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Ammara shines in Zambia

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Ammara dance1

Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
LUSAKA was an exquisite home of entertainment when top African musicians teamed up for an astounding concert that dazzled thousands of fans at Queensmead stadium in the neighbouring country, Zambia last week.

The concert which featured Nigerian artiste Mr Eazi popularly known for his topping chart hit Pour Me Water, Wezi, Kantu, Mic Burner, Jae Cash, Mampi, Jay Rox, Chef 187, Distraction Boyz and our very own queen of Afro pop, Ammara Brown was an exuberant night every Zambian had been waiting for.

The video clips that gave brief insights of what that went down in the spectacular gig show that the well organised vent was nothing but a memorable event which many Zambians will remember for a long time.

When it was time for Ammara to shine, the songbird gave a bomb performance which received a thunderous reception. She stole the show with her hit Akiliz that raised eyebrows in the country.

Produced by renowned videographer Vusa Blaqs, the song became a hot topic across Zimbabwe as the track has raunchy and erotic scenes in which Ammara is seen lying on her back on a table with legs wide open, while the man who plays Akiliz in the video emerges in between Ammara’s legs.

Ammara had pulled out all the stops to make sure the wait for the video debut was worth it.

Boasting towards a million views on Youtube, the video is still making waves in Trace Africa, a channel that has helped many Zimbabweans market their music to the rest of Africa.

Well, it seems the hit that hit a positive reaction from Zimbabweans got the same ovation in Zambia as the video clips and pictures that surfaced exposes that the Akiliz hit kept thousands of fans going. Many cheered while others sang along when the queen of pop rocked the stage.

Ammara is raising the Zimbabwean flag high as before the Zambian concert, she performed in London at concert that was dubbed the Zim Connect.

The Mukoko hit maker said she was overwhelmed with the positive reaction she received in Zambia.

“It was my first time performing in Zambia and I loved Lusaka. Thank you so much for showing me such a great time. It was a beautiful experience, hopefully it wasn’t the last time I perform there,” she said.

Ammara added that it was an honour and a blast to have shared the stage with Mr Eazi, Distraction Boyz, Bryan K, Jay Rox and Mampi.


Charambas advocate for a reading culture

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Pastor Charles and Olivia Charamba

Pastor Charles and Olivia Charamba

Kudzai Mpangi, Sunday Life Reporter
LEADERS in all spheres of life must be readers, says gospel couple Pastor Charles and Olivia Charamba who are preparing to release a song that will encourage people to read.

The song that will be titled No reading no leading will feature the Zimbabwe Rural Schools Library Trust’s who are also ready to drop an album on a date yet to be disclosed.

Pastor Charamba said the song is pregnant with advice and encourages young people to read and equip themselves with life skills that will enable them to function well in society.

“The future is not so rosy for the boys and girls who shun reading as they will labour in vain and get exploited in their adulthood with no prospects of rising to managerial roles in the workplace,” Pastor Charamba said.

The couple encourages society to seek the hidden treasurers available in books and other reading resources including newspapers that keep them abreast with current developments in society.

Sung in Shona and punctuated with English lines, the song gets its title from the lines in which the couple challenge those aspiring to be successful and to lead, to read to achieve their dreams.

Pastor Charamba has teamed up with others to support Masarakufa School in Mudzi, the school he went to.

“I have a strong rural background, and I am very passionate about uplifting rural livelihood. There is so much potential in rural areas and I always become emotional when I think of how much my rural background almost cost my entry into the music Industry. I am one of the students who have therefore teamed up with others to support our former school, Masarakufa,” said Pastor Charamba.

Pastor Charamba encourages society to engage in development projects.

“Society needs to learn to be self-sufficient in projects such as libraries. Parents with limited financial resources can play a huge role by providing materials like bricks and sand while those with money would meet the costs for other materials. In a way, a library is the nerve centre of any learning institution, and must therefore be prioritised”, added Pastor Charamba.

The song is one of the 22 songs that make up a musical album to be released by the Zimbabwe Rural Schools Library Trust as part of its programme to encourage reading and to advocate for the establishment and development of libraries that add value to learning.

Other musicians and groups who have contributed songs to the album are Bkayy and BaShupi (UK), Edith weUtonga, Jah Prayzah, Jeys Marabini, Leonard Zhakata, Selmor Mtukudzi, Tariro ne Gitare, Tocky Vibes and Tonderayi Machiwenyika, among others. —@kayskudzai

Fungisai now a prophetess?

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Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave

Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave

Bruce Ndlovu
GOSPEL musician Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave has reportedly joined the ranks of artistes that balance music and ministry, as she is now a prophetess under Ezekiel and Euna Guti’s Forward in Faith Ministries.

When she announced that she was re-branding and would release the name under the moniker of the biblical Phoebe many thought that it would start and end there, however, she seems to have gone further by going full time into ministry.

In a career that has not been short of drama, this latest move will come as a surprise to fans that thought Fungisai had lost her gospel roots during her flirtation with dancehall music two years ago. Despite releasing compelling music that earned her plaudits and awards, Fungisai was blasted in some quarters for changing her sound and style.

However, the songbird last year revealed to the media on the eve of the release of her nine-track album, Songs of Devotion that she had a Damascus moment after an encounter Euna Guti.

“Fungisai has been my music business brand and Phoebe is now my music spiritual brand. It is synonymous with the Biblical Phoebe found in Romans 16 verse 1-2. It means Pure and Bright. It was inspired by Guti when she prophesied into my life some time last year. Then, I didn’t believe her until the Holy Spirit moved like fire in my hands at the Today’s Woman Conference last month.

“This album comes when I had given up on music. Just when I thought I was done with music, the Holy Spirit himself put nine songs in my heart and I couldn’t shut them in. It would have been a disservice to the Christian community,” she said.

However, in an interview with Sunday Life this week, Zvakavapano was cagey about her new-found role in church.

“That’s a very tricky question,” she said when asked if she was now indeed a prophetess. “I feel like I have always been in ministry so I cannot really answer that question sincerely,” she said.

The gospel star said that although re-branding to Phoebe seemed a bolt out of the blue when she announced it last year, the name was one she had always carried secretly.

“A person can have two names. If one name is Nyarai and another is Fungisai you don’t stop being Nyarai just because everyone calls you by another name. What other people call you becomes a matter of choice in such cases. I have always been Phoebe,” she said.

The gospel singer added that she was preparing for the release of a video for one of the songs from her previous album, while a summer single will be released later in the year.

I forgave boyfriend who leaked sex tape – Tin Tin

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Tinopona Katsande1

Bruce Ndlovu
Vivacious radio personality and actress Tinopona ‘‘Tin Tin’’ Katsande has forgiven all those who got on her wrong side during a tough period in her life, including the boyfriend who leaked the sex tape which unleashed a storm of events that left her down and out.

After almost six years in the wilderness, Tin Tin’s voice is again gracing the airwaves, with her past sins seemingly forgiven at ZiFM, the station where she initially made her name as a radio presenter.

