Love is in the air for Big Brother Housemates

Mandlexi at their night out

It seems like the Big Brother house is now a spot of finding love as. What happens in the house does not seem to end in the house. Elikem and Pokello opened the way for other Big Brother Lovers as Mandla and Lexi are now so much in love with each other.

Recently Lexi posted a picture with a shinning diamond ring on her figure soon after Mandla visited her and her family in Cape Town. Now the question that everyone has is, Is that an engagement ring??

When Lexi was still in the Big Brother house, she acted as if she did not care that much about Mandla, surprisingly they are seen to be spending so much time together to the extent of visiting each other's families 

In my own point of view, l think Mandla and Lexi make a cute couple together because relationship is all about understanding each other and knowing what the other person wants.

Mandlexi's fans are shouting out that they want a wedding from the two, l just wonder if it will happen or the ring in Lexi's figure is just meant to show commitment nothing more. People in love can do anything so let us just wait and see what happens between Mandla and Lexi

 

Richard to perform at Harare Reps Theatre

Richard performing on a live show

International stage comedy “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy!” is coming to Zimbabwe, leading South African actor Michael Richard delivering this hit one-hander show.

The show will have only two performances at Harare’s Reps Theatre, on Friday May 16 and Saturday May 17.

Popularly known from his hilariously funny play of an Italian-Jewish family and the crazy characters who drive the main character into therapy.

The show has toured the world since 2007 and has enjoyed a successful run in South Africa. In this one-man tour de force, Richard has created a range of voices, dialects and sound effects that will make the stories and jokes come alive.

The show is expected to entertain the people of Zimbabwe by making them laugh at every word that comes out of Richard's mouth.

Richard was schooled in Zimbabwe before studying drama at the University of Cape Town. In 1974, he joined PACT as a member of Ken Leach’s famed Arena Company. After playing Hamlet for PACT in 1978, he left the company to become a freelance performer, although he was enticed back as an associate actor for four years in the mid-1980s.

In the 30 years that Richard has been on stage, he has played a variety of roles from Shakespeare to rock-opera; from comedy, tragedy, farce and musicals to several pantomime dames. Other productions include “Othello”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “Fangs”, “Laughing Matters”, “Wild Honey”, “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Amadeus”, “Educating Rita”, “Full Circle” and “Ying Tong – A Walk With the Goons”.

Zahara shines in Bulawayo

Zahara performing with a fan

Afro-soul musician Zahara shared the stage with three other female artistes, Cynthia Mare, Sandra Ndebele and Diana Samkage.

During the show, the afro-fusion musician,Mare hogged the limelight with songs from her latest album Songs my mother loved in a tribute to her late mother. With her magnificent force, the crowd could not resist dancing despite the cold

Mare did not disappoint the fans who had been waiting for four hours as she opened with a song Weakness in me by American musician Keisha White which Zahara also performed later on.

Following Mare was Ndebele with her energetic dance routines together with her dancers including professional male soukous dancers, Ndebele sang the song "Sukuma". The audience could not resist to notice the wedding ring she was wearing. This comes as a challenge to other women out there who give up their careers and passions just because they got married.

 Samkange dressed

in attire that bore colours of the Zimbabwean flag, she delightfully entertained the audience with her  mbira playing skills and played the tambourine.

The interesting part was the way in which the audience called out Zahara's name before she could take to the stage.

The award-winning singer, beautifully dressed and with great confidence took to the stage with her band, lighting up the atmosphere.
She sang Incwadi Encane, Loliwe and Umthwalo Wami among other songs from her debut album Loliwe, which proved to be a big success in 2011.

Zahara's music just has a way of touching people's lives and motivating them. Such entertainment is exactly what the city of Bulawayo needed hopefully we will be getting more of this

BIG Brother lovebirds to tie the knot

Pokello and Elikem

 It means like there is actually hope of a happy ever after for the Big Brother Africa lover Pokello and Elikem.  After the speculations that Elikem has left Pokello for Theresa, Elikem told News One  that he is ready to tie the knot with his celebrity sweetheart Pokello Nare.

 Elikem seems to have chosen Pokello over Theresa Onnen — a Germany-based fashion designer. Elikem told News One in an exclusive interview “if we are not already married then yes, you will hear wedding bells soon”.

It actually seems like all those speculations that Theresa is pregnant and that the romantic relationshipwhich erupted from the BBA reality show between Pokello and Elikem had ended are actually not true.

The belief of most people that what happens in the BB house stay there and has no future has been proven wrong. It all depends with the connection and commitment that the two have. Even in the mist of a game, relationships formed there can actually be reality and not a game as Pokello and Elikem's relationship has shown that this is possible. To tell the truth, l did not expect this to happen as l have witnessed most relationships that happened in the house staying in the house.

