Kazz on Andy's departure
Those of you who follow me on twitter would by now know that I have made a brief gateway from the UK to the motherland, Zimbabwe, on a two week around the country’s choice tourism destination.
I have created the twitter tag #AroundZimbabwe to keep you posted and my post can also be found on @Peopleshub account and the newssite: NewZimbabwe.com
The first day of the trip began with a frenetic and terse programme for the opening of the Sanganai/Hlanganani tourist event at Harare’s Rainbow Towers.
This year's edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel and Tourism and Africa Fair attracted an estimated 750 exhibitors and was a well-organised event to say the least.
It’s not until 5 when the event is officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Arthur Mutambara who is in his element dishing out a rabble-rousing speech laden with populist messages.
He tells delegates that Africa should not beg for financial support from the West and labels aid a “double-edged” sword.
Describing what he called “commercial diplomacy” as a panacea to the continent’s economic woes, Mutambara, called on African countries and the civil society to negotiate for equal trading opportunities instead.
He said: "We do not want aid. Aid is a double-edged sword. When we go to ask for aid we will be saying we are a basket case for donors to give us their money. Yes we will get the money but we need to be careful with some of these statements when we go around with begging bowls asking for donor money.
“Who would then want to be a tourist in a basket case? Who would want to invest in a basket case? What we should push for is commercial diplomacy - a win-win situation," he said.
The Zimbabwean government has been making concerted efforts to rebrand the country’s tourism industry since political decay and economic downturn in the past decade took a toll on its fortunes.
“No matter what forms of sanctions they impose on us, or how much they may say we have low GDP (Gross Domestic index), we know we are the best in the world in terms of Global Happiness Index,” Mutambara said to much sniggers and chuckles from the crowd.
“Tourism is a low-hanging fruit for us and an non-expendable resource. So we will not be fazed about any suggestions of being poor because we know we are wealthy in many other natural resources. How can they call us poor when we are sitting on diamonds, the Victoria Falls and platinum,” he added.
The hunt is on for nominees for the 2012 Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA).
The London-based awards aim to celebrate a broad array of artistic talent, business, community work and overall demonstrable achievement by Zimbabweans across the world.
ZAA director Conrad Mwanza said: “We’re pleased to continue supporting Zimbabwean achievers and recognize them for their outstanding contributions on the global arena and in their communities.
“Nominating is a simple act, but one that can make a huge impact. For the next 3 months, we will take an extensive public consultation drive to unearth those unsung Zimbabwean heroes and celebrate the others the world already witnesses. We are calling on all Zimbabweans to voice their choices by helping us recognise and identify them on our website: zimachievers.com/nominate.php ,” he explained.
Once nominated, the businesses, social enterprises, individuals or groups will be reviewed by the ZAA academy panel which will then create a shortlist. Members of the public are free to nominate as many nominees as they wish across the 21 categories of the awards.
Above: Pop sensation Tinashe´ was one of the big winners at ZAA 2011
According to the award organisers, the 2012 Awards have been revamped to include new categories and an exciting literary award section which invites writers to submit unpublished work to be compiled into a book.
“We are especially most excited about the literary category for 2012. We have tied up plans to compile and publish a book of nominated short stories we will receive,” Mwanza said.
“This year we really want to highlight that Zimbabweans across the world can nominate anyone they feel has made a contribution to the community, no matter how big or small. We look forward to a group of high-calibre nominees and believe the new award categories will allow for an even greater diversity among nominees. For us it’s another step in our distinction to recognise Zimbabwean achievements with these most special awards,” he added.
The nomination and voting period began 1 October, coinciding with the ZAA website re-launch and is open until 1 January 2012.
Dr Tawanda V Alick Macheso – Macheso House Medley
This tune is the latest craze in Harare clubs at the moment.
