Miss Talent Builds on her Talents

Reigning Miss Talent Zimbabwe, Nadianator Gori is embarking on a construction project of a classroom block at Thomas Rudland Primary School in Bulawayo. Gori who doubles as Miss Tourism Bulawayo, mentioned that the development will be made possible through a charity ball which will be held this weekend, November 26, 2011 in the city of kings.


 Left: Nadia Gori has joined the list of celebrities working in the education sector.
In an interview with Zimbo Jam, the beauty queen highlighted that US$30 000 is required to buy all the building material needed to kick start this venture, “50 480 bricks, 225 bags of cement are needed to begin this project and all these add up to the cost of US$30 000,” she said.
Responding on why she had chosen the above learning institution and not some other schools, she mentioned that, “The idea of the project came up as a result of the infrastructure at the school which is continuously deteriorating.”
She added; “What used to be a child’s safe in institution for learning has become a death trap due to termite invasion and old age.”
Nadia reiterated that the concern should be treated as a matter of urgency taking into account that, “the buildings at the school are made from timber frames with hard board walls and the roof from galvanized iron sheets. The whole building stands on steel supports and some of the structural timber frames are being destroyed by termites such that the possibility of the buildings collapsing is  inevitable.”
Miss Talent Zimbabwe’s initiative follows a directive made by the Bulawayo Board of Surveyors in 1996 which recommended that all prefabricated structures should be demolished and immediately replaced by permanent structures.
Meanwhile, the bevy has roped in a panel of government officials to grace the occasion and these include the Bulawayo Mayor and two governors, Cain Mathema and Angeline Masuku.
Nadia joins the list of celebrities that include Big Brother Amplified winner Wendall Parson , who are working to restore classrooms as part of their charity work.
From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba 

What Happened to Republic of Pungwe?

Harare based entertainment organization Republic of Pungwe (ROP) has been silent following their only show this year in July at King Fisher Park. In July ROP held one of the biggest free parties, and with entertainment from Stunner, MC Chita, Templeman, Moneky Nuts, Tererai Mugwadi, DJ Storm and DJ Naida amongst others. ROP convinced the public they were here to stay.


 Left: Tererai Mugwadi was one of the artists who performed at the Pungwe 1st Party.

Word doing the rounds within the entertainment corridors is that ROP became cash strapped after throwing the lavish party and therefore has been forced into exile after holding a single show; which many described as poorly organized following the choice of venue they used.

Zimbo Jam caught up with one of the Directors of Republic of Pungwe, Mr. McDonald Lewanika who was not at liberty to comment on the assertions citing that his role in the organization would harmfully impinge on everything if he was to make an comment taking into account his political affiliations which have so many times been inked to this entertainment institution.

Having been convinced to shed light on the above issue, Lewanika finally told Zimbo Jam that the July concert was only a platform they were using to test the waters. He further elaborated that the gig was a surveying procedure that was meant to pave way for much better appearances.
He said, “that event which we did in July was a pilot survey that was meant to expose us with more learning experiences in holding such shows. We were simply looking for ways to enhance the product.”

Lewanika, laughed off rumors that they had played a disappearing act citing, “We are still there you can check on our Facebook page.” He went on to say their organisation was in the process of gathering sponsorship from various facets hence they would be back in the system once their coffers were full.

“We are still in the phase of negotiating with sponsors and we will have such events when funds become available,” said Lewanika.

Asked who these sponsors were, Lewanika highlighting that, “I can’t tell you their names, and we are still negotiating with them.”
The Director who doubles as an official at Crisis Coalition of Zimbabwe, dismissed claims that Republic of Pungwe was politically affiliated citing, “I have multiple personalities, I am linked to politics of course but anything which happened during that event had nothing to do with any form of politics.”

He went on to reiterate that, “There wasn’t any sloganeering of some sort, and there were no protests at the event or any allusion of it being linked to politics.”

Following the lack of funds to run the organization, the institute according to the Director will not hold any more shows this year but fans should not despair as they are still alive.

Meanwhile, Republic of Pungwe is making strides to compile an album which will be probably out before the end of the year. Two of the songs from the compilation are already playing on air,one of the songs was composed by Benjie T an artist who also featured during the July show.