I still hope that very soon we will be having a reality show called BBZim and keep the entertainment rolling in the country. I'm also one of the people who are waiting patiently for Big Brother Africa 2014 and believe me the only thing that l will be interested in seeing is the formation of relationships. I hope it will be more interesting the previous one.

Nkabazwe radio promotes MSU practical radio lessons

 GWERU community radio, Nkabazwe and the Midlands State University (MSU)  are planning to partner in a development set to benefit students at the institution of higher learning in practical radio lessons.

MSU students are allowed to hold lectures at the community radio station as well as touring Nkabazwe studio where they are shown the studio’s operations. The newly-established relationship is meant to give MSU students lessons and prepare them for the industry. Anytime soon, the will be formally partnering with the institution so that students regularly visit the studios and learn more practically than dealing with theoretical aspects only as students will be given recorders and will be educated more to familiarise them with the radio editing software. The aim of this is not only to prepare them for the industry but to also equip them in case the institution gets funds to set its own campus radio. 

This is a good move by MSU and it is of great benefit to students studying media. Maybe the complains that come from the people in the industry about students being full of theory and failing to do anything practical might reduce as students will get practical skills right from part 1. Personally as a Journalism and Media Studies student, l know how difficult it is for one to be told all those technical terms without actually seing the objects being talked about. I remember when l was in part 1 and we were learning about different types of micro- phones, it did not make any sense to me how different they were to each other until the day our own studio at National University of Science and Technology was ready for use. That is were l got to understand better the concepts l was being taught in class.

Universities should maintain the standard of not feeding students with theory but giving them a chance to do actual things that are being done in the field so that by the time students go for attachment and be in the real industry, it will be easy for them to cope.   

Eighteen year-old crowned Miss NUST 2014

1st and 2nd Pricesses and Miss NUST with their escorts.

Sibonginkosi Ncube has been crowned Miss National University of Science and Technology (Nust) 2014 beating 10 other contestants.

Bathabile Dlamini, a journalism and media studies student, was first princess and Portia Nyathi, doing medicine, was the second princess.

When l attended the event, l did not expect it to be as colorful and interesting as it was. The beauty pageant event was blessed with the presence of a Harare-based dancehall DJs Judgment Yard. The students could not hold themselves when Etherton B made entrance to the stage, most students that had gathered at the venue invaded the stage as he chanted on the mic, causing a 30-minute stoppage to proceedings .

Despite the 30minutes stoppage, the event continued and students had the time of their lives enjoying the music with most students dancing like they have never danced before. Alcohol was available for students to enjoy themselves even more.


It seems like the event was open for everyone because l saw many students from Bulawayo Polytech and some people l know to be non-students at all. My conclusion to this was Bulawayo as a city lacks such entertainment that is why people did not hesitate to come in large number to Miss NUST. I think more of such events should be made available for youths in City because it is in the nature of the youth to like having fun.

Such events are good refreshment to students who spend most of their time busy with school work. I hope Miss NUST will not be the only event to be held on campus because "all work with no play makes Jake a dull boy" so students do need the entertainment.

Mapfumo bounces back to the music industry

LEONARD Mapfumo is back in the music industry with a new album titled The Road to Israel after being off the radar for some time now.



The 10- track album which will reflect on people’s day-to-day lives including love, religion and my road to success, will be released on April 1. The musician who has been lately committed to his recording label Heshi Mfeshi which needed him more to write, record and groom new artistes has decided to give some time to his own music again.

Tracks to look forward on the album include Chitititi which features Mangen’a and Trey XL, and Mwana waMambo, featuring Cindy Munyavi and Mudiwa Mtandwa

It is a good thing that Mapfumo played a role in raising new talents such as Yoz, Yaka, Vannessa and Shinso. He is playing a critical role in the industry as the new talent are the future of the music industry.

If only we can see more musicians like Sandra Ndebele coming back then our music industry will not die as it seems to be going down the drain right now.

I remember how much l used to know more about Zimbabwean musicians than outside ones but right now, ask me about western musicians and l will tell you all about it but when it comes to Zimbabwean l seem to be less interested everyday that passes by. I know l'm not the only citizen who feels this way but what should we do when we see less of our local music.

Local musicians should also try to meet up with standard of other countries. We are now living in a global world and people now have easy access to global music so for local musicians to keep their local supporters entertained, they should also try to meet up with the standard in terms of quality music, quality videos that will interest the public.

Big Brother lovebirds break-up

Lovebirds, Pokello and Elikem

For sometime now l have been thinking that Big Brother lovebirds Pokello and Elikem actual have a bright future together outside the Big Brother Africa House but hey it seems like the real world is nothing like the Big Brother House.