The architect of the party banger is none other than Botswana-based Zimbabwean DJ, Tawanda “Dr Tawanda” Benson who cherry-picked a set of Sungura legend Alick Macheso’s choice classics and mixed them on a sunny, Afro-House baseline. The result is a slow-tempo yet jaunty cut that I’ve had on repeat on the iPod most times I’ve been out for a jog recently (many thanks to my sister Sandra Nyaira who e-mailed me the track all the way from her Voice Of America Washington base.)
Because sharing is caring, this one is yours for free below. Thank me later!
(download)
Refreshingly, the H-Metro newspaper tells us Dr Tawanda has the blessing of Cheso Power on this one, so more power to him!
Jusa Dementor ft Kazz – Bhundu Girl
After doing many rounds on the net, Bhundu Girl has finally attained a video and has hardly lost its infectious appeal since we first heard it sometime in early 2010.
Check out the vid which came out a fortnight ago:
Here, prolific Derby-based producer/singer/songwriter, Tawanda “Jusa Dementor” Sibotshiwe teams up with his long-time chyna Farhaan Khan a.k.a Kazz – one half of the Pop sibling duo Bkay and Kazz.
Kazz lends a melodic contribution on the hook, while Jusa delivers Naija style Pidgin English bars, terse with comic value and Pop simplicity.
What with an opening verse which goes:
You are my African Madonna/
Me go pass many players to get to you like Maradona/
One day, every girl is going to understand why I like you/
My love no come to you one time but ina come in a double/
Without you my girl, Ima end up in a trouble/
My love for you just get greater/
I will climb the Kilimanjaro and come back tomorrow just to see you smile/
Barefoot across the Kalahari, Ima come back in a hurry/
Young Don Feat. Scorcher, Sincere & Cynthia Mare - We're Going In
If I had 140 characters to review this track, I’d be tempted to just tweet:
@cynthiamare murders Young Don on his own track>> http//blahblah.net
But perhaps that would be unfair, as Twitter is sometimes. And most certainly it would be an injustice to production values the remainder of the the record and video possess.
So I will let you have a view and opine about it too:
To me, R&B siren Cynthia Mare has not only rescued the rappers here, she has actually carried the song altogether with her swagger and feisty presence. Cynth’s effort is matched by Sincere (second verse rapper) who’s vocal confidence demands attention.
Nonetheless, the tune is again a sure hit and underlines Cynthia’s growing reputation after she was this week nominated for a BEFFTA award.
Carlprit - 1234
After making international success with a collaboration effort with Cascada on the 2009 Dance hit, Evacuate the Dancefloor, Germany-based Zimbabwean rapper Carprit sees no cause to change a winning formula.
For the past 4 weeks, the younger brother of the legendary Söhne Mannheims rapper Meta Physics, has been topping charts across Europe with his new cut, 1234.
Though relatively unkown (the 25-year-old, real name Rudi Schwamborn) has actually sold more records internationally than any other Zimbabwean artist.
Find out how the song is doing in the Viva Charts here and feel free to cast a vote!
DJ Huku a.k.a Dave Smallwood – DJ Huku Mix
Unheralded DJ, Dave Smallwood tore the roof off the Zimfest London 2011 DJ arena last month with a series of House mixes that send revellers bonkers.
Born and bred in Zimbabwe, Huku a.k.a Headstepper, was first introduced to a small but thriving electronic dance scene back in the late 90s. Starting out at the young age of 15, he worked behind the booth in a range of clubs including Archipelago, The Tube and Escape.
In the last year he has taken London by storm and has played at numerous clubs, brands and venues including Bootleg Social, The White House, Viva (Ibiza), Electronic Sessions and Ministry of Sound.
<span>Zimfest 2011 - DJ HUKU Mix by djhuku</span>
Check out this new mix (above) and download for free House samples from the likes of Mechanic Manyeruke, Jiti trail blazers Bhundu Boys, the legendary Sungura great, John Chibadura and the Chibuku ad!
Young Pearl Doherty was last night (10 September 2011) crowned queen at the inaugural Miss Zim Diamond show held at London’s Royal National Hotel.