Tin Tin had a spectacular fall from grace in 2012, after her then boyfriend, Brian Munjodzi, allegedly leaked a tape documenting their intimate bedroom moments in a nasty case of revenge porn.

The storm that ensued rocked the foundations of Tin Tin’s life, as a public that had previously adored her suddenly lost its love for the former model.

Her employer, ZiFM, gave in to the outrage that followed the scandal, shutting down a bright star that had become one of the most loved voices on Zimbabwean radio.

As is usually the case, her boyfriend emerged unscathed from the fiasco, while Tin Tin was left to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and image.

Nursing her battered image, the six years that followed that sorry episode have been filled with reflection, renewed hope and most importantly forgiveness.

“I forgave everyone, including myself very early on in the whole ordeal,” Tin Tin revealed to Sunday Life when asked whether she had forgiven the man who had undone so much of her hard work and left her life in tatters.

“Prior experience had already taught me that lack of forgiveness is the greatest prison cell. I took accountability of my actions and the consequences, albeit I had no control over the exposure. And also when you don’t forgive you grow old too fast and no one wants that.”

Although she is now upbeat, looking forward to what the future brings, Tin Tin confesses that it was not always the case, as stress and depression became constant visitors to her tormented mind.

“Like any human going through a difficult period in their life, the whole ordeal took its toll on me mentally, emotionally, spiritually and even physically.

I began to get migraines and often I would wake up in painful knots. It was awful. My mind was negatively affected for a short while as I lost all confidence in myself and also I lost trust in people,” she said.

When things were at their worst, even radio stopped bringing comfort to Tin Tin, as she shut her ears to the voices among whom she knew hers also belonged.

“For almost two years I completely cut listening to radio out of my life. Listening to everyone getting on with their lives and growing their broadcasting careers hurt badly and every time someone said anything to do with the Ignition Breakfast Show I was hurt a bit more. It was like putting salt on a raw wound every time someone said or wrote ‘we miss you on radio Tin Tin’,” she said.

Rather than getting broken by his exile from radio, the former Studio 263 actress said that she had instead been hardened by the experience, as she turned to the Almighty in her life’s darkest hour.

“The biggest thing that transpired in my life during this time was my growth in my relationship God and with people. Everything God does in our lives is for our benefit, including suffering.

“Though they never seem pleasant at the time, hard times produce wonderful benefits in our lives. I learnt tolerance and acceptance of situations. I went from hero to zero overnight and the whole experience became a long but much needed natural weed selection process of things and people in my life,” she said.

Her return to radio may not have been dramatic but it was still nerve wrecking for the former model who has always exuded confidence whether on screen or on radio. Like a novice, Tin Tin needed her hand held by her co-host as it dawned on her that the much anticipated comeback would not be as glorious as she might have thought it would.

“I was super excited and super nervous. I didn’t eat the whole day fearing I would throw up from stage fright. There were butterflies in my tummy.

Fortunately I had my old time friend who is also my side kick on the show Ms Jax to keep me grounded. I was so emotional that when all the well wishing messages started flooding in on the ZiFM WhatsApp number, I shed a bucket of tears. I praised God, thanking him for my restoration,” she said.

In fact, Tin Tin confesses that she had received overwhelming support from the station from which she had been so unceremoniously booted out in 2012.

“From day one I felt that everyone at the station then and now was rooting for me. I’m so humbled by the way management and colleagues have embraced my return but even more honoured by the response from listeners. After my first show two months ago I walked out of the studio to find three sets of fans waiting for me to congratulate me on my come back. It was 12:36 am. I cried. I was in awe of their love for me. I’m a great believer in second chances, and more even. I was super nervous and super excited,” she said.

Strengthened by the punishing time spent on the sidelines, Tin Tin is now ready to inject a healthy dose of wisdom and open mindedness into her show, Formation, which airs every Sunday between 9 PM and midnight.

“It’s like late night TV on radio. We talk adult conversations on a no holds barred platform. We talk as human beings doing human things that are then guided by culture and religion. It’s so Tin Tin.

“I say what people are thinking, which is something our Zimbabwean cosmopolitan society is warming up to. We are a polarised and largely hypocritical society when it comes to many social issues in our society but brushing things under the carpet so we look good will not help us become a better people in our families or communities,” she said.

Yvonne Vera’s dying wish – Celebrated author’s mother in revealing exposé

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The late Yvonne Vera

The late Yvonne Vera

Bruce Ndlovu

More than death itself, the late Yvonne Vera feared leaving behind an unfinished book.

This was revealed by the author’s mother and author of the late writer, Erica Gwetai, on the 13th anniversary of her death. Vera passed away on 7 April in 2004, thousands of miles away from her mother while she was in Canada. She had earlier been diagnosed with meningitis.

“In her final moments as death approached, she would call me and say that she was scared of dying and leaving behind an unfinished book. She would say ‘mum, I don’t fear death but I fear leaving behind an unfinished book,’” said Gwetai.

Gwetai said as her condition got worse, the author was wracked with worry, as it suddenly dawned on her that death might arrive before she had put to bed what would be her last book.

“The title of the book was Obedience and she was really passionate about it. It was really sad when she couldn’t get a chance to finish it,” she said.

Gwetai also revealed that she had been fiercely resistant to the release of the book in the wake of her daughter’s death.

“I didn’t want it to be released to the public because it was poorly edited. So a few people like her late friend Terence Ranger had the manuscript but only people with academic interests can study and analyse it,” she said.

According to Gwetai, the book would never see the light of day because it was largely incomplete.

“I will never allow it to be published. It was unfinished and because she was such a perfectionist it would have been a disservice to let anyone else finish it. No one would have finished it like she would have and I feel that if anyone else touches it, that might taint her legacy,” she said.

Comedian Van Moyo ventures into acting

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Ntandoyenkosi “Van” Moyo

Ntandoyenkosi “Van” Moyo

Kudzai Mpangi, Sunday Life Reporter
THE brains behind Bulawayo’s biggest comedy act uMahlekisa comedy club, Ntando Van Moyo is set to make his acting debut in Bulawayo’s second feature film to be screened on DStv’s Zambezi Magic called Jaiva Sbone.

Having made a name for himself with the consistent monthly uMahlekisa stand up comedy shows which Bulawayo has come to know and love, Moyo felt it was time to spread his wings and branch into acting, an art which stand-up comedy itself borrows from quite a lot.

“This opportunity that I have been given will surely go a long way as it will exhibit some of my comedy skills off stage. I feel it will give my brand a boost as people will be able to identify with me better as more people watch TV than they do stand-up comedy and the diversity is set to give me an edge as being both a comedian and actor,” Moyo said.

When asked about how he feels about his debut acting and how he landed himself a role in the film Moyo said; “It’s one of those magical moments when you feel you could run on water and wake up from the dream but realise its true after all and the fact that the producer approached me to be part of the cast gave me hope that I could do it. Because of fear of the unknown I thought I didn’t have all it takes but they said they will bring it out on me,” he said.

Moyo, who plays the main character as uManyonyoba, a streetwise taxi driver, said the journey has been great.

