What women want from you men?

Given the response to the article What do men Want, its worth it to look at what women want. Perhaps this can do “justice” to women especially since the aspect of equal rights has become a concern of all governments.

Before I start listing down some of these facts one important aspect men should take note is that there are many things we do not realize about women and this is what I found common in almost every women I spoke to.

Women often do not know what they really like in a guy. Women are much more susceptible to their emotions than men and it is the man who understands how to use this knowledge that has the advantage with women.

Allow me to be clear. It is not easy to win the heart of a woman as most men believe. What makes it hard is when guys do things for women that guys would like, but do not create an emotional moment with a woman. They often focus simply on being romantic or charming. While women do love those aspects, those alone are not enough before one answer the below questions:

·         Have you ever found yourself wondering just exactly what women want from men?

·         Do you want to know what women talk about behind men's backs?

If you answered "Yes!" to either of these questions, then you deserve to know what most women have thought must be the best ever Christmas present every men should have for 2011.

Love them: I am well aware that to say this is similar to announcing that the sun revolves around the earth. Most of the times, we have been told that what women most want is professional success and equality. And to the extent that a modern “liberated” woman does admit to wanting a man to love, she will say that she wants a “partner” who is her “equal.” And girls and women have been told that equality means that both sexes are essentially the same and therefore want the same things. Equality and sameness have been made equal. That is why she cannot say — and ideally would not even admit to herself that she wants a man to admire; that would be “sexist” as it would imply.

Respect. Show them through your actions that you respect their opinions, careers, interests, friends, bodies and minds. You do not have to agree with all what they say or do, but try to honor their opinions as valuable contributions. Follow the golden rule and treat them as you would like to be treated. In essence be honest, fair, kind, and considerate.

Romance.  This aspect had numerous views but what I found sticking was what this woman told me, she said: “Just because we're staying in doesn't mean the evening can't be romantic. Light a few candles and see where the night leads. Treat us like your girlfriend, even after we become your wife. Date nights, making out in the car, kissing like when we first started dating all of the things that made us fall in love with you don't have to stop just because now there are bills to pay, a house to be cleaned, and kids that need to get bathed. Bring home flowers for no reason. We're not talking $100 bunch of roses here.  Even the $10 bouquets from the supermarket are enough to make us smile.”

Time. We understand relationships cannot be all wine and roses; simply making the time to be with them and treating them like your top priority says "love" more than all the fancy gifts and lovely letters ever could. This includes helping around the house. The realities of a 21st-century relationship are that both partners probably work. If you happen to get home before they do, why not take vacuum the living room or throw in a load of laundry?  

Dinner. You may not be good at cooking and you may not know how to boil water. But greeting them at the door after a long day with fish sticks (or whatever you can wrestle up) can make them lose consciousness, because it shows that you have been thinking about them and their hectic day. 

Communication. Women are vocal creatures. They know we love them, but it is nice for them to hear us say it, too. So let us know when you think they are hot. Tell them they are beautiful. It helps them feel good and when they feel sexy they are more likely to act sexy. Words of appreciation are not half-bad either. Tell them you love the food they make. Thank them for driving the kids to school. Notice that they cleaned the house and the kitchen. It does not have to be over the top, just let them know that you see the effort they put in, and you are grateful. Above all, one woman said to me, “Ask yourself which love language do you speak?”

Consistency. This does not mean be boring and predictable. It means that they know you will give them the love and support they need. Knowing that you are coming at this with the same desires and energy as they are goes a long way to making them feel secure.

Engagement. You do not have to like everything they like (they might be a little concerned if you do), but showing interest in their passions, be it career-related, a sport or a hobby, goes a long way. Listen when they talk to you. They are not speaking just so they can hear their own voice; they want to connect with you and this is one valuable way they do this. This also means paying attention to the little things. 

Good looking. This aspect does not dwell on someone’s handsome alone; it also touches on things like smartness. Of course most women wouldn’t like dating a guy who is not good looking. One weakness some men have is that they make a sudden shift on the way they handle themselves when  they become rest assured “she is now mine.” This is a dangerous perception taking into account that most women want consistency on such kind of things and one important thing to take note is that you will share the same bad with her and it is advisable you take a shower all the times to avoid her sleeping with her back on you or you rather risk loosing her.

By Shumba Anozivashe

Miss Tourism under Pressure

Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Rumbidzai Mudzengerere, who is in Xian China for the grand finale of Miss Tourism Queen International  said she is going through, “a lot of pressure,” but vowed the pressure “won’t affect me now because I am going to take each day as it comes and worry about the finale when the time comes.”



Mudzengerere who is in China for the 2nd time says this time, “it’s a whole new experience, the first time I came here was in June when we came with the other beauty queens for the Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE).”

She goes on to mention how they toured the city, visited the great wall, and the Olympics stadium but now, “I am in Xian which is a more cultural city, with traditional architecture on most buildings,” she said.

The beauty queen who arrived in camp on the evening of December 12, 2011 is sharing a room with Isabella Manjon a Philippines representative and is so far the only African who will compete against 104 contestants.
Mudzengerere also mentioned she was facing challenges when communicating with some of the girls who could not speak English.

Meanwhile, Mudzengerere had this to say to Zimbabweans, “Zimbabwe, please send me some sunshine. My message to Zimbabwe is that the competition is stiff and the girls are beautiful but I will do my best and not give up. Please keep supporting me.”

from Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba

Prosecuting Our Own: who is next?

