The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
DURING the diamond rush era in Chiadzwa around 2008, people would party as if there was no tomorrow.
Manicaland, and Marange area in particular was flooded with artisanal miners, diamond buyers, ladies of the night, while flea market traders set up bases there.
Daring diamond panners would resort to cat-and-mouse games with law enforcement agents, while others made a good fortune and transformed their lives to the better.
Entertainment was a vital component.
Money was very easy to come by and some would spent it wildly.
While some dealers would prefer flaunting their wealth in the plush and serene environs of Vumba and Nyanga, spending nights with finest blondes from Mutare and Harare, others preferred live music performances.
After a long day, or long week, panners, diamond dealers and others would wind up their day at various watering holes across Marange, Zimunya and Mutare urban.
Among the major entertainers those days was Wiriranai Maenda, popularly known as Juicer Mpostori.
He was a darling of many.
They called him superstar.
He never disappointed when performing, and fans would sing along to his songs.
One would quickly remember his memorable performances at PaKenzo Sports Bar in Nyanyadzi, epic gigs in Zimunya which was his home ground and at the once popular, but now defunct, Pavilion Sports Bar.
One would be quick to remember one of his best shows ever in 2010 when he shared the stage with granddad of Zim music, the late national hero, Oliver Mtukudzi and sungura maestro, Alick Macheso at Chapter One Leisure Centre.
He spread his tentacles across the country and performed at several memorable gigs as well as national musical galas such as the 2012 Uhuru Gala held in Harare.
He left Zimunya in 2014 and went to neighbouring Mozambique before settling in Harare a few years later.
The 38-year-old singer’s most memorable show was when he performed before a capacity crowd at Tops Bottle Store in Dangamvura in 2010. Back then, the place was run by one, Boss Shingi.
“Most people looked down upon me and they never expected to witness such a sublime act. It remains my best ever gig, among others,” he said.
Back then, Tops Bottle Store was one of Mutare’s sought-after entertainment joints which saw tried and tested artistes such as Progress Chipfumo frequenting the place.
Twenty-four years later, last Saturday, Juicer Mpostori headlined the Xmas Ignition Party held at Acid Club backyard in ZIMTA, a gig which was meant to celebrate local businessman, Charlton Muchisi’s birthday.
The sold-out show was epic.
A lot of memories were evoked. Juicer Mpostori shocked many with his verve and energy. He even shocked himself.
Fans danced to his yesteryear hits such as Katurike, Kadhanzi, Newe, Kamunakiro, Benitah, Zvinhuzvacho and Dangerous among others.
He communicated well with his fans and spiced up his choreography with some scintillating dances.
Juicer Mpostori, who is on a recovery path to reclaim lost luster, is working on new projects set for release early next year.
He last released songs such as Copacabana, Good Yangu, Maria and Mumwe Wangu in 2021.
Although Mutare will forever remain his home, the talented artiste, who is now based in Harare, has been holding shows in Chitungwiza, Norton, Murehwa, Glendale and Mabvuku among other areas.
“I was shocked with the reception,” said Juicer Mpostori.
“It was one of my best shows in 2023. I will forever remain grateful to the people of Mutare for the never ending love. It has been more than 22 years since I released my first single, but people still appreciate my works.
“I had to perform exceptionally well because the atmosphere was electric. I also would like to thank Muchisi for believing in me. I am now working on new singles that I intend to release early this year. I pray that my fans will embrace my new compositions,” he added.
During his musical career spanning over two decades, Juicer Mpostori also have his own regrets.
“I trusted the wrong people, but I am glad I am back on my feet again,” he said before urging upcoming artistes to remain focused and disciplined and shun drug and illicit substances.
