The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube Entertainment Correspondent
MUTARE’s own and only commercial radio station, Diamond FM brought rare and historic entertainment to the sleepy and droning eastern border town after hosting a top-drawer fête to mark its three years of existence.
The Diamond FM 3rd anniversary celebrations were held last Saturday at Manicaland Show-grounds. This time, it was not the usual soccer boozers, Division One and two soccer matches that often bring a handful of people to the grounds, but it was Baba Harare, Andy Muridzo, Caff, Hwinza, Real Eazy, Rutendo and Darly Boy, among others, who took turns to thrill the crowd.
The echoes of good sound reverberated across the sprawling suburb of Chikanga as from 11am and captured the hearts of many, including Gogo Sibiya, who came along with her grandsons to be part of the historic celebrations.
“We would like to congratulate Diamond FM for turning three. I am here with my grandsons and granddaughters to enjoy the beautiful milestone,” she said. Considering the hype that preceded the carnival, the event lived up to expectations. All the musicians who performed lived up to billing, but credit must be given to Mutare’s two duels Real Eazy and Caff. Their acts were electric.
It was never going to be easy for the two to wow scores of people who stood in front of them considering that there were more established artistes in the mould of Baba Harare and Andy Muridzo. It wasn’t a competition, but they refused to be outclassed in their own turf. Rutendo and Darly Boy did not disappoint either. Hwinza, who performed after sunset, put top drawer performance although he left his the stage prematurely. Diamond FM station manager Jabulani ‘‘JB’’ Mangezi, attributed the 3rd anniversary celebrations success to scores of people, among them stakeholders and partners, who attended the event.
He said Diamond FM listeners and gospel music lovers should brace up for another fiesta, the Diamond FM Winter Warmer Gospel show to be held in June.
“We would like to say thank you to the people of Mutare, who include stakeholders and partners for showing the faith in us.
“We are grateful to the artistes, as well, who made sure that people enjoy. This was a memorable event which will forever linger in our hearts. We managed to prove to our competitors that we are a force to reckon with. Our listeners, stakeholders and partners should brace up for the Winter Warmer Gospel gig which will be held at Chancellor Junior School grounds in June,” he said.