From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba 

Zimbabwe’s Kapital K Likely to Curtain Raise for Lil Wayne

tai Guzha aka Kapital K, a Zimbabwean hip-hop artist based in South Africa is likely to open Lil Wayne’s show on December 10, 2011 in The Veldrome Bellville Cape Town if he tops the other artists in a competition which the organizers of the show, Cancoc are running on the social network Facebook. The last time Zimbo Jam checked, Itai had 690 likes while his rival Ameen has 520.
Dubbed the Lil Wayne South Africa Tour, the United States Rapper will perform alongside Rick Ross, in Durban and Johannesburg.
From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba 

Death Keeps knocking On Art’s Door in 2011

One by one, over a dozen of Zimbabwe’s top cultural and entertainment icons have passed away in 2011. Just as the tears dried after one funeral, news broke of another death. In a reflection of what is now an everyday occurrence in Zimbabwean society, the artistic community gathered over and over again to say farewell to beloved ones.Here are some of those who died this year whom we remember for their contribution to Zimbabwe’s arts, entertainment and cultural sector.

Julius Sekai Chingono
Poet, Author
Died: January 2, 2011
The late Julius Chingono, who was born on a commercial farm in 1946, worked for most of his life on the mines. As a poet, he has had his work published in several anthologies of Shona poetry including Nhetembo, Mabvumira eNhetembo and Gwenyambira between 1968 and 1980. His only novel, Chipo Changu was published in 1978 and an award-winning play, Ruvimbo, was published in 1980. His poetry in English has also been published in several South African and Zimbabwean anthologies: Flags of Love (Mireza yerudo) (1983) and Flag of Rags (1996) and Intwasa Poetry (2008). He was 65.

Fanizani Akuda
Sculptor
Died: February 5, 2011 (Born: Nov 11, 1932)
The late veteran sculptor passed away at South Medical Hospital in Chitungwiza, after battling ill health for many years. Born in 1932, Akuda went on to become one of Zimbabwe’s first generation stone sculptors, striking his first stone with a chisel in the sixties and not stopping till he died this year. Akuda was renowned as a sculptor of worth due to his exceptional signature fashion work. He won global acclaim for his work and exhibited around the world, including in Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Cuba, Australia, The Netherlands, South Africa, USA, Malawi and Zimbabwe. He was 79 when he died.

Shingairai Chimuriwo-Tichawangana
Co-Founder of Zimbo Jam
Died: March 16, 2011 (Born July 6, 1980)
Shingie died at The Avenues Clinic on March 16, 2011 from injuries sustained the night before when a drunk driver rammed into her car at the corner of Enterprise and Ridgeway roads in Harare. She was the wife of Zimbo Jam founder, Fungai James Tichawangana and was a pillar of support for the whole team. She helped set up the admin structures of the business and was Zimbo Jam’s number one fan. She was also involved in capacity building work for women and young people through her full time work at Norwegian People’s Aid. She was 30 when she died.

Adam Chisvo
Musician
Died July 13, 2011
Adam Chisvo was a Mbira maestro who died after a struggle with sugar diabetes.The late musician worked with many artists during a long career, chief among them Oliver Mtukudzi, Chiwoniso Maraire, Willom Tight, Charles Summerfield and Busi Ncube. The artist contributed to various recording projects and participated in many far-reaching international touring experiences.  He took part in recordings with Chiwoniso on her album Rebel Woman, Willom Tights Kuzangoma and Oliver Mutukudzi's Tsoka. Through his eleven track album Famba Pore Pore, Adam Chisvo came to the fore and showed that he was a musician in his own right. He was 44 when he died.

Novell Zwangendaba
Journalist, Fashion Designer
Died: July 16, 2011
Novell passed away after a short illness, just 2 days after the death of Adam Chisvo. He was a fashion designer and founded the Ethno Design Project in 2005. As a journalist he wrote for several publications, inclulding Sunday Mirror, AfroNewsWorld, SAPEM magazine, Open democracy and Daily News, focusing on arts and culture. He won the global Young Social Entrepreneurship Award for his fashion work and was shortlisted for the Innovator of the Year in 2008. He suddenly developed stomach complications and after diagnosis by medical staff he was put in line for an operation. It didn’t happen quickly enough as he died at the age of 32.

James ‘Jimmy Jimalo’ Chiyangwa
Businessman-cum-Music Promoter
Died: July 25, 2011
James Chiyangwa, brother to businessman-cum-politician Phillip and better known as Jimmy Jimalo was a popular Harare businessman and music promoter who despite his wealth had made the decision to continue living at his ghetto home in the Highfield community. Jimalo who owned a fleet of buses, nightclubs and several bottle stores around the country was the 7th born in a family of 14. He passed away after succumbing to cancer. He was 46 when he died.

