Mafikizolo put up a scintillating performance on Friday night.
Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
It seems local music followers cannot get enough of South African music duo Mafikizolo after the musicians had another successful campaign at the Harare International Conference Centre over the weekend.
The band that consists of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza performed together with Zahara, Pah Chihera, Jah Prayzah and Winky D and left the crowd asking for more.
Mafikizolo was a cut above the rest.
They put to rest the notion that they would eventually run out of steam, having performed in the country several times.
In fact, their last show was barely three months ago and they thrilled thousands of fans who thronged the HICC.
What was different, however, was that the “Khona” hitmakers had the help of their live band.
In an interview with Star FM, prior to the show, they revealed that they were on a mission to make a mark in Harare.
“We had a sold out show (last time) but it was sad to see other people going back.
“Now we have a second chance to accommodate those who couldn’t make it into the show,” said Kgosinkwe in reference to the large numbers that were turned away at their last gig.
True to their promise, Mafikizolo surpassed the bar that they raised last time.
Zahara
However, their counterpart, Zahara, who was promoting her new album was not up to the task. The tempo was low during the act as most people were not familiar with her new songs.
She, however, spiced up the act through familiar hits and at one point she invited Jah Prayzah on stage while performing “Incwad Encane” that features radio deejay George Munetsi.
Jah Prayzah, on the other hand, did not disappoint as he was in form on the night.
He thrilled the diverse audience with his vocal prowess and good choreography that featured his signature military drills, much to the delight of the revellers.
The same cannot be said for songstress, Pah Chihera, who failed to raise to the occasion when she opened the show.
It was clear that the “Runonzi Rudo” singer still has a lot to learn in terms of live performances when sharing the stage with internationally acclaimed stars.
She faced glitches at the start of her act with lack of co-ordination with her band at the start of her act. Her collaboration with Zim dancehall singer Quonfuzed on the track “Kana Wandifunga”, however, got people dancing.
It was also a bad day in office for Winky D, who closed the show right after Mafikizolo in the wee hours of the morning.
“The Ninja President”, as he is affectionately known, ended up performing to a handful of fans as people walked out during his act.
While the reason could be fatigue from hours of partying, some argue that Winky D’s act has become predictable.