The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
BY the time the effervescent Selector Tanaman and the dreadlocked chanter, DJ Templeman, jumped onto the stage with some smashing conscious music around 11pm, revellers who attended the Diamond FM Summer Festival at Osborne Dam last week on Saturday were already in ecstasy.
The audience wanted more. They wanted the fun to carry them through the whole night.
It is not everyday that a fun enthusiast is treated to such an array of activities on one turf, especially in Mutare.
The event lived-up to its billing with all performers scheduled to perform putting up scintillating performances.
Baba Harare, whose choreography was remarkable, mesmerised many with his jiti dances, while local artistes, Mega Compression, City Boys and Gidza Boy were exceptional.
They shrugged off stage fright to deliver flawless performances.
Caff delivered a polished act
Phenomenal Deejay Zintronix who started off playing in makeshift and dingy entertainment joints in Mutare as a university student before becoming one of the most sought after wheel spinners in the country kept revellers on their feet with his dexterity on the turntables.
The crowd favourites, however, were Lionel ‘Caff’ Matanda and man-of-the-moment, Saintfloew.
Revellers sung along and danced to some of Saintfloew’s songs such as Silas Mawende and One By One, enjoying the beautiful view of the sunset.
Caff, whose stock continues to rise, thanks to his consistency and hard work, is no newcomer to such platforms.
He mesmerised many with songs such as Wangele, Wendimba, Manager and Perfect to Me.
Other activities such as a colour run, glow in the dark, cooking competitions and horse riding added a sparkle to the event, thereby bringing historic and unique entertainment to revellers.
Visitors and fun lovers, especially first timers, viewed the dam in awe, while the calm waters provided peace and tranquility.
Organisers of the event said the festival was a great success.
They said another event, this time a ‘Thank You’ gig, is on the cards this December, with big artistes sharing the stage.
Said Diamond FM station manager, Jabulani ‘JB’ Mangezi: “The event went beyond our expectations. It was a great success, notwithstanding the liquidity challenges affecting consumers.
GodFatha Templeman on stage
“We also delivered on value for money as the artistes did not disappoint. The show ran until close to midnight. In our last event at Osborne Dam, fans requested our next outing to be longer and we delivered on that. We would like to thank everyone who made the event a success. These include listeners, headline sponsors, banner sponsors as well as ZimParks for the partnerships,” he said.
The radio station’s marketing executive, Peter Madondo chipped in: “The event was a resounding success. All our expectations and objectives were met. We are excited to register yet another landmark in as far as entertainment is concerned. I am confident that all revellers got value for their money and I believe the euphoria will go a long way.”
