The event which is dubbed the Peace Prayer day will be punctuated by the Word, prayers and music courtesy of the Zimbabwe Pastors Fellowship. The Pastors Fellowship is a forum for Pastors from different Church denominations whose mission is to promote ideas and action that enhance Zimbabwe’s prosperity based on prophetic ministry.

It is also the organisations objective to monitor human rights, economic policy, politics and gender inequality, HIV/AIDS, disasters and issues generally considered as peripherals in Pastoral work.

However, on the showbiz line up it will be certainly clashes of giants as the Charambas, Blessing Shumba, Fungisai Zvakavapano, Sipho Makhabane and Mkhululi Bhebhe of Joyous Celebrations among others are expected to bring the house down with their awe-inspiring voices.

For the Bulawayo gospel fans it will be such a memorable day as the likes of the high riding Shumba and Zvakavapano will be performing in the city for the very first time.

Speaking to Shout-Africa.com reporter spokesperson of the Zimbabwe Pastors Fellowship organising team Pastor Joseph Munemo confirmed the development urging the people to come and seek divine intervention for the nation.

“We are appealing to all God fearing people to come in their numbers free of charge and pray with us for peace and tranquillity to prevail in the country. We have a lot of entertainment in store for the event with some coming from local gospel artists as well as from South Africans.

While we already have Sipho Makhabane on our line up we are still negotiating with Rebbeca Malope that she becomes part of the crucial day in Bulawayo,” said Munemo.

As part of our prayers, we feel that musicians assist us in sending our message home about the importance of peace and that we are all equal in the eyes of God,” he further explained.

Munemo said the Peace Prayer in Bulawayo was part of the local churches’ unwavering endeavour to unite the people of Zimbabwe who for the past decade had been torn apart by the politics of the day.

He said the prayers were a follow up to the Peace Indaba that was held last year in November at Rainbow Towers by the three Global Political Agreement Principals that included the Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, President Robert Mugabe and Prof Welshman Ncube.

Since then, the upcoming event will be the fifth after similar prayers were conducted in such cities as Chitungwiza, Masvingo, Mutare and just recently Gweru all in the name of preaching peace, reconciliation and unity to the nation.

As always, Munemo said his organisation has already extended the invitation to all political parties in the country but was quick to mention that already the Prime Minister had confirmed his participation.

GUGULETHU, CAPE TOWN, 17 MAY 2012 - The TOPS Gugulethu Wine Festival, happening on the Friday 25th May and Saturday 26th May 2012 on the Rooftop of the Gugulethu Square Mall, is geared for good times if wine exhibitor growth is anything to go by.

Says Marilyn Cooper, Cape Wine Master, CEO of the Cape Wine Academy and organiser of the wine exhibitors at the festival -“Even though TOPS Gugulethu Wine Festival is competing against a large wine event in Gauteng over the same weekend it has nearly trebled the number of wineries exhibiting this year. This is fantastic growth from a somewhat conservative industry and fantastic growth for Gugulethu. The wine industry is moving with the times as our township festivals are growing in popularity in both winery attendance and visitors alike. This is because we are changing the way in which wine is perceived and enjoyed by creating a unique brand of wine festivals that are vibrant, encouraging, edutaining, diverse, uplifting, relevant, motivating and most of all, fun.”

Heart 104.9FM Radio personality and MC, DJ Suga is MC’ing Friday evening in the main wine marquee and comments, “I am backing the TOPS Gugulethu Wine Festival because it’s a wonderful way for people to come together and experience wine appreciation, amazing food and a great festive atmosphere! It’s an honour to be a part of it! I will be giving away lots of amazing prizes such as the latest andhottest new fashion item, wood-framed sunglasses by Hout Couture thanks to Place in the Sun, and so much more.”

Heart 104.9FM DJ Diggy Bongz and Irma G will be MC’ing on Saturday evening in the main wine marquee to delight the crowds.

New this year is the TOPS Food & Chill Out Zone offering coffee from Bay Harbour Market’s Z.A. Café, fresh oysters from The Oyster Lady, shisa nyama from Mzoli’s Place and delicious pizza from Afro Pizza.