Amelia David
Musician
Died: August 3, 2011
The talented teenage artist had just recently completed her debut album Amelion and had a few days before excitedly told friends that the project was complete. A promising star, Amelia was full of life and energy. She suddenly fell ill at home and was rushed to hospital where she later on passed away. She was 16 when she died.

Cephas ‘Muddy Face’ Mashakada
Musician
Died: August 23, 2011
Mashakada was one of Zimbabwe's most outstanding sungura artists who died  after struggling with diabetes for many years resulting in a leg amputated a few years before his death was one of this year’s sad losses. Mashakada worked hand in hand with several artists such as Alick Macheso, Tongai Moyo and Hosiah Chipanga. The Motomuzhinji star had 15 albums to his name. He was 51 when he died.

Takunda Mafika
Musician
Died: October 12, 2011
Many referred to him as Taku. He was one of the most talented and fastest-rising mbira artsits who passed on after suffering from a stroke which resulted from a clot in his brain. The mbira genius was an innovative artist who toured places such as Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. He held various seminars and workshops under the North-South ASPNET UNESCO Programme and locally was a tireless teacher of the mbira. His students included Pauline Gundidza of M’afriq and Tererai Mugwadi among many others. He achieved fame with his song Love is Mostest/Chikuru Rudo. When Taku passed on he was 28.

Tongai Moyo
Musician
Died: October 15, 2011
The late sungura legend, who was part of the Big Five Family, the top 5 artists in Zimbabwe in terms of concert numbers,  was a fierce competitor to Alick Macheso, Zimbabwe’s other sungura great. Despite his very public struggle with cancer and worsening health, fans were shell-shocked to learn of his death.  Dhewa, as he was well known by his fans, died at St Anne's Hospital in Harare,  after finally succumbing to his illness. Thousands thronged Mbizo stadium in Kwekwe to pay their last respects. His fans are now banking on his son Peter Moyo, who has assumed leadership of the band, to continue the legacy. He was 43 when he died.

Siphosenkosi Mkuhlani  aka TBA
Music Producer
Died: October 30, 2011
He was Zimbabwe’s top urban grooves producer, also known as The Play Boy. He was based in South Africa and passed away after succumbing to injuries he sustained in a car crash as he was coming from the launch of his debut album at Chez Ntemba club in Pretoria, South Africa. TBA, who died together with his fiancée, Theresa Tafirenyika, will be remembered as one of the pioneering producers of Urban Grooves. His career began at Squad Studios in 2001, popular in those days for dropping projects like 2BG’s Searching for Love album. He was 28 when he died.
Martha Badza
Musician
Died November 13, 2011
She was the leading back-up vocalist for the late Sam Mtukudzi’s Ay Band and died after a sudden illness. The young singer was quoted as saying  after Sam’s passing on, “It will be very difficult to do Sam’s song he had his style unique to him alone but we will try our best. The whole band will do amazing work in memory of Sam and Owen. Despite her efforts, the band fell apart within a few months. She was 30.

Other Deaths

Other Zimbabwean artists who died this year include… Name Band/ Group Date of Death Clement Chinyama Cool Nights Band July 6, 2011 Khumulani Chaka Gakamoto Jumbo Stars October 6, 2011 Gibson Khumbulani Vabati Vajehovha October 7, 2011 Sandisseque Tashinga Marimba Crew November 12, 2011

Rumored Dead

In October rumors hit the Internet about the supposed death of Prince Tendai, these were just rumors; the Prince is alive and kicking.

International Artists who Died

As Zimbabwe mourned its fallen entertainment and culture icons, around the world, the same was happening for international artists … Elizabeth Taylor Double-Oscar winning actress died at the age of 79 of congestive heart failure on March 24, 2011. Amy Winehouse She was a controversial British singer who made a name for herself because of her powerful and her eclectic mix of musical genres. Amy passed away on July 23, 2011 from an alcohol overdose. She was 27. Heavy D Real name Dwight Arrington Myers, the legendary rapper, actor and music producer was found dead at his Beverly Hills home on November 8, 2011. He was 44. Joe Frazier The boxer died of liver cancer on November 7, 2011. He was well known for defeating Mohamed Ali in 1971 and went on to be World Boxing Heavy Weight Champion. He was 67.

From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba & Fungai Tichawangana 

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Bornfree Bring You Early Christmas Present

A highly anticipated Zimbabwe Youth Festival slated for December 10, 2011, is a gig Urban Grooves lovers should not miss as it brings together a collection of young artists who are billed to unleash an early Christmas performance package at the Glamis Arena.