The Zimbabwe-born, Ireland-raised beauty won over the judges of the glittering show watched by an audience of 300, landing herself a grand prize of access to a career with a £30 000 a year salary in the hospitality industry, while other prizes took her total haul to an estimated £45 000.
Cheered on by her family and friends, the 20-year-old took top points across three rounds, modelling swimwear, eveningwear and a special business plan presentation category.
Organisers of the Miss Zim Diamond pageant had made a refreshing break from the mould by dropping the clichéd and often embarassing segment which asks models about their charitable intends at most shows. Instead, Miss Zim Diamond contestants had to present a business of logical income generation as well as community value.
With a beaming smile soon after her coronation by Miss Zim Diamond ambassador and Pop music star Shingai Shonhiwa of the Noisettes, Pearl said: “I’m ecstatic and thrilled at winning the first ever Miss Zim Diamond title. Though I have spent half of my life in the UK, I am Zimbabwean through and through; and am proud to have been chosen to be ambassador of my country over the next year.
“My dream is to open schools that allow under-privileged kids to go to school and access the basic human right that is education,” added the pageant winner who is reading for a degree in Global Development and Politics at Leeds Metropolitan University.
Business acumen
Before declaring the winner and the two runners-up, the founder and organiser of the pageant, Glorianne Francis addressed the enthralled audience.
“Putting this show together required commitment. My honest appreciation goes to all our supporters. Miss Zim Diamond will endeavour to attract tourism and foreign investment in Zimbabwe by selecting admirable and talented delegates to portray a positive image of the Zimbabwean woman and the beauty of Zimbabwe as a country,” said an elated Glorianne.
Coming a close second was crowd-favourite Lorraine Chinouriri and second princess Ngoni Namate.
Above: Pearl flanked by Ngoni right and Lorraine left 
An aspiring musician and former junior political representative in Northern Ireland, Pearl is also a keen athlete who has competed in national competitions.
As Miss Zim Diamond, Pearl will now take her platform nationally when she travels to Zimbabwe to compete for Miss Zimbabwe crown. Victory there would give her a shot at the Miss World title next year.
Last night’s show was capped off with stellar performances from Pop duo BKay and Kazz whose smash hit, 7 Wonders was the official Miss Zim Diamond theme song. Dancehall artist Jusa Dementor, rap duo Boyz dze Tonaz as well as R&B sirens Zuwa and Cynthia Mare also gave spirited performances.
Judges on the night included former Britain and Commonwealth Heavyweight boxing champion Derek Chisora, Econet Wirelss UK CEO Marco Singorini, and Viola Ncube, president of Global Hospitality Services.
AFTER a year of planning with regional finals across England, the event to return glamour and swagger to Zimbabwean beauty pageantry reaches its climax on Saturday.
Thirteen beauties of Zimbabwean heritage will battle for the crown of Miss Zim Diamond 2011 at the Royal National Hotel in central London.
Event founder Glorianne Francis said: “Miss Zim Diamond is not your regular pageant. Contestants will be judged on their entrepreneurial acumen, commitment to charitable causes, their portrayal of the modern Zimbabwean woman and representation of the beauty of Zimbabwe as a country.
“We want to see the girls make a mark in their communities here in the UK through firm business ventures, and inspire their compatriots at home in Zimbabwe and the diasporas at large.”
Organisers say the winner of Miss Zim Diamond 2011 will get a shot at a £30,000/year job in the hospitality industry. She will also get a bye to represent the UK region in the Miss Zimbabwe finals in Harare early next year.
Zimbabwe’s biggest mobile phone company, Econet Wireless, is the pageant’s headline corporate sponsor through its UK operations.
Expected to grace the evening of beauty and glamour will be a “who’s who” of Zimbabwean celebrity including sprinter Brian Dzingai, former British and Commonwealth heavyweight boxing champion Derek Chisora, Britain’s Got Talent competitor Donna Africa, and Indie-rock diva Shingai Shoniwa, from the Noisettes.