If I were on the radio this week, on Sylvia's Success Secrets.What would I have said to my listeners given the events taking place in Zimbabwe?  Would I side with H-metro?  Would I recommend that Stunner and Pokello apologize to the nation...then again I thought, but why...what have they really done that is so wrong? 

Then I thought okay, would my assessment be different if they were not a couple...if they has not been in their own home...if the iphone had not been stolen...if they had in fact released the information themselves rather than being leaked...if they had been caught in a car or some rather public place...in essence, if they had thrown it into my face so to say? 

 

 Sylvia Chimhina

Would I react differently if it had been my brother, father, sister, mother, aunt, friend or a distant stranger?  Would I have cared...if I knew the whole story would I have judged or prosecuted them?  Would I have spoken as Sylvia mwana waMax naTendai; as a corporate person, a female, an entrepreneur, a radio personality, a public speaker, a church goer, a friend to some in the spot light or just another person in that spotlight?   

Finally I wondered to myself, would I have had the courage to ever walk the streets of Harare again?  I have settled on speaking just as a Zimbabwean because all of the above were impacted in much the same way. 

 I thought,”Does Zimbabwe have a Censorship Board...Is H-Metro going overboard - this is not popular in any other country?  Not even in the United States where I live as some presume...The Jary Springer participants volunteer to severely embarrass their own for money...And the Kim Kardarshian and Ray J cases are misnomers, in fact, one can be sued for this kind of stuff...I can picture a tabloid paying Stunner and Pokello for life...far more than either one could have ever dreamed of making singing or selling shoes.  (I am digressing...)  Where do we set the boundary?  

What is the media's job anyways...why did every other newspaper post this on its site?  When will our media be held accountable for bad behavior?  

We know the media builds you up and so often tears you down...But is there another way? 

Is it possible to only tear down when it is absolutely and unquestionably necessary but only enough not to choke the life out of you?  Where is the voice of reason? 

 Who is going to protect the reader, let alone our children if the papers are going to be publishing and distributing pornographic content themselves?  Why was this not targeted towards those who seek out this type of content and, made available at a heft price via a censored platform?  

Why is there no outrage on this issue really?  Where is the rule of law...shouldn't we be suing someone or this paper for subjecting us to Stunner's privacy? 

 I hate silence when it is time to speak...what happens when its a weaker person they go after...what if it were you or me?  Could this be why so many in this industry get twisted upstairs and go for drugs or commit suicide? 

Who among us is perfect...who has no flaw?  Mr Editor, how does it feel to be surrounded by an imperfect world?  How clean are you for planting this seed...May I remind you that He who said do not steal also said do not kill? 

 Religious or not, we have all wronged in one shape or form...So why is the entertainment industry quiet about this?  Is this not the time to question our priorities as a people...Hung up on destroying each other when our country is not prospering? 

 If only our leaders were more integral, doing the right things for the right reasons, maybe, just maybe someone would question the boundaries we have set for free speech...Is this the freedom we want or have we gone too far to the left on all the wrong things...When shall this madness stop and who shall stop it?

We have become like snakes that swallow their own children...we go out of our way to destroy everyone that tries to make it out the rut...may be Stunner and Pokello are the vehicle but the actual lesson is for every Zimbabwean...Eish...the blessings and goodness we seek as a people and a country will not come until we learn to respect, love and uplift each other...stop destroying and starting building, there is so much more satisfaction that will come your way...and yes, more sales for your H-Metro...

 So I guess my questions are not so much about the tape, pictures or whatever; they are about what we value, pretend and/or claim to value as a people.  These and more are the questions I have asked myself over the last couple of weeks, first with the Prime Minister's relationship situation and now more-so, with Stunner and Pokello's circumstance. 

I guess when you are stuck on the plane for hours on end, you get to thinking...does this all make any sense at all, is it always black and white, or are there shades of grey."  I know you too have been thinking....what have you been thinking and if not, what are you thinking now that I have raised all of the above?  May be tomorrow, I will write about the other questions.

by Sylvia Chimhina

Shinso Manager Angered by Abra Contract

Manager-cum Producer and President of the Urban Grooves Association (UGA) Joe Machingura has cried foul at attempts by Simukai Mandizvidza aka Abra Simz, the USA-based executive producer of African Based Recording Artists (A.B.R.A), to have his artiste Shinso sign a contract which he described as a daylight robbery.

 
^ Caught In between. Shinso (centre), Abra Simz (left) and Joe Machingura.

In an interview with Zimbo Jam, Joe said that he wanted to present the contract to his lawyers for verification. Asked if he would sign the contract in the event that his Lawyers okayed its provisions, he argued that he will still not allow Shinso to be part of the agreement.

“I am not going to sign this contract; I am presenting it to my lawyers today and even if they tell me to sign I won’t sign it I am simply giving them to verify it,” said Joe.

A furious Machingura blasted Simz whom he said undermined his role as Shinso’s mentor after the latter approached the rising Mbambamba star without full knowledge of his manager. “It was unprofessional of him to approach Shinso without consulting me, “he said.

It is alleged that Abra Simz who is currently in Harare approached Shinso at Red Fox and asked him if he could ride his riddims. Shinso referred Abra to his manager Joe who claimed the USA based producer later came to his studios with contract in hand.

 Zimbo Jam is in possession of some of the clauses which Joe described as “controversial in nature” and in particular clause no.7 that reads; “The artist will be allowed to keep his/her personal manager if artist has one already but for strictly consultative purposes and in no circumstances will the manager make any administrative decisions that are against the proposed agreement and against ABRA Tribe Constitution.”

