Trust Khosa
LOCAL is lekker!
This aptly sums up the performances of local acts who shared the stage with international artists at the just-ended Stanbic Jacaranda Music Festival.
The first to win the hearts of festival-goers was reggae artist Emmanuel “Mannex” Motsi, who put on a vintage show.
Backed by the ZimReggaestra Band, it was evident the group had come well prepared.
He performed on the opening night of the show and made his job easier by performing his compositions and cover versions.
He won the hearts of the cosmopolitan crowd with yesteryear hits such as Tsamba, Rose and Munhu Mutema.
He sent the crowd into delirium when he played Bunton’s huge hit ‘Buried Alive.’
The multi-racial crowd that filled Old Hararians Sports Club sang along to the tunes.
Exuding confidence as ever, Mannex is now the main man in Zimbabwe when one is craving mature reggae vibes.
Not to be outdone was Alexio Kawara, who has just returned from a month-long tour of the UK.
He was at his usual best as he played some of the songs that made him a celebrity during the Urban Grooves era.
On the second day of the festival, Dino Mudondo and Willom Tight proved why they needed each other on stage.
After announcing their reunion, 17 years after their split, the dynamic pair is back together and doing serious business.
They silenced the doubting Thomases on Saturday afternoon with a fine performance.
First to appear on stage was Willom Tight, who took fans down memory lane as he belted out yesteryear hits like Wekumaruzevha and Nyoka Inyoka.
Dino Mudondo joined Willom Tight when they did a reggae set, which left fans in awe.
The pair’s manager, Boss Kuno Mawire, could not hide his joy as Dino and Willom thrilled fans.
Later in the day, Selmor Mtukudzi and her husband, Tendai Manatsa, wowed the crowd with a good performance.
Selmor played both her hits and her late father Oliver “Tuku” Mtukuzi’s compositions.