have performed this song at weddings that I have attended, and the reception towards the song is overwhelming. I dedicate the song to everyone taking the important step towards marriage. A wedding is a very important ceremony and the fact that people are practicing it makes me very happy.

“People are gradually following my music. This can be noted in the Sky Metro FM gospel charts were my song has obtained position two and one for the past two weeks. It’s a humbling experience to be loved by fans and I will continue delivering scintillating songs to make them proud of me,” he said.
Pastor Barrack said his rise to stardom has attracted a South African television channel called RAPHA Channel, a gospel channel of the Shekinah Glorious Faith Ministries to produce one of his projects.

“Rapha channel from South Africa offered to shoot the video of my song “Anochengeta”. All this shows that I have become a force to reckon with in the gospel industry as I am going International. Africa will soon be aware that Zimbabwe is full of gospel sensations,” he said.

The UJesu Wami hit- maker who launched his debut album last year said he was currently working on album of hymns that will reinforce his status as one of top gospel superstars in the City of Kings.