Joe argued that the section stripped him of all the powers as a manager to Shinso pointing that in the event that Shinso signed the document Abra will have overall control of his artiste.

“Once we sign this contract,” said an emotional Machingura, throwing the papers away, “I won’t have control as a manager over Shinso because all the powers will be vested in him [Abra]. He should not come to exploit artists.”

Machingura urged Abra to give accolades to Zimbabwean music rather than take advantage of what has been laid down before him, “He should come to complement and not to exploit what others have done before.
 “What he needs to understand is that Shinso was not picked from the streets he was groomed.”

Machingura, who doubles as co-director and co-producer of HeshMfesh Records pointed out another clause in the contract which provides that, “License of use of name and image. Upon timely occurrence and performance of all material events and obligations required to produce the recording Artist shall grant to the company the exclusive license to use the name”……. (Artist)...” and the Artist’s photographic image, in the promotion and distribution of the recording”, was very offensive to the artist who would risk being exploited by bogus recording organisations who are there to take advantage of others.

When contacted for comment Abra argued that his intention was not to sign Shinso under his recording company and he actually okayed any decision taken by Joe, “I only wanted him to record with us I didn’t want him to sign under us. Its fine if they don’t sign,” he said.

In the event that Shinso signs hence he will have to give up certain liberties Clause 7 of the contract reads; “In the event that this contract is signed it also means that you will adhere to the ABRA TRIBE way of doing business and therefore falling under abra tribe management.”

Shinso has not signed, yet.

From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba

What Can Happen When Zimbos Come Together

Sometime this month, what may be Zimbabwe’s first feature length action crime drama, titled The Gentleman, will be launched. As the credits reel at the end of the film they will not tell the true story of generous contributions behind the making of this film. That story is a heart-warming example of what we can do together as Zimbabweans when we pull together…


     Left: Sylvia Chimhina and scenes from the film she helped make possible.
 
A notable contribution came from The Gentleman’s Executive Producer and former runner up to Miss Zimbabwe USA 2005 Silvia Chimhina (30) who is based in Florida, USA. She raised a whopping US$25 000 as her contribution to speed up the assemblage of the movie.

Chimhina has a mix of accolades under her belt, from Miss Personality Zimbabwe 2005 to Miss Africa USA Spokes Model 2006 among many others. She trained models and owned Miss Petite Connecticut Pageant system for several years and is a guest talk show host on SARFM radio.com.

Zimbo Jam caught up with the Samuel Goldwyn inspired producer of the film, Rufaro Kaseke, who said of Chimhina, “She is part of this project and for this project to be where it is right now it’s because of her.”

Chimhina said, “I believe God makes all things beautiful in his time, so he brought us all together at the right time.”

Kaseke hailed the former model citing that the contribution she had made was a one of a kind input he and his team had never experienced since they started film as a profession.

“No one has ever done this for us; she has been instrumental in the dream becoming a reality. We don’t take that lightly,” he said.

Kaseke was quick to add that Chimhina was not the only Zimbo who came in with support. He pointed out Authur Gwaku, who temporarily moved out of his Sunridge house and lived in a local hotel for almost a week in order to pave the way for the filming of The Gentleman.

“After we thought we were done with the shooting at his house, we realised there was something amiss and we had to go back to do the filming for that. He moved out again and allowed us to perfect the scenes,” added Rufaro.

“Imagine, Authur had to move into a hotel and we had to change the setup of the interior of his house to one that suited our footage. This was awesome,” he said. Gwaku did not charge for the use of his house.

Writer and director of the film, Joe Njagu, echoed the same sentiments, saying that the administration at Saint Anne’s Hospital and Libby’s’ Restaurant went out of their way for the sake of shooting the film. “People from Saint Anne’s Hospital shut down part of their facility and Libby’s Restaurant at Newlands Shopping Centre stopped their business so that we could do our filming.”

The project also received the blessings of Mamsa for Man, a clothing company. They offered 30 state of the art suits at no cost, which were used by actors in this movie that is characterised by corruption, love, deception, social and moral degradation.

The crew hailed the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity on behalf of the government of Zimbabwe for assisting with the clearance of Presley Chweneyagae in Zimbabwe for the shooting of the film.
Kaseke and Gwaku were also accompanied by co-producer of the film Batsirai Masvinge who added that it was not an easy move to bring in prominent people like Phillip Chiyangwa who have important commitments on a daily basis in his businesses.

“It’s not any easy task to rope in people like Chiyangwa who is always busy. It’s so amazing having him in this movie. He is a very busy man but he sacrificed his time by taking part in this film,” said Batsirai.
In the past many productions have failed to take off due to lack of support. Today, the various contributions to the production of The Gentleman are a testimony of the possibilities in the arts industry in Zimbabwe and how it can flourish if fellow Zimbabweans assist and support each other.

From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba

Akala's Thoughts on Zimbabwe

MOBO award winning rapper Akala who was in the country for the Shoko International Spoken Word and Hip-Hop festival last month (September 21 to September 24, 2011) had a one on one with Zimbo Jam and shared his thoughts on Zimbabwe, its people and the music.


ZJ: Your experiences from the first day you landed in Zimbabwe?
Akala: The people are so welcoming here. I went to Great Zimbabwe which is incredible. Then I gave some talks for the young people. It’s been great. My experiences so far are very good.

 
^ International Hip Hop artist Akala at a press briefing during the Shoko International Spoken Word festival. 