“The experience was great as the film provided some comical twists in some of the serious scenes which made me to enjoy my role which I play as a taxi driver who is helping his friend find a lost lotto ticket,” he said.

Jaiva S’bone is a feature film which tackles serious issues to do with relationships, greed, deceit and dishonesty. Produced by Kudzai Chikomo, written by Nkosilesisa Ncube, story by Johanne Mpofu and directed by Memory Kumbota and commissioned by Zambezi Magic, the film features veteran actress Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda, veteran actor Kumbota, Aleck Zulu, Mzoe 7 and award-winning Gift Chadokwenda, among others.

Jaiva S’bone becomes Bulawayo’s second movie to be screened on DStv’s Zambezi Magic after last year’s breakthrough film The Lost Letter produced by Mhle Nzima and Elliot Moyo which made waves through its Hollywood style hype and celebrity fan fare.

‘I owe it to Khuxxman’

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Likhwa Ncube

Likhwa Ncube

Kudzai Mpangi, Sunday Life Reporter
WITHOUT doubt any musician would be keen to having Khulekani Bethule aka Khuxxman for a producer as he has been producing the best hits for a long time and has remained one of the most versatile musicians in the City of Kings and Queens.

However, his works do not go unnoticed as award-winning poet Likhwa Ncube affirmed that he owes his golden story to the versatile musician who has been supportive in his career both as a poet and musician.

“He is the man. He has always been my producer since 2008 and he understands my poetry, few producers do. I wouldn’t have thought of having anyone as my producer other than the man himself.

“Under his mentorship I have managed to release two albums which marked the beginning of a new era in my life and from that point until now it’s been a miracle kind of life and I’m enjoying the arts life and winning the Nama in 2015 for being an outstanding poet shows the hard work he has put through in my poetry skills,” he added.

Having been featured in Khuxxman block buster song Vumelani Sangoma, Ncube revealed that the song that practically became an anthem in the City of Kings and being followed by an award was the breakthrough to his career.

“Six years ago Khuxxman created an anthem that until today defines a shift in my arts career and one way or the other I shouldn’t run away from the fact that, the song is popular even today and I still meet people who can’t believe I’m the poet who featured in the song, maybe because of the skills that Khuxxman found in me,” he said.

Ncube said he appreciates the love shown to him by people who have been supporting his work from around Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Vimbai says her explicit video not for family viewing

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Vimbai Zimuto 4

Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN singer Vimba Vee Kay Zimuto, who is based in the Netherlands, recently pulled all the stops when she dropped explicit and steamy-sexual visuals of her track, Hapana Kwaunoenda.

In the video, Vee calls her husband to meet in their rendezvous where they have a blissful and romantic time. Wearing red, sexy lingerie, Vee drives her man wild. However, it is the last scene of the video that has left people a mixed bag of reactions.

The final scenes show a naked Vee. Holding each other tight while in some of the scenes, the lover is the one covering Vee’s breasts with his hands in the bathroom. Another moment which got people talking is when Vee makes moaning sounds of pleasure.

Scores of people have described the video as “mini-porn” while others jokingly said they were waiting for the complete sex-tape of Vee and her hubby. However, there were some fans who defended Vee as a woman expressing her sexuality.

Sunday Life contacted the songbird and asked her about the video which had drawn so much following in the country. Sunday Life asked about Vimbai’s response to people who described the video as a “mini-porn”. Vee said the video is by far different from porn as it depicted what is really happening in society.

“Well, whoever said the video is mini-porn is lying because I have never heard about something called mini-porn. However, to those who think the video is a porn video are also wrong. Porn is when two people who are not friends, who probably don’t know each other engage in sexual intercourse which is not happening in the video. The video shows people who love each other getting intimate which is very much different from porn. The video has got nothing to do with porn.

“The song encourages women to stand up and save their marriages in the bedroom. They should prevent their husbands from going out to have sex with prostitutes who usually give their best to impress their clients. Women have the responsibility of keeping their men. They should stop chasing after their husbands’ girlfriends but they should instead chase after their husbands.

“Our society is very ignorant. We pretend not to like sex yet we have a high rate of people with HIV and Aids. This shows that people like sex and fun but they are afraid of showing it. It’s high time we accept what’s happening in society as this will lead us to freely express ourselves,” she said.

The Khona Manje hit-maker said she had received extraordinary support from women and was thankful to fans that keep supporting her.

“I have received massive support from women who have watched the video. They say I was extremely looking hot that I have inspired them to go hit the gym. This means that women actually understand the message of the video. However, the support has not been the same with male support. I have got mixed reactions from them.

“To those who say they can’t view the video with their father or mother the answer is that the song is not for family viewing. This is the reason I didn’t submit the song to ZBC. It’s a private video with an important message of encouraging women and men to freely expressing themselves,” she added.
@NcubeBhekumuzi

 


Zim meets Nigeria in Mr Prince’s second offering

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Mr Prince

Mr Prince

Ngqwele Dube, Leisure Correspondent
FOUR years after releasing his first album, afro-jazz musician, Sibonginkosi “Mr Prince” Tshabalala is back with another eclectic afro-fusion offering that is laced with a blend of African beats on a jazz rhythm.

The South Africa-based Zimbabwean muso teamed up with Nigerians based in the neighbouring country, Chukwudi Fred and celebrated guitarist, Kunle Ayo in the arrangement and production of the album as he seeks to reach the length and breadth of Africa with his sound.

Ayo is a celebrated session guitarist, solo artiste and also produces for many musicians at his K Cool Productions Studio, where Mr Prince recorded some of the songs for the album while the rest were recorded at Chuks’ Revolutionary Studios situated in the heart of Johannesburg in Marshalltown.

The album titled Mixed Feelings stays true to Mr Prince’s jazz sound but some tracks embrace afro-pop while another track has hints of a house beat.

Launching the album last Saturday at Metro Restaurant in Bryanston, Mr Prince said the title aptly describes the contents of the album as a “salmagundi”, touching on various topics and beats presenting a mixture that he hopes appeal to a cross-section of music lovers.

Mr Prince attributed the long wait for the new album to his wish to come up with melodies that will spread to all the borders of Southern African and beyond. His first album, Ngilamulela was released in 2014 and the muso believes while core elements of his music remains in Mixed Feelings the tweaked sound is an improvement that can win him new ears.

“I roped in Chucks and Kunle in the making of Mixed Feelings, both are well versed with the jazz genre and I think their input has brought a new dimension somewhat, different sound that will get more jazz aficionados hooked while drawing in those who are into other genres.

“I retained the core afro-jazz beat that I have become known for and laced it with afro-pop and in some tracks, house music as I seek a wider appeal,” said Mr. Prince.

He said naming the album Mixed Feelings comes from the mixed bag of not only beats but also the issues that he sings about. There is no single theme in the 11-track album as Mr Prince sings about love, gender violence and memories.

Stand out songs include the opening track, Eyami Ingqondo, a deep soulful jazz track that talks about Mr Prince’s firm love for jazz and how he intends sticking to it while Ngikhumbula Abazali is a cry by a man based in the diaspora who is longing for home, wishing to return home for good and be close to loved ones.