Says festival co-founder, owner of Mzoli’s Place and business entrepreneur, Mzoli Ngcawuzele, “Our headline sponsor, TOPS at Spar, have really stepped up the pace this year and have provided, amongst many other wonderful opportunities, a wonderful TOPS Food Zone for people to enjoy food with these wonderful wines of ours and putting real meaning to celebrating unity and diversity of Africa Day. It’s going to be de-vine in Gugulethu!”

TOPS at Spar’s VIP performer on Friday evening is Idols judge, Metro FM co-host and entertainment powerhouse, Unathi Msenganaand her 9 piece band. Says Unathi “I’m so excited to be spending Africa Day in the Mother City in the Mother of all townships celebrating two of South Africa’s most precious gifts, music and wine. I will also be wine tasting in the main wine marquee in-between sets and can’t wait to meet the winemakers and visitors that make this festival so unique and special.”

A final word of warning from Lungile Mbalo, co-founder and spokesperson for the festival, “If you are able, please buy your tickets prior to the event as this will avoid disappointment as I predict we will fill to capacity very quickly on both nights and will be forced to close doors, much the same as happened last year. Tickets are available online at webtickets.co.za and also at Cape Town Tourism centres. I also predict rain so bring umbrellas.”
Other exciting highlights at the festival:

·         The Nederburg Taste Theatre is open to all festival visitors on a first-come first-served basis. Presentations will be staged onFriday at 17h30, 18h30, 19h30 and on Saturday at 16h30, 18h00, 19h30 in the main wine exhibitor marquee.

·         Pete Goffe-Wood, a South African MasterChef judge, will co-present Nederburg’s Taste Theatre on Friday evening.

·         Idols judge, Metro FM co-host and entertainment powerhouse, Unathi Msengana, will be performing live in the TOPS VIP Lounge to invited VIP guests on the Friday evening.

·         Over 40 wineries showcasing over 300 wines to swirl, sniff, sip, and spit (although not much spitting is expected)

·         Thirteen super-brand sponsors including spectacular wine lounges from Pongracz, J.C le Roux, Nederburg, 4^th Street, The Saints and a DGB merlot wine bar giving visitors unique lifestyle experiences. These wineries will also be giving away major prizes every night.

·         Enjoy the ‘TOPS Food & Fun’ chill-out space to sit and eat from a choice of restaurants including Mzoli’s famous chop!

·         All visitors will receive a free branded wine tasting glass and the festival wine buying guide on arrival plus there will be lots of prizes to be won on the night.

TOPS Gugulethu Wine Festival 2012 details

Details

Friday 25 May – 4pm to 9pm

Saturday 26 May – 3pm to 9pm

Tickets

Tickets are R80 per person per night

Purchase online at www.webtickets.co.za or at the door on the night or at select CT Tourism centres

For more information go to: www.gugulethuwinefestival.co.za

A warthog created using empty beer cans

Numerous people in society stand blamed of perceiving people with disability as outcasts who cannot do anything on their own and require special attention.

However, a physically challenged crafter Manners Mukuviri has a testament to tell the world that his state has nothing to do with his in-born talent.

Bravely, Mukuviri captures balance and movement both physically and emotionally while exhibiting brilliant ability to express emotions through form rather than facial appearance.

Manners Mukuwiri

His personal life is mirrored in his continuing theme of animals and their daily activities.

“I like to portray my pieces using different animals because they have a way to express themselves and their ever-growing love unlike humans,” he said.

Some of his works on display at Chitungwiza Arts Centre include well-decorated zebras, ostriches, frogs, giraffes and key holders with national symbols such as the Zimbabwe bird as well the national monument, Great Zimbabwe.

Said Mukuviri: “I prefer to call my pieces recycled art because I mainly use empty cans such as beer and beef cans to come up with a living art. It is also environmental friendly unlike other intoxicants substances used in our industry.

His journey to success was not easy to come by since he believes that the society even overlooked his aptitude.