ZJ: So what intrigued you about Great Zimbabwe?
Akala: Great Zimbabwe has always intrigued me. I actually made a study of the place when I was still in the UK. I have studied African history, Egypt and the Pyramids, Zimbabwe and Great Zimbabwe. I looked at photos before I arrived here but it was far more impressive to see Great Zimbabwe upfront. When we went on top of those mountains and saw the view it was very impressive.

ZJ: What about the discussions you have had with the youth?
Akala:  I see that the issues here are the same as the issues everywhere else in the world. There are the issues of class, identity, dreams.   It’s the same kind of struggles that you expect from young people all around the world.

ZJ: Can you share some contrasts that you see between the culture in the UK and that of Zimbabwe?
Akala: It’s a completely different culture. In London there are many different cultural groups including thousands of people from Zimbabwe. All of these different identities contribute to the identity of London and the identity of London is very different to the identity of England as a whole so London’s identity is the international identity.

ZJ: Have you heard any Zimbabwean music?
Akala: Yes, there was a performance from a marimba group and I saw some traditional Zimbabwean dance.

ZJ: Did you know of any Zimbabwean artists before you came here?
Akala: Yeah there were one or two Zimbabwean artists whose names I saw on a list and I wanted to see them perform in the flesh. Usually when you learn about an artist is after having seeing them perform live.   
  
ZJ: Any song from a Zimbabwean artist that you have heard of before you were invited to Shoko?
Akala: No!

ZJ: Is Zimbabwean music valued in the UK?
Akala: Music outside the UK and Germany struggles to be heard. In the UK you have some individual African artists particularly from Mali and some other countries like Sailif Keita and some from West Africa who have made it big in the UK, such as Hugh Masekela, and Miriam Makeba. However at the moment there is no artist of that stature who can occupy the space that these guys occupied before.

ZJ: Have you heard of Bkay and Kazz?
Akala: I know the name but I don’t know the music.

ZJ: Are you planning to collaborate with any artists from here in Zimbabwe?
Akala: I haven’t collaborated so far but there is a young MC who was working with some other young Zimbabwean MCs that I met. His name is Steve Bhiko he was very good. I would like to do a track with him before I leave.

ZJ: Any trade secrets you can share with aspiring artists who want to make it big in the music industry?
Akala: I don’t think there is anyone who has any secrets about their success. I think for me the main thing is to be true to yourself. Some people can make one good pop song and they go on radio, they go on TV, everyone knows them and this is fine. For me this has not been my journey. I have made three albums over a long period of time. I have done so many shows and slowly but surely I have gained a reputation by making quality music and this is how I have built my following. I would say to young artists if you want to build your career I think that’s the way to go.

ZJ: What challenges have you faced during your music career?
Akala: Everything, like trying to get my songs on radio, trying to get my music on TV, trying to get myself to the fans because when I first came out in 2004-2005 we didn’t have You-Tube yet, no My Space and no Twitter and Facebook. These things have made it a lot easier but when I came onto the music scene it was a lot more difficult.

ZJ: In your own perception, what role does Hip-Hop play in shaping the youth?
Akala: It takes many different roles depending on what type of Hip-Hop the young people are listening to and we have all different types of Hip-Hop depending on what kind of young person you are, what environment you live in, decisions you make when you are listening to a particular song and how it helps you uplift yourself and get more knowledge.

ZJ: A lot has been said about Hip-Hop to an extent that it has been linked to Satanism, what’s your say about this?
Akala: I think that is a little bit silly. I think that one has to look deeper. You can’t just take five videos on MTV and make that a whole representation of the Hip-Hop culture. I think we also have to be careful about propaganda sometimes.

ZJ: Any parental guidance on your music?
Akala: Yes there was in my early stuff because I used to swear a lot and my music was a bit negative even today apart from my last album.

ZJ: What’s the main theme of your music?
Akala: Its political, I mostly sing political stuff, the world, the politics, politics of ways, class, gender, nation, colonialism, imperialism, this is the kind of topics I like to do.

ZJ: Have you faced any negative challenges from your government because of your music?
Akala: No I think the UK is different from other countries. That’s what I was saying to the people yesterday that UK has problems but not problems like in some other countries.  UK is quite stable and the government doesn’t need to fear the musician.

ZJ: What problems have you discovered in local artists that you have met so far?
Akala: Issues of originality. A very long time ago in the UK we used to copy America, raping about American scenes, cars and in Zimbabwe I see a mixture. Some are original but I think one has to be original where nobody is copying America. You can be influenced and you can like American Hip-Hop but this not America this Zimbabwe.

ZJ: What are you going to tell everyone back in the UK about Zimbabwe?
Akala: Well Zimbabwe is a great country with amazing people. Everybody likes to talk about the government of different countries you know but really the government is not the people, the people is the people and for me having the Zimbabwean people sharing their experiences with me is an inspiration to me.

From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba 

Tsvangirai threatened with arrest

Mazowe North MP Retired Major Cairo Philbert Mhandu (Zanu PF) has warned Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai could be arrested if he fails to attend Chief Negomo’s traditional court on Saturday to answer charges of allegedly paying lobola/roora during the “sacred month of November” in contravention of traditional customs.

 

Mhandu is an aide of the chief who, together with a fellow aide, Watson Baziwell, accompanied Chief Negomo, Luscious Chitsinde, to serve the summons at Tsvangirai’s offices at Charter House on Wednesday.