 

Left: Stunner who performed with Big Brother contestant Munya Chidzonga will take to the stage.
The youth festival will run under the theme Tambanuka (Express Yourself), and some of the artists expected to perform include Roki, Stunner, Alexio Kawara, Chikwata 263, King Shaddy, Edith Weutonga, Free Man, Baba Shupi among others.

Tenford Chitanana team leader of the organizing BornFree Youth Organization has guaranteed that the festival shall be a family affair with lots of entertainment saying the day will have,
“... an afternoon programme with a family fare approach - where families including children can move around, eat, drink and enjoy the scenery while possibly dancing to live music in the background.”
The programme for the day will also include an HIV/AIDS  awareness component ,a High Schools Calabash of music and dance, acrobats and fashion modeling.
Chitanana  also mentioned that, “the project is expected to reach out to 10 000 young people of ages 15-30 extending to 35 years in some cases, who form a greater part of the national population and are bound to be affected by the issues being addressed by the project now and in the future.”

He went on to add that, “the targeted young women and men are generally young professionals, artists, unemployed youths, college and secondary school students in communities around Harare”
He reiterated that, “while targeting young artists the project is a social transformation initiative that aims at impacting the community at both economic and socio-political levels, “ and this event he said is, “the initial festival is seen as pilot project aimed at initiating what would be an annual highlight on the calendar of Zimbabwe.”
Right: Roki is billed to perform at the youth festival.
The continuation of the project according to Chitanana, “will be focused on building youth exchanges, collaborations and skills to enhance the effectiveness of their work and role in society. The results of such initiative will inform and feed into next year's edition of the festival,” he said.
The festival which will feature over 20 acts including fine visual and performing arts, is a platform aimed at building and supporting a formidable youth movement that uses the power of creativity to articulate common issues.
Chitanana claimed the festival is designed as an experiential, entertaining and sustainable platform for the youth to celebrate their own achievements, talent and role in society and has been made in such a way that it resembles a platform where young artists, the audiences and the community in general can be attached to social development.
He also elaborated that they were going to use the international youth day as a platform, considering that, “the festival intends to become a recurring event on the development and artistic calendars of Zimbabwe.”
The fair will be an annual event encompassing a wider range of arts and groups from outside Harare to live up to its name.

BornFree is a youth run organization committed to the development of young man and women as active and participating citizens. Found in 2007, the organisation grew out of a realisation that young people have the potential to raise awareness on their community concerns.
From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba

Rumbi Mudzengere Ready to win Hearts

As the grand finale of Miss Tourism Queen International draws near, Zimbabwe’s representative Rumbidzai  Mudzengerere says she ready to win the hearts of the panel of Judges in Xian , China where she is scheduled to be in camp for almost a month with 120 girls from other countries.
 ^ (L to R) Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, Rumbi Mudzengerere, Miss Zimbabwe, Malaika Mushandu and Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Lisa Morgan.

Rumbi who is leaving the country today Friday, December 02, 2011 told Zimbo Jam that renowned Sculpture Dominic Benhura presented her with a stone carving as a free gift which she is supposed to carry to the high profile pageant show. The piece of art according to Mudzengerere, is a lady with open arms thus sending a message that everyone is welcome to Zimbabwe.
 Mudzengerere who recently graduated with a Bsc Honors Sociology and Gender Development Studies at the Women’s University, claimed that her educational background was something she was banking on and was convinced it will play an important role in her clinching the title.
 “One thing I know is I have the confidence and one thing I will never do is to give up;I am going to give it my all,” said Mudzengere.
Commenting on her national regalia, the beauty queen cited she purchased most of the clothing alone but she was quick to point out that her confidant Alice Knuth whom she has worked with for a long time was working with her. She added that her relationship with Knuth has aided in her shows such as Zimbabwe Fashion Week  and the Castle Tankard Fashion Show.
Rumbidzai said so far the organizers of the show have not informed them about the segments of the show. She said that she was only aware of three segments which are national dress, outfit for talent and regalia for disco.
Meanwhile, Mudzengerere dismissed the article which came in the Herald which read I Want to Emulate Malaika citing that the reporter misquoted her when she said Miss Zimbabwe inspired her, “I didn’t say that, that article was written when I was out of the country. What I said was that Malaika inspires me. I actually don’t compare myself with anyone.”
Responding to the question on what she learnt from Miss Zimbabwe, Malaika Mushandu,  Rumbidzai cried foul of Malaika’s failure to appear in the Top 7 of the finalists to compete for the title of Miss World.
 “I actually don’t blame Malaika, but the organizers, they did not announce her during the show but it was done on the website and as far as I am concerned she deserved to be in the Top 7.”
The beauty queen is very optimistic about winning saying, “The first thing I would do when I win is to parade the streets, I would like to have an out door press briefing where everyone is free to come and witness. I also want to spend my time with my family, they have been very supportive.”
If Mudzengere manages to bring home the Miss Tourism Queen International title, she will no longer be active in pageant shows , “I want to go off the ramp and do photography, advertising. I will also continue as a presenter for Youth.com and View point,” she said.
Mudzengerere who has been running  tourism clubs in schools in the Midlands province has so far toured Germany (International Tourism Bourse), Poland (ZTA Brand Launch), South Africa, Durban (ZTA Indaba), Brazil (ZTA Brand Launch), China (Beijing International Tourism Expo), Botswana (Miss Botswana Pageant Show) and Malawi (Ball Concert).
As part of her preparations for this majestic event, Rumbi is going to the gym everyday, taking care of her skin, she is taking advice from Lisa and Malaika of what she is likely to expect. Above all she said, “Zimbabwe Gossip Model has been of great help because they have already started grooming and rehearsing for my walk.”
From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba

