The ManicaPost
Tanyaradzwa Mujati Weekender Reporter
MUTARE fan lovers had an early Valentine’s Day treat when they were accorded a chance to watch (free of charge), some of the country’s celebrated musicians performing live at Sakubva Stadium last week on Saturday.
Thousands of residents packed Sakubva Stadium to the brim to eat from the palms of sungura maestro, Alick Macheso; the evergreen gospel couple, Baba naMai Charamba; Enzo Ishal and a host of other artistes.
From as early as 8am, all roads were leading to Sakubva Stadium for the once in a lifetime treat.
All ages were there and everyone had a day to remember as they danced the day away.
All the artistes rose to the occasion and proved why they are adored by their legions of fans.
Enzo Ishal sent the youths into a frenzy with his stage antics.
The gospel couple of Zimbabwe, Baba naMai Charamba, did not disappoint either as their songs uplifted the spirits of many.
The participative crowd sang along to most of their popular tunes.
The nimble-footed ones tried to out-dance each other when Macheso and his Orchestra Mberikwazvo entourage took to the stage.
As usual, Macheso did not disappoint and left fans clamouring for more as he had to give the other artistes a chance.
Time was a bit jealousy as the Utakataka Express heir, Peter Moyo failed to perform as the clock had already struck 8pm, the time when the show was scheduled to end.
Show organiser, Isau Mupfumi, said he decided to surprise Mutare residents with the free show as a thank you gesture for the support they have been giving him in his businesses since 1998.
“The show was meant to commemorate Valentine’s Day. This accorded people from all walks of life a chance to unwind and relax. We know that people have so much pressure and they need to release it. Last Saturday’s show was an opportunity for that.
“We also wanted to give people living with disabilities and the less-privileged members of the society a chance to watch their idols in action for free.
“We chose Sakubva Stadium as the ideal venue because of its centrality and accessibility from all corners of the city. It was heart warming to see people from all walks of life enjoying themselves, thereby creating a carnival atmosphere,” said Mupfumi.
He added: “I also realised that as the business community, we should conduct these shows regularly to thank people for their day-to-day support.”
Besides providing entertainment, the show also gave vendors a chance to sell their various wares.
“Vendors were also given an opportunity to sell their various products and raise money for their families. I always see vendors playing cat and mouse with the police as they would be selling at undesignated places, but on Saturday they managed to sell almost everything that they had brought to the stadium. We will continue supporting them as President Mnangagwa is always saying ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’.
One of the revellers, Tafadzwa Chidamba said: “I could not believe it when I heard that the show was for free. I had a day to remember and we hope these shows will become a regular feature.
“We are entertainment starved in Mutare and if these shows become a regular feature, we will have something to look forward to every month. We want to thank the organisers for such a noble gesture. I also want to thank the revellers for their discipline throughout the show,” said Chidamba.