Last month, the MDC-T leader is alleged to have paid bride price for Lorcadia Karimatsenga Tembo at her parents’ plot in Christon Bank, Mazowe.
The area falls under Chief Negomo.

Traditionalists have accused Tsvangirai of breaching traditional norms, saying traditional marriages are forbidden in November.

“We expect Tsvangirai to come to the court on Saturday (tomorrow) and not try to play their dirty politics on this important issue. If he does not come, we will issue a default judgment and issue a warrant of arrest,” Mhandu said.

But MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora dismissed the move as “awkward and legally foolish behaviour of Chief Negomo”.

“We are astounded that Chief Negomo has chosen to abandon acting like a chief for behaving like a Zanu PF activist. After having booked in at a five-star hotel in Harare, he sought to be accompanied by Zanu PF MPs and people widely accused of fanning an orgy of violence during the 2008 election under the nose of Chief Negomo.”

Mwonzora said it was well known that acts of rape, arson and destruction, among others, were committed by Zanu PF activists, but Chief Negomo had not summoned anyone of them to his court.

“This is a clear manifestation of the chief’s approval and complicity in activities of these rapists, arsonists and murderers. Despite these acts of murder, arson and rape being reported to the police, they have done nothing.”

The MDC-T claimed Mhandu was involved in the murder of eight of its supporters in the bloody 2008 presidential run-off election in Chiweshe, Mashonaland Central.

The party said Mhandu led a “ruthless” campaign for President Robert Mugabe in the run-up to the June 2008 presidential poll.

Apart from directing youths to attack MDC supporters in the villages on May 5, 2008, Mhandu is alleged to have personally assaulted Patrick Mapondera, Cyprian Mapondera and Kempton Macheka,” said the MDC-T.

However, Mhandu dismissed the allegations as baseless and challenged the MDC-T to report the matter to the police so that they investigate and establish if he had a case to answer.

“That is complete nonsense and I am available any time at sub-division number 8 Galloway Estates and they can come direct to me and complain. I have never seen anyone confronting me about that, but they want to tell newspapers. If they claim I killed them, why don’t they tell the police to arrest me and take me to court? I also want them to provide me with the names of people they claim I killed and show me their relatives because I am innocent and I am not afraid to be investigated over malicious allegations.”

 

From NewsDay by Wongai Zhangazha

Zanu PF not a shopping mall — Khaya Moyo

Zanu PF national chairman Simon Khaya Moyo yesterday said Zanu PF was “not a shoppingmall” where people splash money to buy leadership positions.

Addressing delegates at the ongoing Zanu PF national conference in Bulawayo, Moyo said the party would not allow imposition of candidates in the next general elections.

“Corruption and other vices must be exposed and the culprits punished accordingly. Zanu PF is not a shopping mall and those who use money to buy votes or support, must not hold leadership positions,’’ said Moyo amid rapturous applause.


“As a revolutionary party, Zanu PF has no virus in its political culture,” said Moyo. “We must, therefore, win resoundingly the coming elections. There is no other option. The test of our party’s character has always
been the ability to meet and overcome challenges. There must, therefore, be no imposition of candidates in any constituency. We must listen to the people and stay with the people. From the people we come and to the people we must return.”

Moyo said Zanu PF should consider introducing the concept of recalling non-performing ministers it would have seconded to government.

“Government is a product of the party. The party is always supreme. Those who are political appointees in government or elsewhere must perform and remain accountable to the party and hence to the people, at all times. The party has to devise means to advise the President (Robert Mugabe) to recall non-performers. The clarion call is: people first and performance now.”

He lauded party leader President Mugabe as a “tested leader” and “iconic” figure who had managed to steer the country through “gusty political winds and stormy economic waters” .

From NewsDay by Dumisani Sibanda, Bureau Chief | 2011-12-09 10:26:00

Miss Summer Harare on Saturday

Size4 modelling agency will come together with the recently formed Glam Fairy modelling house for the first time ever in hosting a brand new pageant, Miss Summer Harare, at the Rainbow Towers VIP Lounge tonight.

The pageant is aimed at offering Harare models an alternative pageant to the Miss Harare and other Harare-based beauty contests.

“Twenty fresh, new models will take to the ramp in exclusive summer outfits sponsored by Ruff Cuts, a local fashion brand now based in South Africa,” said Size4 agent Wilbert Rukato.

Rukato said the stage entry routines for the models would include ethnic, culture and fantasywear, and a summer dress fashion show was also on the cards.
He said the contestants had been scouted from all over the city by Size4 and among them were the current winners of Miss Chitungwiza 2011 and Miss Airmen.

“Last week, the models had their catwalk lessons at the Jubilee Centre and were later treated to a braai hosted by Milton Car Sales. For years we have witnessed national pageants with contestants failing to exhibit proper ramp walk and catwalk techniques, not so with Miss Summer Harare,” said Rukato.

He said he was confident the models would showcase catwalk skills that were on par with international standards.

Rukato said the winners would walk away with cash prizes which would be handed to them tonight, including trips and hampers.

“We drew the judges from the modelling, fashion and beauty industries as befits a pageant of this magnitude,” he said.

He said to entertain the audience, award-winning Desmond “Stunner” Chidemhe would perform together with other upcoming artistes like Digga Squad and Freeman, the Joina City hitmaker , among others.
Rukato said another pageant, Miss Size4, was scheduled to be held for 2012.

 

From NewsDay By Tinashe Sibanda 

Future Of Tongai Moyo's Band

Utakataka Express band manager Shiga Shiga and the late Tongai Moyo’s close ally Pedro Phiri have dismissed Knowledge Choga’s claims that any decisions made by the band management without his consultation were “null and void.”