The third song on the album, Don’t Touch advices men to desist from violence when they find themselves in quarrels with their girlfriends or wives.

“I personally think gender violence is senseless, it’s not something we should be experiencing, even if a woman cheats on you, don’t fight them, rather let her go, do not worry about the cars, cellphones that you bought her or money you spent on her, a man can always work for more money,” he says.

Bamangwato War Song is a traditional Ndebele war tune that is fused together with a poem (Ahee Khama), which Mr Prince says they used to recite during the Day by day English lessons during his primary school days.

Mr Prince, who hails from Mawabeni (Umzingwane) in Matabeleland South said he does not envision a 55-year-old dancing to hip-hop or dancehall so with the right marketing jazz shows will always find takers.

Chat with Sis Noe: How do I define our relationship?

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How do I define

Hi Sis Noe
MY husband is so jealous that I have stopped being friends with males. Every man I know he accuses them of having an affair with me. Recently he has become friends with his workmate. He can’t stop talking about her. I told him I don’t like it and he said I am overreacting. — Help.

Reply
Your husband being friendly with this woman has brought back all those years when his jealousy made your life hell if you even looked at another man.

So it feels particularly irritating that it’s alright for him to be friendly with someone of the opposite sex.

Explain this, and ask him to be more understanding, rather than just dismissing your feelings.

If he responds positively, then why not meet for a drink? But first your husband needs to be more reassuring and make you feel wanted and loved.

Hi Sis Noe
Recently I met a guy at a party and we had sex. Now we are always meeting for sex. I don’t know if I can call this a relationship or it’s just sex. We have not tried to define our relationship. I think I care about him. — Worried.

Reply
I know that many people have one-night stands but to jump into bed with a stranger, however, charming is very risky — anything could have happened.

It is better to get to know someone first. In fact, most women find that sex is usually more exciting and fulfilling if there is also an emotional connection. It sounds as though this has become a relationship, and perhaps what you are really wondering is whether this man has feelings for you or if he is just enjoying great sex. Love is when you feel emotionally connected to each other, the person you love is kind and loving, and you are there for each other through the good and bad times. It involves trusting each other totally and being interested in each other’s lives, hopes and dreams, enjoying doing things together and wanting the same things for your future relationship. Sex and love are the perfect partnership, but sex shouldn’t be the only thing you do. So go for a walk or meet for a movie or dinner, and see if you still enjoy each other’s company and have plenty to talk about. One way to know if he really wants to have a proper relationship with you is to suggest meeting your family and friends and vice versa — if he is willing, then it means he cares; if not, he may only be interested in sex.

Hi Sis Noe
When I am going to work I always meet this beautiful woman and we always greet and smile at each other. I think she is single because I have never seen her with a man. I don’t know how to approach her because I want to go out with her. — Charmed.

Reply
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Ultimately you don’t have anything to lose so a simple, direct approach is best. You don’t want to play games or bump into her “coincidentally” — she would probably see straight through that. So try to pluck up courage, stop and tell her that she has a really nice smile and you wondered if she would like to go for a drink with you one day. She can only say no, she won’t kill you, but if you don’t ask her out, or at least stop and chat, you will never know and you could be missing a wonderful opportunity.

Hi Sis Noe
I just discovered that my husband cheated on me with a sex worker. I never thought he was capable of that because we have a great marriage and sex life. He has apologised for what he did. Should I forgive or leave? — Worried.

Reply
Your husband was very foolish to betray you and your devastation is understandable. But I would not rush into ending the marriage, as it sounds as though you both still love each other. What you don’t say is why he was unfaithful and I think that you need to ask him this. Is it the only time? It sounds as though it is. What I am wondering though is if the marriage is quite as happy as you think. It would have been better if he could have talked to you about the issues that made him cheat, rather than unkindly putting the marriage at risk for a fleeting moment of pleasure. If he truly regrets what he has done and promises never to do it again, then your marriage could probably be saved.

Hi Sis Noe
My husband’s sister runs our marriage. She always has to have a say in almost everything that happens at our house. My husband tells her everything about us, even things he should not tell her. He says I should not be jealous because she is just his sister. When she visits he has no time for me. Her husband realises this but he says nothing. — Help.

Reply
It sounds as though his sister resents you and wants to be the number one woman in your husband’s life. The fact that he tells her everything about your life together only adds to your feeling of being pushed to the sidelines. She sounds controlling and her husband clearly finds it easier to keep the peace and opt out of saying anything, which is a pity. It would help if he told her that he felt left on the sidelines, too. You may feel jealous of your husband’s relationship with his sister, but I think that you have good reason. Tell him how much you love him and how good your relationship is most of the time. Then explain that, while it is nice that he is so close to his sister, you feel left out and ignored whenever she is around and that you need to feel loved and important to him when she is there. Be firm and say you don’t want him to share all the secrets of your marriage with her.

SOULMATES
I am a woman aged 23 looking for a man aged 27 to 32 who wants a serious relationship. I have two kids.

I am a 25-year-old civil servant looking for a lady aged 23 and below.

I am a 25-year-old single woman with one kid looking for a man aged 27 to 32 for a serious relationship.

I am a 26-year-old single woman searching for a guy aged 28 to 36 who wants a serious relationship.

I am a 41-year-old woman looking for a man from 43 years and above. I am based in Victoria Falls.

I am a 20-year-old guy searching for a woman aged 20 and below for a serious relationship.

I am a 44-year-old woman with two children. I am financially independent and HIV-negative. I am looking for a single man in Bulawayo.

I am a single mother of two and I am aged 24. I am looking for a guy aged 27 to 34 preferably with a kid or two.

I am a young male aged 32 looking for a lady aged 30 to 40 preferably with no kids or one kid based in Bulawayo who is independent. I am a student nurse at Mpilo. I am a father of one.

I am a 29-year-old single mother based in Bulawayo looking for a man.

I am a 29-year-old beautiful single mother of one based in Pretoria. I’m looking for a man aged 30 to 35. I am HIV-negative.

I am a woman aged 32 and I have two children. I am looking for a man to date.

I am a 33 single woman based in Bulawayo looking for a man to date.

I am a 39-year-old civil servant with two kids. I am looking for a woman to marry.

NOTICE

For the contact details of the above singles send a WhatsApp message to the number 0773111328. No calls will be entertained and no SMSes unless they come with Buddie airtime.

 

Mzansi star actor uplifts Plumtree’s artistes

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Israel Makoe

Israel Makoe

Kudzai Mpangi, Sunday Life Reporter
WHEN multi-talented South African super star Israel Makoe made his debut visit to the small boarder town of Plumtree, he was deeply impressed by the talent that he saw vowing to return to the border town.

Being a man of his words Israel Makoe affectionately known for his role as GP in the SABC1 drama series Gaz’lam made his second visit last year where he met two best Plumtree vocalists Sunday Mkandawire aka Tsibi and Sims Ncube aka RS.

His return turned to be fruitful for the two artistes as he collaborated with them on a party song dubbed Khipha Faka produced by a Bulawayo-based producer Skaiva which he added to his recently released album Last man standing.