“Many people deject the works of the disabled people and even some thinks I am here to beg since I spend most of my entire life moving around in this wheelchair.

“This has caused countless of my potential customers to look down on my pieces but I should thank my family for inspiring me, they are the source of my strength,” he added.

For a number of people, these crafts will remind them of how important nature is to our daily chores.

Mukuviri was born on 30 October 1979 and attended Danhiko Vocational Centre where the journey of artistry begun. He even tried to do other things in life but realized that his heart and instincts belonged to the arts industry.

“I once became an electrician but I ended up channeling all my energy into the arts industry,” he said.

 Animals are touching images of his name, crafted with endless proficiency and conveying thoughts and understanding basic to humankind.

Peter Moyo

Driven by passion and love for Tongai, music promoters and fans put their full support behind the Young Igwe as Peter famously known by his legion of fans.

Music promoters were on record saying they will not live the young man alone and indeed, they are living to their promises.

Peter kick started his live performance at Sports Diner (Harare) in a fully packed house where he left fans standing on their toes with a fair performance.

Since this show at Sports Diner, this reporter has been following most of the Kwekwe-based live shows and undeniably, the support of the fans propelled his esteem.

The 22-year-old fast rising artiste should work more on his vocals before his disciples lost faith in him. In terms of the instruments and imitating his father, he is finny but his voice is a shame.

Evidence is building up that the Young Igwe is failing to reproduce his father’s ‘melody’ and this has been affecting the flow of the rhythm of his music although he is striving hard to satisfy his fans by impersonating almost everything his father always did on stage.

“The young man (Peter) is doing well at the moment but should concentrate more on his voice. There is no need to imitate his father’s voice because we have assumed him as the engine room of the Utakataka Express,” said Frank Chiwada, a major fan of Peter Moyo.

Another fan said: “Peter Moyo must be original because you can’t inherit everything and I think he should just try his own voice because that has been causing some form of discord in some of his shows.”

A gap left by the Congolese chanter Gift Katulika- well known as Shiga Shiga will not be easy to fill in order to restore the original Utakataka Express. Shiga Shiga disserted the young igwe’s band for rhumba artist Energy Mutodi and a dancer Brighton “Lualua” Kayanda who is not familiar with the Congolese accent replaced him.

Although the young Igwe put on a fair performance at the independence celebrations recently held in Chipinge, his vocals were not appealing, seemingly because of the open arena.

Since his father departed, music analysts and the media in general have been sympathizing with Moyo over his performance saying his career in music was on a short notice and was devoted much to football of late.

Peter suddenly turned his back on soccer that he much favored and focused on music. His love for soccer saw him playing for the then premierships giants Lancashire Steel Football Club juniors.

Peter Moyo was born on 18 August 1989; he attended his education at Kwekwe Primary school and Chaplin high School. He rose to stardom soon after the death of his father.

]]> http://www.shout-africa.com/entertainment/zimbabwe-dhewas-shoes-too-big-for-young-igwe/feed/ 0 http://www.shout-africa.com/entertainment/zimbabwe-dhewas-shoes-too-big-for-young-igwe/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Shout-Africa/~3/P_u6QUaeaHc/ http://www.shout-africa.com/politics/tanzania-kikwete-lauds-aprm-for-objective-report-on-state-of-governance/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 22:00:03 +0000 admin http://www.shout-africa.com/?p=15753 By Special Correspondent, Dodoma – President Jakaya Kikwete has applauded the report of the Africa Union’s governance assessment body-the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Tanzania chapter and underscored his governments’ commitment to implement recommendations from APRM reports.

President Kikwete issued the commitment in Dodoma yesterday during a sensitization seminar to members of the ruling party CCM top body, the National Executive Committee (NEC).

“APRM is like a mirror that helps us to see ourselves where we are and what we have achieved in terms of ensuring democratic leadership and good governance and economic development in our countries.

“It is against this truth that we are more than ready to implement your recommendations when the right time comes,” said the President. Under the process Tanzania was reviewed by an external panel of expert in March, 2012.