      Left: The Late Tongai "Dehwa" Moyo.

 Phiri who was referred to as a “hanger on” in a quotation by the Herald of November 1, 2011 described Choga’s sentiments as ‘a lie’ citing he was surprised with what the later had said and could not figure out where Choga  got the story from. Phiri maintained that the management was still the same and that the late Utakataka Boss’s son Peter Moyo would assume leadership of the band.

“Shiga Shiga is still the manager and this means the management of the band hasn’t changed. Suko Dube will carry on with his sound Engineering and what knowledge is saying is a lie, i don’t know where he got that story from,” said Pedro.

He reiterated that, “Management continues, Peter is the main member he is now Dhewa and that means he is the Igwe,” said Pedro.

Shiga Shiga laughed off claims by Choga who doubles as family spokesperson citing the later had rushed to talk to the press before consulting the rest of the members. He also highlighted that the whole issue of squabbles was finally resolved hence the management which ran the band before the passing away of Tongai Moyo will carry with its usual duties.

The manager echoed that the 22-year old Peter Moyo will carry on from where his father had left. He went on to describe him as his “boss.”

“Choga talked to the media without consulting us and this was before we held a meeting. During the meeting we came up with a solution that we should keep the management. Peter Moyo will stand as the leader of the band he is our boss,” said Shiga Shiga.

Spencer one of the leading vocalists within the band denied claims made by Choga pointing that the later was not part of Utakataka Express, he also downplayed efforts made by Knowledge to pay salaries for band members when he said the issue of salaries had already been resolved.

“We don’t work with Knowledge he is not part of our band. On the issue of salaries, we did something to make sure everyone gets paid,” he said.

The comment by Spenser was a response to Choga who had previously said he was going to pay band members their salaries using his mine as a source of income.

Meanwhile, Esau Mupfumi also pledged to pay salaries for Utakataka Express for the coming two months. He made these revelations at a premier of Dehwa’s documentary on October 27, 2011 and this might be “something” Spenser referred to as what they had done to source out funds for everyone.

If the above turns out to be true, Choga is left a lone man as the top management of the band is sidelining “efforts”  he is making to make sure the band “survives.”

Zimbo Jam caught up with Peter who dismissed all what the press was writing about, “i don’t know where they got that from there is nothing like infighting within the band i can’t keep on commenting on such issues i have been told to ignore the media. Fans know how Utakataka Express was running so people can continue to write what they like about us,” said Peter.

When Zimbo Jam contacted Choga for a comment he had toned down and this was contrary to his comments in The Herald where he said, “Shiga Shiga can make decisions but it will be null and void for as long as he doesn’t consult me.”

Knowledge who is also Dhewa’s nephew sounded calm, he moved that he was only there to provide assistance to the entire band. Surprisingly, he did not say anything about Shiga Shiga consulting him before he makes any decisions that concerns any businesses to do with the band he only said, “I will assist him up until i see he is eligible enough to handle the band.”

From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba

Mbuya Nehanda Tree Falls Down

There was chaos in Harare’s Josiah Tongogara Avenue this afternoon, December 7, 2011, after the legendary tree on which the Zimbabwean spirit medium, Mbuya Nehanda, is said to have been hanged, was knocked over by a truck.



^ The 'Mbuya Nehanda' tree knocked down, December 7, 2011.
 
A construction worker, working on the resurfacing of the road, backed into the tree by mistake, resulting in its trunk snapping about 60cm from its base and toppling over.

Apparently not realising the significance of the tree, one of the other workmen thought oops, we knocked a tree down, got a chain saw and started ripping away at the tree to clear the road so that traffic could flow. He had almost gone through the whole branch when someone frantically yelled that they had knocked down ‘Nehanda’s tree’.

They were advised to back off and call the National Parks & Wildlife Authority or the Ministry of Home Affairs as the tree was a ‘protected national monument’.

For hours, work stopped as the team of workmen stood there looking really worried. Early this evening the tree had still not been removed causing traffic mayhem.


^ The tree totally blocked off one lane of Josiah Tongogara Avenue.
 
Immediately after it fell word spread and Zimbo Jam got a text from someone in Bulawayo saying they had heard that the ‘Nehanda tree’ was down. Rumours also started spreading that the tree had been struck by lightning. Just so you know- there was no rain in Harare today.

The tree was conspicuous as it stood alone in the middle of the road, close to the intersection of Josiah Tongogara Avenue and Sam Nujoma (formerly Second) Street and was the cause of much curiosity over the years as people wondered why it had been spared when the roads were constructed.

In 1896 Rhodesian settlers hanged Mbuya Nehanda. The hanging is believed to have come after the imposition of a "hut tax" and other tax assessments in 1894, at which both the Ndebele and Shona people revolted in June 1896, in what became known as the First Chimurenga or Second Matabele War. The Mashonaland part of the rebellion was encouraged by traditional religious leaders, chief among them Nehanda.

^ Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi in Custody. Circa 1896.
 
She, along with her spiritual husband Sekuru Kaguvi, were both charged with murder, Kaguvi for the death of an African policeman, and Nehanda for the death of the Native Commissioner and thus sentenced to death by hanging.

It is believed two unsuccessful attempts were made to hang Nehanda and an African prisoner who was present at her hanging is reported to have suggested that the hangman remove the tobacco pouch which from her belt in order for her to die.