Speaking to Sunday Life, Makoe said he has managed to maintain a good relationship with Plumtree town and he has grown fond of it.

“I have managed to maintain a good relationship with the town as I did a song with two local artistes Tsibi and RS. Those guys are very talented. The song that we did is a party song which I have added to my album which will keep people on their dancing shoes,” he said.

Makoe said the two artistes have all it takes to be like DJ Fresh and Oskid as they possess such qualities.

In an interview with the vocalists manager, Handsome Sibanda said MaOrange’s visit turned to be fruitful not only for the two vocalists but as well as for Plumtree as it is going to uplift their status since people only recognise them as a small boarder town.

“Having two artistes from Plumtree town featured in an album of such a high profile artiste means the guys’ talent will be shared across South Africa and Zimbabwe’s radio stations therefore lifting up Plumtree as a town,” Sibanda said.

“Hopefully their talent will be spotted by other producers and artistes out there who have known less about our town, who might want to also feature them in their works,” he added. Asked how Makoe got to recognise their talent Sibanda said: “During his first visit he saw the two guys performing and he enjoyed their performance so much that he promised to work with them on a song for his album and he managed to fulfill his promises,” he said.

Sibanda revealed that the SA super star will be collaborating with the artistes on more songs as he was impressed by their passion for arts.

Former Sunday Life intern scripts latest Zambezi Magic movie

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Nkosilesisa Ncube

Nkosilesisa Ncube

Vusumuzi Dube, Sunday Life Reporter
THE first day she walked into the Sunday News newsroom she was just a young, wide- eyed 20-something-year-old student from the Midlands State University eager to learn the ropes of the noble profession.

Nkosilesisa Ncube was just like any other student on attachment, her only difference was that her baby face made her seem much younger than the rest of the group. Attached in the entertainment desk little did everyone know that she was actually an entertainer in the blood. She kept this little secret up till last week when social media became awash with the trailer of the upcoming local television movie Jaiva S’bone.

Jaiva S’bone is set to première on DStv’s Zambezi Magic on 25 April. Nanah, as she is affectionately known in the newsroom, is credited for writing this local television movie.

The hour-long movie features Miss Tourism Zimbabwe patron, Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda who plays Pinky — a shebeen queen, veteran actor Memory Kumbota who plays Topi Shakes — a local gangster and local comedian Ntando Van Moyo who plays Manyonyoba, a streetwise kombi driver.

The 22-year-old Ncube, who is a final year Media and Society Studies student at MSU described the process of writing the movie as one that was both exciting and nerve-wrecking.

“At first I did not think I could pull it off. Before Jaiva S’bone, I had only written student films and I was not sure I could live up to the task of writing a movie, much less for DStv. However, I saw how much Kudzi and Johane (Multimedia Box) trusted me to tell their story and that was all I needed,” Ncube said in an interview with Sunday Life.

She said it was not difficult to transition from being a journalist to a scriptwriter because she has always been a writer.

“I remember getting into trouble with my dad for selling poetry at primary school. I have always been a writer. Regardless of what I am writing for, I just love words. There is an endless list of possibilities when it comes to words so it is not exactly transitioning from journalism, it is simply branching out,” she said.

Quizzed on what it felt like to write for veteran actors like Mpofu-Sibanda and Kumbota, Ncube could not contain her excitement, saying she was now looking forward to work on more productions with the actors, learning from their experience with the hope of improving her scriptwriting skills.

“I called my best friend when I saw the trailer and we both cried. It is one thing to just put pen to paper but I grew up watching these people on television and knowing they will be delivering my words is just surreal, I still cannot believe it,” said an emotional Ncube.

Asked on what inspired her to join the scriptwriting world, Ncube revealed that she has been a bookworm ever since she was a child, noting that her family has always supported her in a career path both as a journalist and now as a scriptwriter.

“My siblings and I were raised on books,” she said. “Both my parents are educators so I learnt my way around words at a very early age.

“My family and friends are my greatest supporters; they are always there for everything I do. They are also my harshest critics I would not do half the things I do if I did not have their backing,” said Ncube.

On future plans, Ncube said she was only getting started.

“Well, first we need to see how Jaiva S’bone is received. From there, I would definitely like to write more, be it screenplays, novels, newspaper articles, like I said, anything is possible with words, I only hope this is the start of a long journey and I plan to learn and grow in the process,” she said.

“I look up to Thishiwe Ziqubu and Shonda Rhimes a lot and if I can one day be half as good they are, then I know I would have made my mark,” Ncube concluded.

Biggie Tembo was Judas Iscariot . . . Bhundu Boys founder on the day the lead vocalist sold out

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The late Biggie Tembo

The late Biggie Tembo

Bruce Ndlovu
THE Bhundu Boys, the jit music pioneers that became Zimbabwe’s first breakout international act after independence, broke up because of a house.

Comprised of founder Rise Kagona, singer and guitarist Biggie Tembo, bass player David Mankaba, drummer Kenny Chitsvatsva and keyboard player Shakespeare Kangwena, the Bhundu Boys had managed to infiltrate the British pop scene, even sharing the stage with the queen of pop herself Madonna at Wembley on one unforgettable occasion.

Having landed at Gatwick Airport in May 1986 with barely anything but the skin off their backs, the Bhundu Boys had in a few years miraculously transformed from a rag tag group of Zimbabwean musicians stalking British clubs into an outfit so good that it had attracted the of entertainment industry global titan, Warner Brothers.

It was this deal with Warner Brothers that was to be their undoing. In an interview with Sunday Life from his UK base this week Rise Kagona, a man who has been reluctant to speak to the media about how the one time darlings of both the Zimbabwean and British music scenes were reduced to dust a few years after their meteoric rise, revealed the details of that fateful deal.

“Gordon Muir, our manager, got 20% of everything that we made. So when the deal with Warner came along, he realised that he wanted a house. But the 20% that he would be getting from the deal would not be enough to buy a house so he tried to convince the group that buying a house was a smart idea. This was something that I was resistant to from the start,” said Kagona.

According to Kagona, Warner had dangled a tantalising £180 000 in front of them, a sum that had got both the Simbimbino hit-makers and their manager drooling. It also set Muir and Kagona on an inevitable collision course.

“I wanted us to invest back home. When we left Zimbabwe all of us were living with our parents. I was living in Mufakose; David was from Bulawayo and so rented one room in Harare while Shaky was also from Karoi and didn’t have a home in Harare. Biggie was from Chinoyi as well.

“So I told them that it wouldn’t make sense for us to buy a house in the United Kingdom because we were there on work permits and Margaret Thatcher could suddenly change her mind and stop foreigners from coming in. Who would carry the house to Harare?” said Kagona.

Muir however, was unhappy with Kagona’s reasoning and started working on changing the other group members’ minds. Dazzled by the bright lights in first world Britain, one by one they began to succumb to his charms.

“I told them that this was our first major deal and we shouldn’t miss the chance to invest back home. They agreed. But one by one Gordon started working on the guys that drink. I myself don’t drink or smoke so I’m always focused. He started taking the other guys to bars at night and telling them how the house would be beneficial to them.

