Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
DIAMOND FM scored huge success after successfully hosting its hyped Summer Festival at Osborne Dam last Saturday – which was attended by thousands of people from all walks of lives and across all ages.
It was a mixture of good food, good music, unforgettable outdoor experience, and cooling in the mighty and cold waters of Osborne Dam.
The mature audience had some intriguing swimming and sun bathing moments, while the kids had their own share of fun through activities such as colour run, glow in the dark, cooking competitions and horse riding, which added a sparkle to the well-arranged event.
The weather was ideal for the activities lined up for the day.
The DJs who entertained scores of people also managed to build an immaculate rapport with their listeners through excellent skills.
Visitors and fun lovers, especially first timers, viewed the dam in awe, while the calm waters provided peace and tranquility, with Afro-musician, WaCharie providing clean and classic music in the afternoon, giving the event a true feel of a carnival.
It was indeed time to relax, reset and roar as artistes billed to perform at the carnival put up scintillating performances.
Sulumani Chimbetu and his entourage – Orchestra Dendera Kings – did not disappoint as they reverberated the place with some immaculate and well-choreographed acts.
Crowd favourite, the energetic Master H, left pleasure seekers clamouring for more, especially after performing the anthemic hits, Zvoendwa and Party.
Suluman Chimbetu and his entourage on stage
Caff, and the Chillspot Family lit up the event with some verve and extra energy on stage, one of the major reasons why most adults remained at the venue up to around midnight, when the on fire deejays curtained off the event.
Diamond FM station manager, Jabulani ‘JB’ Mangezi said he was excited to host such a successful event.
“The organisation (of the event), as with any occasion every year is different. You meet challenges because of the prevailing economic environment. Certain things are beyond the scope of any event organiser. We also tried to make sure that we protect the integrity of the event by increasing security, and also trying to come up with innovations to make sure that the ticketing system is watertight.
“We would like to appreciate the multitudes who thronged the event from all corners of Manicaland. Also, I would like to say a special thanks to our artistes who gave stunning performances, and we hope that we also gave our patrons value for their money. It is our intention as Diamond FM to continue finding ways to contribute to the entertainment and tourism sectors by bringing in events, artistes, and also contribute to the Manicaland narrative, especially in the arts and entertainment sector.
“We know that there are also a couple of challenges associated with the manning of the gate, and we will continue to work and improve on such issues, but like I said, they are meant to protect the integrity of the event, and also to make sure that only well-meaning patrons are allowed in. We will be coming back with more events as Diamond FM and other partners, including ZimParks, in the near future,” said Mangezi.