Shoniwa, the Miss Zim Diamond ambassador said: “I am proud of all our girls and I would like to see them shining like the diamonds they are.
“More than being the beauties they are in looks, this pageant will call on them to unearth the shining gems inside their hearts and minds. I can only wish them well.”
Zimfest London 2011 closed with a bang having pulled in genuine surprises for revellers on a suspect summer night in London. With rain having threatened to dampen the affair in London Town, big hitting performances from the festivals line-up warmed up the scene with sure and spirited performances on the main arena.
Saturday night saw rising South African stars Mankinpure, dazzle the crowd while steely rockers Kamakaze Test Pilots continued to endear themselves to their home-away-from-home crowd.
Still, on it’s return to Raynes Park, Zimfest celebrated its eleven year old foray into festivals with perhaps its most poppy line up yet. Performances from former model Zuwa, budding star Say Say and rapper Karizma underlined this year’s new direction.
Former years have seen Oliver Mtukudzi, Harare and Chiwoniso Maraire take to the stage but this year’s billing, particularly on the Sunday, took a step away from acoustic music.
It was an exciting weekend for Afro-pop stars, Bkay and Kazz who belted material off their new album, African Spirit and other familiar hits including the Museke Record of the Year nominated number, 7 Wonders.
The brothers surprised revellers by introducing a stellar cast of guests on stage including Nigerian super star, JJC Skillz, dancehall kingpin Jusa Dementor and songstress Cynthia Mare.
Zimbabwe-born British Indie Pop sensation Tinashe, then capped the night with a five star performance. The Hackney-based star - introduced on stage by Shingai Shonhiwa of the Noisettes - enjoyed a packed out audience of screaming girls delivering each song with gusto.
Two of this year’s headline artists at Zimfest London festival, Pop sensations Tinashé and the sibling duo BKay and Kazz have been nominated for the prestigious Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards.
Zimbabwe-born, London-bred Tinashé of the Zambezi fame and Masvingo natives,BKay and Kazz who are currently riding on the crest of a wave of success with their hit new album African Spirit took two of the SEVEN nominations Zimbabwe has received.
BKay and Kazz's hit 7 Wonders (below) faces stiff competition in the Record of the Year category, from heavyweights 2Face Idibia from Nigeria, Senegalese rap pioneer Awadi and South African lyricist Morale.
An exited Seiraj “BKay” Khan said: “It’s going to be a very tough competition but we are most chaffed and honoured that African fans all over have given us the nod to have a crack at this prestigious award.
“What makes me and my brother Kazz most proud, is knowing that our nominated song (7 Wonders) is an ode to a country which we so much love, our Zimbabwe. We will make a most special performance of it come Zimfest to celebrate this nomination,” he added.
Hackney boy Tinashé – expected to draw the curtain down on Zimfest 2011 – will make do with facing fellow compatriot, Shingai Shonhiwa of the group Noisettes in a mouth-watering Diaspora song of the Year category. He also has the opportunity of a second bite of the cherry with through a nomination in the Alternative Song of the Year category with Zambezi.
Shingai performs her awards entry song Kilimanjaro above
The Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards – now in their second year - are built on the belief of bringing together Africans through music exchange. The awards which will be determined by public online vote, are aimed at giving fans a voice and a chance to contribute to the acknowledgement of some of the finest in African musical talent.
A statement by the organisers announcing the nominations list today said: “The second annual Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards have come with the introduction of new categories which acknowledge the numerous genres that make up the African music scene.
“As previously announced, the Voters’ Choice category has been included in order to further engage with the African music fan in acknowledging artists who may not have enjoyed a lot of television airplay due to video submission restrictions, but went on to have an impact on the ground nonetheless,” the statement read.
Nuh Reggae riddim Jahman!