“He told them how they would never have trouble bringing in groupies to sleep with after gigs because they would be no landlords as we had grown accustomed,” said Kagona.

Mankaba and Kangwena were easily swayed but Kagona, Tembo and Chitsvatsva were steadfast, rejecting all of Muir’s advances. When push came to shove, the decision would be decided by a vote, with Kagona’s camp holding all the aces.

However, a day before that crucial vote, Muir got hold of Tembo and over a cold beer in a pub, the fate of the Bhundu Boys was sealed.

“The night before we were to have the vote the manager took Biggie out. At the time we didn’t know what was being discussed there but I was satisfied that my brother would stick by me. On the day that we were supposed to sign the agreement, Gordon all of a sudden called for a meeting.

“I was convinced that the meeting was all about clearing the air. I thought we would go on as agreed but instead called for a vote. That’s when Judas Iscariot (Biggie Tembo) sold us out,” said a still bitter Kagona.

Unknown to the group members at the time, Tembo had struck a deal with Muir that would see him pursue a solo path, abandoning a group that had helped bring fame to his name as the undoubted front-man.

“They had agreed that Biggie would go solo with Gordon as his manager and they would thus split the profits between themselves. Biggie had these songs that he didn’t want to record with the rest of the group and they would bring in another band to play with him,” said Kagona.

Before the ink had dried on the agreement to buy the group a house and Tembo went solo, the Bhundu Boys had already started to turn on each other.

“There wasn’t any trust anymore. We only met for rehearsals and performances. Our relationship didn’t go beyond the stage because whenever we would discuss something Biggie would go and tell the white man (Muir),” said Kagona.

Details of this agreement only came to light when things turned sour between Muir and Tembo, as the gifted vocalist’s solo career suffered a still-birth.

“The years were going past and Biggie kept on asking when he would break out as a solo star. Muir had seen Biggie would not make it alone without the Bhundu Boys. We both needed each other. But he couldn’t tell him that because he had promised to make him a star.”

Things came to a head back home in Zimbabwe when the two were sharing a cottage owned by Oliver Mtukudzi’s then publicist, Debbie Metcalfe. Fists were flung and harsh word exchanged as allegedly Biggie set on the violent course that would see him commit suicide in an asylum in 1995.

“That’s when the details of their deal came to light. We didn’t know that was what they had agreed all those years back. That’s when we found out that he had sold us out,” said Kagona.

After the fallout with Muir, Tembo had tried to go back to his old group, but was given the cold shoulder by Kagona.

“He wrote a letter apologising to the manager and that showed me he cared little about how we felt because his quarrel had never been with the manager but the band. That’s why we rejected him,” Kagona.

Ultimately, the Bhundu Boys’ misadventures in a foreign country are a cautionary tale to any young artiste with international ambitions. Separated from their roots, the Bhundu Boys had been mesmerised by the bright lights of life as globe trotting stars and forgot who they truly were.

Before Biggie took his own life, Mankaba, the original bassist, his replacement, Shepherd Munyama, and Kangwena all died as a fairytale turned into a nightmare.

“Biggie should have known better. He used to tell us how he had been mistreated by a white man as a young man while he was working as his gardener.

He then came to the UK and had a chance to make a new start with all his talent but again decided to trust a white man when he knew how they were like,” Kagona said.

Miss Zimbabwe ban denied me glory: Sarah

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Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda

Sarah Mpofu

Bruce Ndlovu
Before Sarah Mpofu founded Fingers Academy, back when she used to walk the ramp herself, she was denied glory on the Miss Zimbabwe stage, a platform where she has coached many to victory.

After graduating from Face Enterprises Modelling Agency in 1986, Mpofu had risen to the top of the pile in the Bulawayo modelling scene, at a time when the beauty industry was dominated by white faces both in the City of Kings and elsewhere around the country.

After coming tops in the Miss Face and Miss Bulawayo pageant, Miss Zimbabwe seemed to be the next logical step for the go-getter who at the time envisioned herself strutting her stuff on some of the most famous ramps around the globe.

However, her bid to clinch the national crown was impeded by circumstances that were beyond her control. In much simpler times when showing off too much skin and not nude pictures were the plague that troubled Miss Zimbabwe, the pageant had been banned.

“I wanted to take part and win Miss Zimbabwe but I couldn’t at the time because the pageant had been banned. I remember this happened because people in Zimbabwe had been outraged by the swimsuits that the models had been putting on in a past edition of Miss Zim. The ban was to be in force for several years and I never got a chance to walk the Miss Zimbabwe ramp,” Mpofu said.

The ban in effect derailed Mpofu’s career, and in the long run she decided to concentrate on the role of mentor as she transformed into a local modelling guru. With that in mind, she said she never loses sleep over what could have been.

“I don’t really think about it because if I had gone on to have a successful modelling career perhaps I wouldn’t have gone on to become the person that I am today. Everything happens for a reason,” she said.

According to Mpofu, the ban that robbed her of a successful career is the reason that she decided to fight for the modelling industry’s right to existence.

“I don’t want to beat my own drum but I consider myself a national hero. After emerging as one of the few black models in the industry back in the 80s,

I’m also one of the people who fought for the independence of our industry. We came up when Zimbabwe was still very conservative and we fought tooth and nail to see the modelling industry prosper and today just look how far we’ve come. I can stand with pride as I look back on how far we’ve come,” she said.

Having watched models she has groomed like Samantha Tshuma, Oslie Murangai, Lorraine Maphala and the current Miss Tourism, Ashley Morgan flourish, Mpofu is not done just yet. As she prepares to bring the highly anticipated Miss Tourism pageant to Bulawayo this year, she believes that her greatest strength is grooming models that take their talents from the ramp to the boardroom.

“I groom my models to be great people all round. That’s why I’m not jealous of all that they’ve achieved on the ramp and in business because there’s no harm in letting one candle help another shine,” she said.

Inside Joshua Nkomo’s playlist: Music that inspired the late Father Zimbabwe

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Joshua Nkomo

Joshua Nkomo

Bruce Ndlovu

IN his autobiography, The Story of My Life, the late nationalist and Zimbabwe’s former Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, made no secret of his love.

A radio had been his companion in the darkest moments of detention at the hands of Rhodesian forces.

In fact, after ten years at the Gonakudzingwa Restriction area, his radio was one thing that he had refused to hand over to the authorities on the day he was supposed to be transformed to his new home, a prison at Buffalo Range.

“On arrival I was searched and they took all my personal belongings, even my watch. On leaving Gonakudzingwa I had removed my faithful radio from the medicine cabinet where I had kept it hidden all those years, and I flatly refused to hand it over. The man just looked at me and I put it in my overcoat pocket . . . ,” he wrote in the chapter titled, The Taste of Freedom.

Mqabuko’s radio waas the one gadget that connected him to an outside world that his jailers were determined to isolate him from. From it he could find out where and when the country’s liberators had struck and the latest attempts by the Rhodesians to stall the country’s inevitable march towards independence.

The radio also gave him a chance to listen to his beloved Dolly Parton.