Edith WeUtonga, Kudzi Sevenzo To Stand for Women

  Edith Katiji and kudzai Sevenzo are set to initiate what they have called The Woman of Note (WON) concept slated for the Harare International School this Friday September 29, 2011 from 7pm to 9pm. The notion is aimed at reminding the nation that there is more to the roles that women are perceived to be “tailor made for” as there are millions of them out there who are deservingly women of note.

Kudzai Sevenzo and edith Weutonga

These foremost female musicians, riding on the sensation of their individual albums On a Day Like This and the latest one Child of Afrika by Kudzai Sevenzo and the debut Utonga by Edith WeUtonga – have this concept well thought out. It will be held every three months and will feature art and cultural activities to drive the message home; making us all aware of women of note.

When Zimbo Jam spoke to Edith she urged that,” the effort is to honour every woman whose foot print has left a mark in Zimbabwe and those that are yet to make a mark in a Zimbabwean set up.”

She explained:” Our event aims to alert the nation of the strides that women have made in ascertaining their social standing and bringing it to the fore. I mean, take in industry and commerce, there are many women leaders there but who knows this outside of that realm? There are numerous women of note in churches and banks and if you want in politics and many other social structures. Our series of events will unravel these women and make the country notice them.”

Edith stressed that it was high time they should,” be practical and accept the challenges that are faced by the music industry in Zimbabwe as a whole,” hence she admitted,” it is extremely difficult to get other musicians to get off their busy schedules where they are trying to eke out a living and devote their time to us and our dream; this is only the beginning, it will get bigger and more encompassing”, said WeUtonga.

This event according to Sevenzo,” will be a night to recognize and remember the resilience of women,” hence an effort made by these two women,” to pay tribute to their tolerance and above all to be nation builders even in trying and difficult times. Our aim is to pluck every woman of note, even from the grassroots and let the country take note.”

“It will be held every three months and will feature cultural activities which are aimed at driving the message home by letting the society become fully aware of WON,” said kudzai.

This event is a series of public events planned for the next three years in honouring and acknowledging the achievements made by local women in form of newspaper printouts, prepared radio programs, television short documentaries and roadside signage such as billboards. At this function, guests and the women of note in attendance will be treated to an exhibition of fine art from some of the country’s renowned visual artists including sculptors, painters and those in crafts.

There will be a special performance by a choir from one of Harare’s junior schools as well as contemporary dance pieces from leading dancers and poetry recitals.  These two female artists have a splendid arrangement of having the Harare version of their event as the main one with satellite ones in other centres around the country. They have managed to lure some leading corporate bodies to their corner to aide their cause and these include Vice President Joyce Mujuru, Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe and Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, gender and Community Development Jessie Majome who are yet to confirm their presence.

This initiative is a clear reflection of the duo’s dedication to the music industry taking into perspective how Edith has managed to get people talking with her quasi-traditional beat that has garnered a fair following at her lively and well choreographed live gigs. As for Sevenzo, one would be tempted to consider her accomplished in the entertainment circles having been through the reality show Idols and anchored on M-Net’s magazine program Studio 53.

That’s just her versatility. She is set to appear in her big screen debut in the soon-to-be released Playing Warriors a film by Rumbi Katedza. The event is a reflection of how young female musicians are facing a really daunting task in the cut throat entertainment business and this initiative follows on the heels of the recently held Ladies in Jazz show courtesy of Jazz 105 which saw female musicians showcasing their talent.

From www.zimbojam.com written by Anozivashe Shumba