Ngoni Dapira

DUBBED the ‘Biggest Mutare event Most wanted’ show, the Gafa himself as the multi-award winning Zimdancehall sensation Winky D is affectionately called, is set to reconnect with his Mutare fans after a long time of not hosting concerts in the eastern border city.

Winky D

His manager Jonathan ‘Elder’ Banda on Friday told Easterntimes Entertainment that this would surely be a special show as DiBigman will be performing in Mutare after a long time.

It’s his first show at Manicaland Motoring Club and it will also be his first non-corporate banked public concert in Mutare in the past seven years. Over the years he has been coming to Mutare to do cameo appearances at corporate sponsored shows, so this will be his first concert after a long hiatus.

Elder Banda

“We are thrilled to be making a return to Mutare. This show presents a fantastic opportunity for Winky D to reconnect with his Mutare fans in a meaningful way. The energy and anticipation leading to the show is palpable within the Vigilance camp and I am confident that this will build memories in the hearts of the fans and the Vigilance community. We look forward to the Gafa creating a lasting impression on Mutare,” said Elder Banda as he is affectionately called.

The 41 years old Winky D whose real name is Wallace Chirumiko, is one Zimdancehall artist who has had an incredible journey to stardom with a career that spans 20 years. Anticipated to be the biggest show of the year in Mutare, the much hyped up show at Manicaland Motoring Club tonight (Saturday) is already proving to be historic as ticket prices have gone up under phase 2, but surprisingly are still selling like hot cakes. The VIP tickets were selling at US$20 but from Thursday went up to US$25. The VVIP tickets are now going for US$50 from $40, whilst the standard tickets are now US$20 from US$10. It’s no doubt set to be a promising night not to be missed. Fans can anticipate incredible performances and unforgettable moments from the star studded lineup of Freeman the HKD Boss and Voltz JT expected to also add the magic to the all-night fiesta.

It will be yet another litmus test for the renowned Harare based music promoter Patson ‘Chipaz’ Chimbodza who will be out to break his own highest crowd attendance record at Manicaland Motoring Club where he drew the biggest crowd ever of over 5000 people in October last year at a show that was headlined by the multi-award winning music prodigy Jah Prayzah.

Just like Jah Prayzah, Winky D is known for his dynamic stage presence with a long list of hit songs that can be played all night. So it will be another opportunity to measure which artist draws a large following than the other in the eastern border city as the two very talented artists are known to always draw large followings and give top drawer performances.

Winky D in one of his costumes.

His fans will also be eager to see what sort of attire he will come wearing as the Gafa is known to usually dress up in some interesting costumes at his shows.  Fans will be keen to hear some yesteryear hits such as Disappear, Finhu Finhu, Ijipita, Extraterrestrial to mention a few.  The state of the art stage set up for the show which is of world class standards shows that the entertainment promoter means business. By end of day yesterday the security barricades for the different sections for standard, VIP and VVIP were already being put up as well as the stage and sound system.

“We haven’t checked the actual number of ticket sales so far but we are happy with the numbers we have been receiving. As seasoned entertainment promoters we have beefed up security for the safety of our revelers as we want everyone to come and enjoy this show which came by popular demand. We are also excited to bring Winky D for the first time in a long time to Mutare, but we have done events of this magnitude before, so our thrust is to correct previous mistakes as we are open to constructive critics and constructive ideas. Mutare is also our home as we have synergies with several people in Mutare, so we draw inspiration on which artists to bring from the people of Mutare,” said Chimbodza.

Patson ‘Chipaz’ Chimbodza

Manicaland Motoring Club chairman Vonesi Masanganise said the club is happy to host such a top artist and give Mutare revelers the creme della creme in the country’s entertainment business.

“We will continue to network with entertainment promoters and bring top performers. We hope to even host more international acts after hosting the show of the South African music star Makhadzi in April. The people of Mutare were starved of spacious open air entertainment places inner city but we are providing this now,” said Masanganise.