“He loved all kinds of music, particular country, western and reggae music. In particular he loved music by country star Dolly Patton. She was one musician whose songs he turned to for inspiration.

In the dark moments of his life he would turn towards her music because it gave him inspiration,” said the late nationalist’s son Sibangilizwe Nkomo in an interview.

Patton was not the only artiste to grace Nkomo’s ears when things got tough. American country, soul and pop music artiste Doby Grey was another musician who stoked the fires of hope in Dr Nkomo when the chips were down.

“I’ve been too long in the wind, too long in the rain, Taking any comfort that I can
Looking back and longing for the freedom of my chains
Lying in your loving arms again.”

These were Grey’s lyrics in the song Loving Arms. According to the late nationalist’s son, the song was a particular favourite of a man whose own loving arms had earned him the title of Father Zimbabwe.

“He loved that song, particularly those lyrics. As you can tell, the song’s lyrics were pregnant with meaning and so he loved the lesson and inspiration behind them,” he said.

No revolutionary worth his salt would hear a Bob Marley verse and pass without a pause and this was the same for Mqabuko who also now and then turned to the dreadlocked champion of the oppressed for inspiration.

“He also loved Bob Marley’s music as was the case with many people from that era,” said the younger Nkomo.

In his biography, Dr Nkomo made it clear how he had been connected to the traditions of his people. So connected was he to his roots that he would discard the shorts his mother brought him for ibhetshu while on the way to school.

“When I went to school my mother wanted me to look smart and brought me some short trousers. This was an embarrassment as all the other boys wore amabhetshu, a little loin-cloth of skins suspended around the waist by a thong.

“So each day I left home in my shorts and slip on my leather garment. Then on the way home I would do the same the other way round, making sure that none of my school mates knew what I was up to,” he wrote in a chapter titled An African Heritage.

This strong connection to his African roots was also highlighted in some of the music he listened to.

“He loved i-music yesintwini. He loved isitshikitsha but in particular he loved a song called Isivunguzane,” said Nkomo.

While his taste in music was constant, Mqabuko’s sound system was always in constant state of evolution.

“The radio that he had at Gonakudzingwa was a Supersonic radio. After he was released he brought a WRS radio which had a built-in sound system. It was big, stood on four legs and was more like a cupboard than a radio.

“When my sister turned 18 he gave it to her. He then bought a Super 10 stereo which, unlike the WRS, had speakers separate from the radio,” said Nkomo.


No-sense fashion trends

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black-lipstick

Rutendo Chidawanyika

IT is no secret that over the past years the fashion industry has grown and is most influential in one’s life. In the western countries, fashion is life.

African countries are catching on fast to that kind of mind-set. Season after season its intriguing to see trends come and go, the bright bold patterns and colours, it gets weirder by the decade. Why are women wearing high waist pants even if they do not flatter their bodies? What is the fascination with shiny, manicured, stiletto sharp shaped finger nails? Well; it’s all in the name of fashion.

Nobody wants to be left behind, if the trend setters say the sleeping gowns are in style, you best believe you will see us out in these streets rocking the gown. Although we have to admit that some trends are just a NO! People should know when to stop. Crop tops are flattering on teenage girls but if a grown woman wears the same crop top it just looks as if you are trying too hard. It doesn’t mean women can’t dress sexy, it’s just that some trends are not for everyone.

Leggings that are a little too sheer

At this point, a lot of us are past judging people who wear leggings as pants. Maybe we’re not crazy about the fad, but it’s everywhere, so we’ve kind of had to accept it. However, at least make sure those leggings aren’t see-through. You don’t want to flash everyone your business and nobody wants to see that business.

Too-short shorts on guys

They’re not long enough to be proper pants and not short enough to even be capri pants. What are you wearing? Guys can wear too short pants only in the wrestling ring. Not around town or the shops please.

Naked jeans

I’m not talking about ripped jeans with holes in the knee so much as I’m talking about jeans that look like they’ve lived a hard life. One of these days, someone in a pair of shredded jeans is going to be walking around, going about their business, and all of a sudden, their jeans will just disintegrate into nothing . . . and that’ll be the next trend, which already exists; Naked jeans. The name is self-explanatory. The good part about jeans is if you pick the right cut it’s flattering. No reason to go around in naked jeans.

The undercut hairdo/shaving one side

Is it one haircut or two? Most people don’t understand this look! It’s become so trendy that guys and girls alike are wearing it these days. I won’t judge much because I myself had this hairdo for about 3 years. Even so, no matter how “normal” it becomes to shave half of your head, it still kind of looks like a teenage rebel trying to show the world they don’t care. It only looks good on a few people.

Black lipstick

It’s just . . . black. Why do we want our lips to be black? The gothic look I guess. I personally don’t mind black lipstick on someone else. Your makeup has to be bomb to pull this off, otherwise if you are not into bright colour lips; browns and maroons will do.

The accent nail

Why can’t all the fingernails be the same colour? Why do we have to make everything quirky and unique, like we are living the instagram life? Well, seems as if we are! Fingernails will be painted a different colour, it’s just something women do but we don’t know why, I guess.

Cargo pants and shorts

A huge trend in the ’90s is making a comeback — only with pockets not nearly as large as they used to be and the pant more fitted. This trend made absolutely no sense, there’s no reason to walk around with pants that you can store all of your personal items in for the week. If you must rock cargo, stick with the newer versions that are a bit more practical.

Men in dungarees

When men wear this odd fashion choice, it makes you wonder — why? They’re not suitable for business wear, and if you’re going for something comfy, the athleisure look is a much better option. If you’re going to wear denim, our recommendation would be throwing on a pair of jeans instead.

Long statement sleeves

If you don’t value your hands, then statement sleeves are the impractical fashion trend for you! Seriously, just buy some gloves instead of spending too much money on a shirt you’ll ruin by having to constantly roll up anyway.

Excessive ruffles
Ruffles make a comeback every few years or so, and this spring they’re coming back in full force. While a lacy shirt with a ruffled detail can be nice, a shirt covered in ruffles is not only impractical, but it’ll make you look like Shakespeare. Avoid it at all costs.

The ‘‘Just-rolled-out-of-bed’’ look

One of the trends hitting the streets this year involves literally wearing your pyjamas outside. Pyjamas were designed to be worn to bed, and they should stay this way. The appearance of putting minimal effort into your look can be appealing, but this is about three steps too far.

Since fashion is a form of self-expression, many people create individualised looks that are creative and break the rules. Sometimes, this results in a look that is awesomely unique. Other times, it results in a style disaster. We know you may be tempted to try all fashion trends, but I’d encourage you to be selective. — Additional information from Online sources.

Email: rutendochidawanyika3@gmail.com

Tips about popular colours

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Home colours

Amanda Ncube

THE colour of your home is the most important thing to consider . . . it describes the homeowner’s personality more than any other thing in your house. It works wonders in elevating the surrounding mood and well-being.

Colour can make us feel motivated, feel confident, calm us or stimulate romance. It determines our attitudes, our minds and it is an important thing to consider when making décor choices for your home.

Here are some tips about popular colours that homeowners use and the knowledge behind it.