The couple have split and the “fairytale” love affair which had won the couple considerable admiration in both Ghana and Zimbabwe has collapsed. Elikem is now dating a 28-year-old fashion designer, Theresa Boateng, from Germany. The fashion designer is said to be pregnant for Elikem.

To me Pokello and Elikem's break up shows that some of the things that happen in the BB House remain in the house. Maybe people get involved in relationships in that reality show because of the circumstances in the house then when they go back to the real world, they realize that they are not compatible to each other and the relationship does not last long. 

 

l guess millions of people out there are waiting patiently for Big Brother Africa 2014. Reality shows are great entertainment to people. Right now it is part of my daily routine that when l get home the first thing l do is to turn on the television and tune to Big Brother Mzansi and see what is the housemates are doing. I really think, my country Zimbabwe should try and introduce reality shows like Big Brother so that people won't have to wait for BB Africa for reality shows entertainment. It is a good thing that South Africa is providing such entertainment, other African countries have to copy. People need entertain in their lives because it relieves people stress and helps them in the re-creation of their identities. Those at the entertainment industry should ensure that they keep the spirit going and provide more forms of entertainment. 

Makuwe nominated for the Adam NZ Play awards

Zimbabwean based playwright, Stanley Makuwe has been shortlisted for the 2014 Adam New Zealand (NZ) Play Award for his new play, "Footprints on Ika’s Heart".

 Makuwe stands a chance among other playwrights, to be the winner who will walk away with $5 000. This is a big motivation for the writer to work even harder and dedicate mopre time to writing. It is surprising that Makuwe got the chance to stand with other professional who live and breath theatre writing because for his writing is a part time job.

The play is titled Footprints on Ika’s heart. In brief it’s about two young lovers escaping war from Africa to the Western world with the hope of living and loving freely, only to find themselves facing another war (challenges) of survival in foreign lands. His writing tries to mix together African and Western styles of story-telling which makes his writing unique and produces a good story which interest people.

 Makuwe's success is an evidence of the fact that it is possible for people to achieve their goals in life nomatter where they come from as he is the only African shortlisted for this award. Once a person achieves something, it must not end there but he or she must want to go a step further and do much better.

The Adam NZ which is a play award is presented annually by New Zealand’s Playmarket is supported by Adams Foundation and the Play Press and now in its 6th year.

This should come as an inspiration to other Zimbabwean play writer to aim higher and not limit them selves for only the sky is the limit for success. If Makuwe can do it, it means any other writer out there can also make it even better than him.

It runs in the blood- Simon Chimbetu's daughter to launch an album

Sulumani and Saiwe Chimbetu singing together.

It seems like the love of music runs in the blood for the Chimbetu family, as Saiwe Chimbetu, carries her late father Simon Chimbetu's singing legacy. Saiwe will be launching  her second seven-track gospel album, Simba Rekutenda , on Friday 21 March at Kingston House in Harare.

Admission to the event is free. Live shows are expected to follow the launch of this album

Unlike the other Chimbetu members, Saiwe is the only one who sings gospel music. Not only does she follow the footsteps of her brothers Sulumani and Tryson Chimbetu in their carry the legacy of their father,  she is also the first female in the family to record.

Simba Rekutenda comes after the success of her debut six-tracks Shoko RaJehova.
The album which is a fusion of Dendera and rhumba beats. If composed of tracks, Anopindura, Handisarire, Ndodaidza, Sesemere, Kushandura, Anondidana and Munoera.

This should come as a challenge and inspiration to other musicians in Zimbabwe with the love of music in their blood. It is the role of these musicians to keep alive the Zimbabwean music industry which is at the verge of falling apart. Instead of musicians leaving the country to search for greener pastures, they should at least try to maintain and boast our own industry in Zimbabwe. If only musicians can find new forms of entertaining the public,instead of letting the industry die. 

The government should also take part in sponsoring the young upcoming talents and let them shine in the country before they decide to look for that sponsorship and financial support outside the country

KEEP THE ZIMBABWEAN MUSIC BURNING BY SUPPORTING NEW TALENTS.

NUST lecturers on strike, students are affected.

When it comes to the issues of strike, history will always repeat its self. Time and again lecturers will always go on strike if their salaries are not paid but what of the effects of these strikes on students? Truth be told, when lecturers go on strike, the victims are not the administrators of the university but the students. I have no problem with the lecturers going on strike because it is their right to get paid for their services but what of the the university students who have paid their fees so as to learn? Should they also demonstrate around campus for them to learn? In the end of the semester, the same students who are being neglected by the lecturers are the ones who sit for exams. No exam considers strikes that took place during the semester, neither does it consider the lectures lost by students due to these strikes. One way or the other all students will write the exams and those exams determine degree classes students get.