Nehanda's dying words are said to have been, "My bones will rise again."

Just a few weeks ago a conversation sprouted on social media platforms with people asking if it was true that it was not allowed to take photos of the Nehanda tree.

From Zimbo Jam (Bio info: Wikipedia) by Anozivashe Shumba

Platinum Dogs Win Break Down Dance Battle

It was a full house at the Break Down Dance Battle on December 3, 2011, with 10 dance groups battling to win the title of best dance group. St John’s Platinum Dogs came first and walked away with the $500 cash prize. It felt like every school kid was on holiday as the 7 Arts Theatre filled up with teen spectators who came to cheer on the dance battle.

 



^ Winners: Platinum Dogs After Thier Performance

Platinum Dogs gave a memorable performance as they brought the strongest dance moves against Antivirus the Bulawayo based group. With the audience screaming after the final round, it looked as though the panel of 3 judges were at pains to decide the winners as they look their time to add all the points and announce the
results.

 
  
^ The crowd spotted at Break Down Dance Battle 

Zimbo Jam caught up with one of the judges Sikanyiso who mentioned all the groups did very well in the 3 categories they judged which were communication, synchronization and coordination.
Sikanyiso also added, “there was no cheating, this competition was fairly done and that is why we included the people to also do the judging because we felt they might have their own views and we respect that.”
The groups which participated in this year’s Break Down Dance Battle performance were; Evolution, Platinum Dogs, Star Boys, Vibe 360, Cybertronics, I identity, Flip Floppers, Real Flexy Antibiotics, Animation, Freeze Flame and last year’s winners Gravity.

From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba.

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Breaking-it-Down the Real Way

The Break Down Dance Battle on Saturday December 3, 2011 ended in a brawl when a member of the Dzivarasekwa based dancing group, Real Flex, exchanged blows with the master of ceremony (MC),Oasis. The Real Flex member’s temper arose when his group failed to make it into the final round of the contest citing the judges were supporting uptown groups. It is also alleged that the MC knew some of the members from the winning group.

The grieved Real Flex group felt the MC had showered praises to the winning Platinum Dogs who are now the 2011 Break Down Dance Battle champions.

Left: MC Oasis does his thing before the fight.

When the wrangle began, the fully packed 7 Arts Theatre had to come to a standstill.  Some people who were present also joined the squabble while a few were trying to restrain the wrangle. The rest of the audience which was made up of kids from the Harare suburbs booed members of the Real Flex group. The event was poorly manned by a few members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, thus it took close to 15 minutes for the fracas to come to an end.

Zimbo Jam spoke to the youthful looking member of Real Flex who had confronted the MC, to try and get a comment on what had made him act the way he did. The fuming dancer refused to identify himself but claimed, “this is not the first time we have been cheated by these guys, it happened last year and it seems they are favoring guys from uptown.”

“We did our best and those other guys preformed dismally and ever since this concert began no groups from the ghetto have ever won this competition,” said the livid dancer.
Another group member added, “all these organisers and judges masalads ese they just want to complement maface avo.”

Contrary to the claims made by the Dzivarasekwa based group, Zimbo Jam can testify that neither the MC nor the judges had anything to do with their failure to clinch the top title. The judging on which teams should qualify for the final round was made by the crowd.

One of the organizers of the event who identified himself as Trix scoffed at claims that the dispute had something to do with the show saying, “it comes from their personal issues, these kids know each other so they are only using this competition as a platform to express their bitter feelings.”

Trix went on to say that, “we gave all these groups flyers to give out their friends in the neighborhood, they don’t have to blame the judges because this decision has been made by the crowd. If they had brought their friends from their neighborhood they would have received support like what Platinum Dogs did.”

Out of 11 groups which clashed for the title, Platinum Dogs came out first while Bulawayo based Antivirus came second.

  From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba

What Do Men Want?

Most men have questioned,” What exactly do women want?”  I am not playing coy here but I am aware that men are complex creatures hence it is never easy for women to figure out what men really desire.

Despite the category in which every man falls in, there are regular things that every man is looking for in a woman. Now the question is are you that type of a woman that men dream about being with? If not all, most women want to be an object of desire-the kind of woman that men talk about, dream about and admired by men.

So what do men really desire in a woman and are you that woman? Well the first and most important thing to remember is to BE REAL-be who you really are, rather than try to be what you should be or who you think people want you to be. It is easy to sense a real person from an artificial one and one of the main turn offs for a man is a woman who is not herself and gives off a forged vibe.

After carrying various discussions with many men on what they would look forward from a woman, below are some of the aspects which appeared most.

Dress Fashionably:  

Wearing the most expensive attire is not the most important thing to a man, but it is important that a woman keep up with her appearances. A woman who dresses sharply comes off as a woman who is successful and who treats herself with love and respect and therefore a man will not want to do less for her either-he will love and respect you too. So it is advised that a woman should keep herself updated with fashion and keep herself groomed. This will not only draw men to you, but one feels good about themselves-which is the first priority before you please anyone else.

Be Sweet and Feminine:  

Today women have become more independent and career oriented but this does not give you the green light such that you give up and forget your feminine roots. Women are weak creatures after all they are sweet and giving and it is important for a man to see these qualities in a woman. Women should know that it is not weak to show a man that you are sweet and care taking after all this is the type of a woman a man dreams coming home to-someone who will lovingly welcome him with a sweet feminine smile and take care of him. However it is of paramount importance that a woman should never lose her special feminine roots its good she shows her man her sweet and romantic side.