He said he has passed through the report and is confident that the process was transparent enough and objective one that’s why there are issues that the government has been congratulated for good performance but on the other hand the report has also revealed governance deficits.

Earlier on, highlighting to the NEC members on the APRM process, the chairperson of the APRM Tanzania, Prof. Hassa Mlawa on his speech read on behalf of him by an APRM Board member, Theckla Shangali commended the CCM government for acceding to the mechanism.

An APRM board member John Magalle Shibuda (MP) reminded the CCM members that APRM is a process that follows the earlier policies of TANU on self critic for correction and urged them to implement the major reports to be issued and periodic assessment.

Tanzania is currently among 30 out of 54 African countries participating in the APRM process which is repeated every after four years o review the status of governance in the member states.

16 May 2012. iROKOtv, the world’s largest online distributor of Nigerian movies and music,  today launches a brand new SMS service where lovers of all things Nollywood can have up to the minute celebrity news, gossip and intrigue sent directly to their mobile phones. Anyone living in Nigeria can text iROKOtv to 33300 to receive twice daily text messages on Nollywood related gossip, for only N50 per week.

Subscribers will receive twice daily texts about Nollywood’s hottest celebrities:

“iROKOtv: Funke Akindele won two awards at the Zuma Film Festival in Abuja. She received Best Actress for MAAMi and Highest Box Office for The Return of Jenifa.”

Jason Njoku, CEO of iROKO Partners says: “We’re super excited about launching this new iROKOtv SMS service. There’s a huge thirst for all things Nollywood, from the films themselves to the behind the scenes action. We know that our viewers love to keep up with the Nollywood celebrity scene; who’s doing what, where and with whom… and now, as of today, it’s all there, twice a day, direct to your mobile phone.

“Nigerians are coming online and heading straight to iROKOtv, and with the launch of the SMS service, we’re looking to add considerable value to what we provide for our loyal viewers who keep on clicking and accessing our amazing content. We’re growing the buzz, the community of love and support for the Nollywood superstars who are household names across the country and hope that our fans in Nigeria will love this new way of reaching out to their favourite celebrities”.

Having launched in Ghana at the start of 2012, with Rancard and MTN (Ghana + Nigeria) and TIGO (Ghana), iROKOtv’s SMS updates have proved popular, with 30,000 subscribers registered in just 3 months.

]]> http://www.shout-africa.com/entertainment/the-most-exclusive-nollywood-gossip-at-your-fingertips/feed/ 0 http://www.shout-africa.com/entertainment/the-most-exclusive-nollywood-gossip-at-your-fingertips/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Shout-Africa/~3/NIE-gOcITak/ http://www.shout-africa.com/entertainment/zimbabwes-mokoomba-rewrites-tonga-history/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 21:03:39 +0000 admin http://www.shout-africa.com/?p=15743 By Kenneth Matimaire – MUTARE –The mere mention of the Tonga tribe brings its marijuana smoking tradition to mind.

Mokoomba destined for greater heights

Its extraordinary water pipes made from the bulb of the calabash fruit, which were used to smoke dagga attracted international attention.

Many were amazed to note that Tonga women are traditionally allowed to smoke. During the colonial era, they were the only tribe permitted to legally continue their dagga smoking culture.

However, little did many expected music to be imbedded in the rich history of one of Zimbabwe’s minority ethnic groups.

The emergence of afro-fusion music band – Mokoomba will have a significant bearing on the tribe’s history.

The young and talented band has been making waves overseas. It is set to take the global music scene by storm following the international release of their second star-studded album titled “Rising Tide.”

Mokoomba band manager and First Floor Gallery Harare events director Marcus Gora

The 12 track album was composed in Tonga, Luvale, Nyanja, Mbunda and Chokwe to familiarize the rest of the country with some of the minority dialects.

It was produced by Ivorian Manou Gallo under the artistic direction of Poney Gross for Zig Zag World Belgium.

“Rising Tide” features artists from Zimbabwe and other countries as diverse as Belgium, Denmark, Guneia, India, Israel, Ivory Coast, France and Swedenon vocals and instruments to give it a classical touch.