Like any other year, nust lectures are currently on strike. They are not teaching parallel and masters students as they have not received their payments for these classes. Some parallel students actual thought of taking action against this and forcefully attended lectures with the convectional classes. For how long are university students going to be treated like this? The blame does not go to the lecturers but the responsible authorities who are supposed to ensure that lecturers get their payment. It is so unfair to students because the university is very strict when it comes to the issues of paying fees. University students struggle to make ends meet, actually most parallel students work so as to raise money for fees only to come to campus and be told that  there are not lectures.

The authorities responsible should take serious action on this issue because for years and years, issues of strike in universities have been on going. I know the administrators are not affected by this issue but it a great concern to the students. Students pay fees, in the same way they are always willing to make students defer for not paying fees, they should also be as much willing to pay the lecturer for those students who pay to learn.

High schools, a drug abuse zones

Its shocking how most high school students forget their reason of being at school and turn to useless staff that do nothing but harm their health and disturbs their school performance. l always ask my self why most school students start taking drugs. The only answer l always come up with is peer pressure. So many stories have come up in the media about high students who abuse drugs especially at boarding schools. l just wonder what action is being done to help these students see their mistakes.

 Recently, 21 pupils from Tennyson Hlangabani High School were suspended on the bases of possessing and using cannabis (imbanje). The worst part of it is that, pupils pointed figures to a villager as their supplier. How inhuman it is for a grown man to risk the education of young boys buy selling imbanje to them. This incident happens to a lot more schools out there. I remember during my high school days, l used to know boys who abuse drugs. Similarly, they used to get them from villagers who were actually making money out of it. I think the police should arrest more of these people who sell drugs.

How can pass rate go up when such incidents are taking place. School should have strict restrictions that does not allow pupils any contact with such dangerous drugs. Not only do school students use drugs but they also drink alcohol and in some instances teachers are involved in getting pupils alcohol. I just wonder what example do such teachers set to pupils. High school students need real motivation from staying away from drugs. Instead of advocating for condoms to be placed at high school toilets, we should see more reach out programs of educating pupils on dangerous of drug abuse. The government should work hand in hand with schools to fight this drug abuse that is widely spreading in high schools.

EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS, don't let the leaders, doctors, police officers and engineers of tomorrow throw away their lives because of the use of drugs. Parents at home should also encourage their kids to avoid peer pressure and stay away from drugs. 

Condom awareness at NUST

Nust students

National University of Science and Technology (NUST) becomes the first university in Zimbabwe to celebrate International Condom Week.  The NUST SRC organized the awareness campaign with the support of Carex Zimbabwe. It was a lively and educative event as students got to know how to protect themselves from being HIV infected. The Carex representatives used a method of asking students question about the use of condoms and the person who got the answer correct was given a condoms or a Carex t-shirt

I personally think it is a good idea for such events or campaigns to continue taking place in universities as the truth of matter is that most students are sexually active. However, despite being sexually active, some students are ignorant to the issue of protecting themselves. The issue that was raised one raised by the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health of placing condoms in high school toilets should take place not in high schools but in universities. Stories have come out in the media of high rates of HIV positive people being students at universities and colleges. This is true which makes the issue of protecting one's self very important to be addressed in the universities. The campaign that was organised by NUST is actually a good move and other universities and colleges should take note and follow the same foot stapes.

University students are the future of the country, what will the world turn to if more students die of HIV/AIDS. Condoms do not only protect people from getting HIV but also protects unwanted pregnancy and other STIs.

BE SMART AND PROTECT YOUR SELF FROM GETTING HIV, USE CONDOMS


    

Valentine special-JAH PRAISER PERFORMED IN BULAWAYO

14 February is finally came, the day of expressing love and care to the special people in our lives. As the city of kings and queens expected to have the best valentine this year, it expectation became reality as it was blessed by the presents of the famous Harare based singer Jah Pray. Couples enjoyed the moment of love, the single ladies and gentlemen out there enjoyed valentine and most important those in love express their love by taking out their loved ones to enjoy the valentine on Saturday at white city Bulawayo on 15 February.

Jah Prayzah

Love is a blessing for those who have it, it a wish for those who don’t have it yet, it’s a dream for those who are too scared to express how they feel. One thing for sure everyone need love, we all need to feel loved as much as we all want to express love to someone. February is a month of love and it is a blessing to the city of queens and kings that it had the opportunity to celebrate the valentine with Jah Prayzah. It was a great performance which left the people of Bulawayo filled with love and joy.