Tell Him what you want:  

It is common knowledge that every man wants a woman who will treat him beautifully without you having to give him directions and women should lower their standards when it comes to this. However, women have to remember that man cannot read minds and let’s face it; women are emotionally unpredictable creatures and are not always easy to read. Most men love it when a woman has the strength and confidence to tell him what she wants. Men want to please women and it’s highly encouraged that women should not be afraid to open up and let their men know what it that is important to them is.

Someone Who Impresses Them: 

Many women get the message that men are threatened or turned off by intelligent, powerful women, but a friend of mine told me,” that’s pure fiction.” Guys want someone they respect. From the discussion I heard with many guys they cited intelligence as a highly desirable quality; quite a few admitted that they are. Strong really is beautiful, so put your best self forward.

Someone who tells it straight: 

 Guys do not want to have to play games or guess what a woman wants, so they’re drawn to honesty, sincerity and the ability to communicate clearly. If you’re straightforward about how you feel and what you want, he can react to you rather than waste time trying to gauge what’s really going on. Men are not exactly professional when it comes to reading women’s minds, and they know it. Being upfront about how you feel can make it a little easier for your man to figure out what exactly do you require.

Funny and Exciting Companion:

There are things that a man will discuss with a woman if the level of communication and trust has been established. Sharing activities can also be a healthy to build relationships. Exciting to some men may mean to the library together. The best on this category is for one to know what they enjoy most and find men who enjoy such activities. If two people spend the whole week sharing some activities, they are likely to get along better.

Share Meals with Your Man: It is advisable for women to share meals with their partner and this improves the quality time they spend together in building a better bond. A man who expects every woman to cook every meal might improve his relationship by offering to clean-up dishes or surprise his woman by cooking a home-cooked meal of his own.

Look Great (Be Your Best ever): 

 To prove this one should go to any sporting event like football, cricket, and check out how the player’s wives and girl friends look when their loved ones are in the game. They look with jerseys written the names of their husbands.

Give Him some Private time to be left Alone:  

 Some men need few minutes to unwind when they walk in the door before sharing the day’s challenges. Some women need this space too but generally most women prefer to launch into the daily review where they engage their men into this habit of hugs, kisses etc which is not bad but they is need to give them (men) some space to rest for a while.

Anozivashe Shumba

27 Beauties Qualify for Miss Harare Contest

27 out of 64 participants qualified in the 1st round for the Miss Harare auditions which were held this weekend on November 12, 2011 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Due to the massive turnout of contestants the Miss Zimbabwe Trust could not audition all the girls, and has set another try-out date for November 25, 2011.
^ These are some of the beauties that qualified at the 1st auditions for Miss Harare.
Zimbo Jam caught up with Miss Zimbabwe Trust Co-coordinator Deborah Chidavaenzi who said the first round was not a guarantee that the 27 who qualified would end up taking part in the Miss Harare pageant show to be held at 7 Arts in Avondale on December 22, 2011.
She also mentioned that the auditioning process was still open to those who did not manage to try-out in the initial stage and that they will pick the best 30 beauties from the two auditions.
 “Those who made it in the first round should not guarantee themselves safe because if we get those who are doing well in our second auditions it means they will not qualify. Because of time, some girls left and this is why we are having the second audition because we want to give everyone a chance and from there we will get our final thirty girls to compete for the Miss Harare title, “said Chidavaenzi.
Responding to what criteria they were using to choose the best 30 out of the bevy of beauties who had come for this trying moment, Chidavaenzi highlighted that so many things were taken into consideration chief among them, “expression of one’s confidence, ability to work with communities and someone who is ready to do charity work.”
Chidavaenzi dismissed the perception that this illustrious pageant show was racist in nature when she said, “we are cutting across all racial divides, we want to eliminate the perception that Miss Harare or Zimbabwe is for blacks or colored people, be it an Indian we still accommodate them.”
Asked what she leant following Malaika’s “failure” to bring the Miss World title home at the recently held grand finale in England , Deborah reiterated that, “there is a lot in that crown than what’s meant for the eye, I don’t think she had any shortcomings but I think that it’s the level we work with here in Zimbabwe.”

^ Girls who came to audition for Miss Harare.
Commenting on what their emphasis will be focused on, a calm Chidavaenzi claimed, “This year our main concern is culture; as you can see we are doing auditions here at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.”
She added that the reason for having the National Gallery of Zimbabwe as their venue was that, “Most of them have never been here. We want them to look back into our Zimbabwean culture.”
Despite matching some of the requirements needed for one to go through the auditions, some girls were turned away because of aspects such as height because one should be between 1,67m to 1,75m. Age was another aspect and only those were below 24 years on the date of the Miss World Final were allowed the chance to face a panel of judges who grilled these aspiring queens testing their credibility to become the ambassadors of Harare.
Meanwhile some girls who came for the auditions were at pains answering some general questions which a grade seven pupil can respond to very well. It was so embarrassing for someone who wants to be an Ambassador of Harare to not be aware that the Mayor of Harare is his Worship Muchadeyi Masunda.
Some girls were unable to answer questions, asked the judges to give them more time to research on issues they were not familiar with. However, the auditions were a lesson to these aspirant bevies that such pageant shows were not only about beauty but “beauty with the brains.”

Out of the 30 contestants that are competing for the Miss Harare title, only 4 will compete with contestants from other provinces and these include Miss Harare, 1st and 2nd Princesses and Miss Personality.

From Zimbo Jam by Anozivashe Shumba