Also flying the Zimbabwean flag is Dancehall kingpin Winky D (Best Dancehall category - Musarove Bigman), Australia-based R&B singer/producer Audius(Afro-Fusion category - Saka Manje); and Jah Seed whose song Clueless (below) has been oddly nominated in the Reggae category.
Other artists dominating nominations include South Africa’s Freshlyground, Nigeria’s 2Face Idibia, DRC’s Fally Ipupa and Senegal’s Viviane N’dour who all have five nominations each.
Fans of African music are invited to take part in the Afrotainment Museke Online African Music Awards by voting for their favourite and artists they feel are most deserving of honours in the various categories from 10 August 2011 until 18 September 2011, when voting will close. Voting will take place on the awards’ website, www.moamas.com.
Mz Bratt – Get Dark
So, this came literally out of the blue. My girl Tapz dropped me some surprise mail at the office the other day containing the new CD mixtape of Bow-born femme fatale MC, Mz Bratt.
Though the Londonite lady MC has been biting off heads for a while now, she had somehow evaded my radar. The UK peeps will know Mz Bratt from her time as lead of the T4 entertainment show Musicool where she once reduced R&B star Jamelia to tears.
With Elements, Mz Bratt showcases her versatile rhyming talents on some very raw productions well mixed by reputed DJ, Kayper. She also gets weighty co-signs through collaborations with Grime pioneer Wiley (who ushers in the mixtape intro), Dot Rotten and her mentor Terrah Danjah.
Get yourself a freebie download copy of Elements here and let me know what you think. I’m torn for a favourite cut, between the war-cry Get Dark (video above) and Sleeping With My Memories which features rising star Ed Sheeran whom I will talk about next…
Ed Sheeran – The A Team
This tune debuted at number 3 on the charts when it came out a couple of months ago, announcing the arrival of young English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.
Ed has been around for a while though, as he’s produced and released a couple of albums since his debut EP the Orange Room way back in 2005. I was blown away by his writing skills on the second verse of this track.
And they say
She’s in the Class A Team
Stuck in her daydream
Been this way since 18
But lately her face seems
Slowly sinking, wasting
Crumbling like pastries
And they scream
The worst things in life come free to us
Cos we’re just under the upperhand
And go mad for a couple of grams
And she don’t want to go outside tonight
And in a pipe she flies to the Motherland
Or sells love to another man
It’s too cold outside
For angels to fly
Angels to fly
Undoubtedly at home with his guitar, he’s pushed his boundaries with the release of a collaborations LP earlier this year which featured rappers Devlin and Wiley; while he’s worked with Mz Bratt as we know now.
Have a listen of The A Team and get a freebie download above and cop his new album + (that's the PLUS sign for you) here.
Stephen Marley – Jah Army ft Buju Banton and Damien Marley
If you are game for some reggae, then look no further than the new Stephen Marley album, The Revelation Part 1 The Book of Life.
I must confess it took some growing into the record though, as after the first couple of listens I
The opening track in particular, Made in Africa featuring Nigeria-born rapper Wale, sounded so much like a left-over cut from Distant Relatives – one of the albums of the year 2010 by Stephen’s brother Damian Marley and Nas.
However... However, by the time I had a third listen of The Reveletion Part 1 The Book of Life, I couldn’t escape the wizardry of Stephen Marley’s productions and vocal delivery. The plug track here is of course Jah Army which features Buju Banton - just before he was thrown into the pen for ten years - toasting like a man out of time *which he was * gone mad. The cut also features little brother Damian who carries the day when he comes in at his feisty best.
Makes you wonder what happened to calling the big brother when in trouble. Nowadays it's the other way round, it would seem…
Ziggy Marley – Mmmmmm Mmmmm
The eldest of Bob Marley’s sons returns with a new record after what seems like decades. His twelve other albums have been exercises in straightforward reggae, built on sprightly arrangements and positive spiritual messages. For his latest release, Wild and Free, he rarely feels the need to stray outside this tried and tested outline as well.