It is set to mark the band’s baby steps into the international hall of fame.

Mokoomba’s band manager Marcus Gora said the album celebrates the country’s cultural richness.

“Rising Tide is not just about Mokoomba, growing from strength to strength. It is also about the importance and elevation of pride in Zimbabwe and its cultural richness.

“While all the songs are musically engaging and exciting, they also carry with them messages of traditional wisdom and stories of life in Zimbabwe today,” said Gora.

The album was first launched in Harare on April 20 followed by the official international and online release in Belgium ten days later.

In this regard, Gora said, “This is the first professional international release for the band.”

“Having the advantage of an important internationally recognized producer like Manou Gallo to support and develop the project, has really taken the band to a new level.

“The band’s material has always been very strong and now it can be put across as a first class international standard production. Judging by the critical feedback from all over the world, the CD is the boot that will kick-start Mokoomba’s journey to stardom,” he added.

“Rising Tide” also pays tribute to the late talented young drummer Tatenda “Sticks” Kanjato one of the guest artists on the album.

Meanwhile, Mokoomba is on a four-month tour of seven European countries; Hungary, Germany, Serbia and Montenegro, Netherlands, Russia, Austria and Belgium.

The tour will also be used to market the new album.

It is against this backdrop that the dread-locked band manager said “Rising Tide is a clear example that Zimbabwean musicians can reach global audiences.”

In a different story, First Floor Gallery Harare ran a visual art exhibition titled “Vasikana Vedu” during the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) from May 2 to 6 May designed to showcase some of the strongest young female artists.

“Vasikana Vedu” brought together five different artists.

The exhibition showcased works of Sabina Mutsvati, who produced an amazing installation and performance which presented models and poets cladded in unique dresses made from female condoms and newspapers.

There was also Mavis Tauzeni whose new works incorporated paintings and objects reflecting her spirituality followed by Anne Mutema, whose works in mixed media and found objects were a comment on societal institutions like marriage.

Wrapping up the exhibition was Chido Nyabinde-Nyatsuro a print-maker with thought provoking abstract portraits and Varaidzo Gwede a sculptor working with metal, stone and wood to depict African beauty.

The gallery events director Marcus Gora said, “The exhibition really succeeded in changing the way people see women artists and shows what an important part of contemporary art in Zimbabwe they represent.”

An Elderly woman of Arthington Township sings and dances for the new source of safe water provided, while Higher Ground International CEO, Madam Henrietta White-Holder fetches water to drink

Arthington is a historic Township in Montserrado County, the Republic of Liberia, established by the first Settlers in 1822 and the home of former President, Charles Taylor. The construction of the facilities followed an assessment by Higher Ground International to the Township which pays host to over fifteen thousand inhabitants.

The much needed facilities were recently constructed in the James Wright Community, Moses Tingay Town and Gomkpon Junction Community in Arthington Township, about 45-mile drive outside the Nation’s Capital, Monrovia.

Group photo with Higher Ground International CEO, Mrs. Henrietta White-Holder(middle) & Team, and some Officials & residents of Arthington Township, Montserrado County-Liberia

The cost of the three hand pumps and one latrine is put at eight thousand United States dollars.

Mrs. Henrietta White-Holder, Chief Executive Officer of the Higher Ground International and Arthington City Mayor, Alfred Hill, among others performed the dedicatory ceremony last Saturday at the Gomkpon Junction Community.

According to a dispatch from the WASH Reporters & Editors Network of Liberia, a six-room toilet in Moses Tingay Town, and a giant hand pump under a shelter in the Gomkpon Junction Community which were dedicated are nearing completion.

The Higher Ground Boss termed the project as her Organization’s own way of helping to provide safe & clean water, improved sanitation and hygiene to the most needy, vulnerable and abandoned people and communities.

She clarified that an American Humanitarian and businessman only identified as Armando and Son based in Rhode Island USA funded WASH project in Gomkpon Junction Community while her Organization shoulders the rest through the assistance of other humanitarians based in the United States of America.