Blue is the most popular colour in almost every home. It represents tranquillity, intelligence and protection. This colour is perfect for your bedroom since this is the space where you would like to relax and be peaceful. Make sure that you balance this colour so as to make your room feel welcoming . . . too much of this colour can make the room feel cold and unwelcoming. Too make it lighter include undertones such as yellow and creams to give it a not so heavy colour.

Green colour represents nature, wealth and balance. It is often used in the bedroom also. This is so because of its natural calming nature. Colours of nature not only make your room sophisticated but they create a calm atmosphere. According to scientists green can prevent nightmares.

Yellow is a loud, attention grabbing and funky colour. It represents energy, happiness and attention. Yellow is the best colour to create enthusiasm and can awaken greater confidence and optimism. This colour can be used in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms to create a bright and jovial mood.

Scientists claim that too much of yellow can cause distress especially in bedrooms and they can make babies cry, hence, avoid using yellow in your bedrooms.

Orange represents hope and warmth. It is a great colour to use in your living and dining room. This colour should be used in places where people meet and socialise due to its motivational get up and go qualities.

Red is a loud colour that most people avoid using due to its loud nature, however, people tend to forget that it represents passion, optimism and adventure. It is the colour that symbolises love where there is this colour passion and romance is guaranteed. Use this in your love sanctuary such as the bedroom.

Pink represents calm, sweetness and love. A lovely colour to use in bedrooms, pink can counteract anger and violence. This colour is usually associated with young age . . . it can work perfectly in your daughter’s bedroom. You can mix this colour with other colours that can be combined with light colours.

For religious people, lilac is the colour to use. This colour draws you closer to God as it represents creativity, spirituality and mystery. Lilac is proven to be the most spiritual colour, often linked with the area between earth and Heaven and used a lot by spiritualists and mediums. Use it in your bathroom or bedroom for a calming space but remember to add in some other brighter tones as too much lilac can promote a feeling of depression in some.

Black represents protection, formality and strength, although it might not be the first colour that comes to mind, black implies self-control and discipline. For independent women, black is the perfect colour to use as it symbolises a strong will and gives an impression of authority and power. Too much black can cause depression as it is usually associated with a negative environment.

Grey is a perfect neutral colour to use due to its versatility and works well in any room. You can contrast it with any other colour.

United Refineries oils BAA preparations

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ROIL BYO ARTS AWARDS

United Refiners CEO Busisa Moyo (left) poses for a picture with staff members and the organising team of the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards to be held on 26 May.

The awards, entering a second year this year, were rebranded to Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards after United Refineries were unveiled as the major sponsor through their Roil cooking oil brand.

The company injected $20 000 into the awards. The organisers said they had retained most sponsors from last year, with others coming in like internet service provider ZOL and Proton bread. The awards have received an overwhelming response with over 2 000 online nominations and 255 physical submissions.

There were 135 submissions in the music category, seven for theatre, 25 for film, 15 for literature, 18 for fashion, 13 for poetry, eight for comedy, six for photography, 15 from schools, eight for Visual Arts and eight for dance.

Meet Murungu We Sungura

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Eirik Hoff Walmsness

Eirik Hoff Walmsness

Kudzai Mpangi, Sunday Life Reporter
IN an exciting turn of events, a Norwegian man has come to be known as “Murungu weSungura” following his unusual adoption and fandom of a music genre known to appeal primarily to Zimbabwean people and proving the barrier breaking power of music.

Popularised by artistes like Leonard Dembo, Simon Chimbetu, James Chimombe and John Chibadura, Sungura music which is characterised by fast sharp guitar notes to thumping drum beats and switching feet in light speed dance moves has been known to break cultural barriers on a local level.

This is however, the first time the music has made such noticeable waves among an entirely different race who not only speak a different language but have an entirely different culture and lifestyle from Zimbabwe.

The Norwegian man behind this wave Eirik Hoff Walmsness, a sungura fanatic has grown to reverberate to this genre having been exposed to different music genres in Africa.

“My passion for sungura music has grown over several years, as a result of having studied African music at University, and living in Southern Africa for several years. This way I was exposed to a lot of music in the region, and sungura is the one that really resonated with me. There is something about the sound of sungura that makes it my favourite dish and what inspired me to choose such a rare genre is simple because it sounded so cool and refreshing to me. It has a groove that is irresistible,” he added.

Walmsness told Sunday Life that people back home have grown fond of sungura music which has resulted to him being popular among his people.

“ I have established a band in Norway, so for Sahara, and we play music inspired by sungura as well as Tuku style music, mixed with lyrics in our own language, Norwegian. People back at home love the sound of Southern African guitar music very much, so we’ve been growing in popularity and festivals keep booking us. Still, I think we have so much to learn from the bands in Zimbabwe, so musically we still at a very early stage. Anyways, it is a lot of fun to promote Zimbabwean music back home,” he added.

Murungu wesungura said he has grown to love Zimbabwe literally becoming his second home and has maintained a good relationship with the sungura king Aleck Macheso.

“I have been fortunate to be invited on stage with Aleck Macheso a couple of times. During my last visit to Harare I spent some time in his studio as well. I really enjoyed his company and I would say we are good buddies now. He has certainly inspired me a lot. I was blown away by his bass guitar style when I first heard him, and he still continues to impress and amaze me. He seems to never rest, but he keeps pushing the band and works very hard to be on top of the game. I respect him a lot” he added.

Walmsness said the love that he has been receiving from Zimbabweans has given him more reason to love the genre.
Walmsness has shared the stage with Aleck Macheso, Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria and Sulumani Chimbetu. @kayskudzai

Mixing dance with fitness: Anti-virus’ innovative fitness programme

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Anti-Virus at one of their sessions

Anti-Virus at one of their sessions

Bruce Ndlovu
One of Bulawayo’s most recognized urban dance crews, Anti-virus, has pioneered an innovative fitness programme which is largely based on the gravity defying dance moves that have endeared the group to hip-hop lovers over the years.

The Dance and Fitness programme seems to have been a masterstroke thus far, with scores flocking to get a taste of the moves that the group has promised will lead to the loss of unwanted weight. The group has been holding the sessions at Open Eye Studios in Bradfield.

As more and more people flock to the gym in a bid to lose calories, the renowned dance crew thought it could teach people to do so in the only way they know how – through dance.

“A lot people seem to be heading to the gym nowadays so we thought we could come up with an innovative new way that encourages them to lose weight while they have fun. It’s a win-win situation because not only do they keep fit but they also learn some dance moves from the best,” said group member Prince Dube.

While skeptics might question whether dance was indeed an effective way of keeping fit, the Anti-Virus crew member said their method was supported by science.

“When you’re dancing every muscle in your body is active so it’s as effective as any workout and in most cases you’re so caught up in the moment you don’t realise that you’re effectively doing as much as work someone in a normal gym. We came up with dance routines that are tailored just for weight loss. There’s no heavy lifting, just dance,” said Dube.

Dube added that although hip-hop dance was their stock in trade, they would mix things up and include Afro-pop and contemporary dance.

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