Wild And Free comes with surprise collaborations in the form of forgotten rapper Heavy D and everyone's favourite Hollywood pot activist Woddy Harrelson.
Forward to Love, Get Out of Town, and Changes are dazzling examples of the Reggae's charms here, nestling into a buoyant Jamaican groove with jerky guitar rhythms and skank-along synth lines. For me, Mmmmm Mmmmm (above) is one of Wild and Free's cream cuts, where Ziggy's hoarse falsetto and some polished percussion work put a shine on its sensationally alluring humming tune. And on Get Out of Town, booming basslines and nimble Latin guitar solos put an accent on one of the album's most interesting arrangements.
Wild and Free was launched together with Ziggy’s latest artistic endeavour, a comic book about a new superhero called *wait for it, wait for it* Marijuanaman! Marijuanaman is a noble extraterrestrial champion, who has arrived on Earth to deliver an important message, and at the same time save his own planet. Roll us some spliff or move over Superman, Captain Planet and Batman!!!
Keur Gui Crew - Coup 2 Gueule
The Keur Gui Crew coming straight out of Dakar, Senegal are a shining example of the power of Hip Hop in changing today’s society.
Lead rapper Omar Toure alias Thiat has been involved in literally, running battles with the country’s President Abdoulaye Wade recently; and was arrested after openly criticising the 85-year-old for wanting to stand for a third term in office.
Keur Gui has since transformed itself into a full-fledged political movement, called Y'en a Marre (Enough is Enough in English) that is taking over Dakar street after street. They say they are fed up with Wade, and want to force him to drop plans to run for a third-term in elections in February 2012.
Enough is Enough won its first victory two months ago.
After a day of unprecedented riots, Wade was forced to withdraw a parliamentary bill that would have allowed a presidential candidate to win elections with only 25% of the vote - rather than more than 50%.
Makes you wonder. If only all rappers could drop the deplorable materialism and overplayed bravado and; be a little like Keur Gui.
Give us your thoughts. Holla at Editor@thepeopleshub.org or Twitter; @Peopleshub
The 11th annual Zimfest music, sport, arts and culture event will this year contribute funds to the East Africa Crisis appeal of the British Red Cross.
Announcing the return of the eclectic festival to London’s Raynes Park on the 27th of August, the event’s organisers pledged to donate funds towards the East African crisis which has seen more than 10 million people facing desperate food shortages following the worst drought in 60 years. Prospective donors and well wishers can contribute to the Zimfest/British Red Cross appeal on the Just Giving online page: http://www.justgiving.com/Zimfest
Charity
Zimfest coordinator, Hilton Mendelsohn, said: “Zimfest has always had humanitarian and charitable objectives at the heart of its principles. This year we are looking to give part of the proceeds of the money raised at the festival towards perhaps the worst food crisis of the 21st Century.
“We are also most excited about returning to our South West London traditional home in Raynes Park after a year away. This Zimfest will be yet another occasion for community development amongst and between Zimbabweans in the UK; and other communities and nationalities,” he added.
Star attraction
Zimfest will welcome celebrated British veteran DJ Brandon Block famous for his Ministry of Sound and Ibiza gigs. Also among the artists billed to star on the day is Pop sensation Tinashe (above) and Afro-pop duo Bkay and Kazz who are currently riding on the wave of success following the release of their sophomore international album, African Spirit.
Kazz said: “We are most thrilled to return to Zimfest and more so now as African Spirit is out and getting the most amazing reception from our fans and music lovers all over.
“We know Zimfest always brings the most action-packed programme with entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, whether to take part or simply sit and watch. It’s so up our street and we are looking forward to a great festival,” he said.
The impressive music line-up will include star DJ Dave Smallwood from Ministry of Sound, rockers Kamakaze Test Pilots (above), Kwaito-House diva Oluhle and Former Miss Zimbabwe turned Neo-Soul songstress Karen “Zuwa” Stally.