One of the newly constructed hand pumps in Arthington by Higher Ground International

Madam White-Holder said the hand pumps are necessary because the only source of safe drinking water in the entire Arthington Township is a faraway creek where the residents get water to cook, drink, bathe and at the same time wash their clothes.

According to her, the latrine project is important to ensure Open defecation Free (ODF) or further discourage the people from using nearby bushes as toilets due to the lack of home and public latrines in Arthington Township.

The Higher Ground International CEO who promised to further embark on other developmental projects in the Township, urged the citizens of Arthington to support her in helping to restore human dignity and hope for a better Township and Community.

She named other initiatives as Agriculture, Skills Training, and man power development, among others.

She also promised more community service projects, human resources development, and the restoration of economic and social sustainability in Arthington Township.

Arthington City Mayor, Alfred Hill and Council Chairman, Clement Wright welcomed the initiatives being undertaking by the Higher Ground International, describing them as developmental and life-saving

They termed public latrines and hand pumps as strange facilities since the establishment of Arthington Township in 1822.

They confirmed that since 1822 the citizens of Arthington usually get drinking water from the creek and use nearby bushes as toilet, adding that few families who had water-wells and home latrines have since been destroyed during the civil crisis.

The well attended ceremony was also graced by Rev. Augustus B. Manyongai , Country Representative of Higher Ground International, Arthington Development Chairman, Erasmus Bass, Magistrate Orcus Bannah, the Chairlady for the Concerned Women of Arthington, Madam Hawa Moore and  Mrs. Elphada Barclay who hosted personnel of the Higher Ground International in Arthington Township.

Netsayi Chigwendere in concert

All marimba lovers who had been crying fowl over the demise of the genre had something to smile about as the young lady took them aback with love songs such as ‘George’ and the result was a breathtaking performance that will definitely catapult the band into great heights.

Netsayi’s band had the crowd applauding as they remixed songs such as ‘magobo’- a song originally performed by Thomas Mapfumo which came out as a stunning success.

She also belted a song based on Zimbabwean living in Diaspora who then ditched not to belong to her motherland country and later befriended with white friends. The song was a comedy in nature and it sends the crowd in fits of laughter.

The female lead singer’s vocal was uncontested as ‘pidigori waenda’; a song originally done by Thomas Mapfumo was remixed, much to the delight of the crowd.

She also performed songs such as ‘Hondo’ (a song about war and its effects on people. The band sings traditional contemporary music and Afro-Jazz and is led by a female guitarist on the vocals.

Born in Camden, London to Zimbabwean parents who were in exile, Netsayi went to Zimbabwe when she was seven and did not return to London until she was twenty. She was educated in Africa and in England and has worked professionally in film and television.

She said environment was responsible for shaping and inspiring her music.

 “From life, from friends and family, people I know and their stories… From the desire to solve or work out that drives me and other people to do what we do,” she said.

Others were left haunted with the scary images while others get to realise that nightmares and the dream world really exist.

The talented violinist left a new marvel in Harare with his life-like moving pictures which were seen on the screen while playing the music.

He gave a five-star performance with his music accompanied by imagery and videos to explain the concept.

It was a very important day to the history of Harare when Duffalo blended the show of cinema with the sounds of a violin. It was an interactive concerto for violin, electronics and film.

The show was all about the dream world and nightmares, to show that they really exist.
Duffalo left the audience asking for more in a well-attended show and attracted African minds with his ‘technological discovery’.

Though it took time for some of the audience to understand the meaning of the show, he sacrificed his time and explained the sequence before starting the show.

“This is all about dream world; it’s about nightmares and is done with imagery to describe the tunes.
“Like now I am going to play a song titled wedding for my daughter yet to be born and images will show it to you.”

The flexible violinist played four pieces from his current album Dream Streets, which draws inspiration from the beauty and symbolism of New York City.

He later played a twenty-five minutes piece Labyrinth done by Paola Prestini. This song is about a man on an enigmatic visual journey through the labyrinth of life.