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Nutty O, Gemma Griffiths set to headline 13th edition of Shoko Festival

By
Staff Reporter
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Nutty O, Gemma Griffiths set to headline 13th edition of Shoko Festival (Pictures via Nutty 0 - Facebook and Gemma Griffiths - Facebook)
Nutty O, Gemma Griffiths set to headline 13th edition of Shoko Festival (Pictures via Nutty 0 - Facebook and Gemma Griffiths - Facebook)

Zimbabwe’s longest running festival of urban culture, Shoko Festival will be headlined by Afro pop sensation Nutty O and phenomenal globetrotting songstress Gemma Griffiths amongst other international artists.

This year’s edition will run from the 28th to the 30th of September 2023 in Harare and Chitungwiza.

The concert will feature a star-studded line up of headline acts including the NAMA-award winning rapper Bling4, Gemma Griffiths and Nutty O.

Also headlining the festival is South Africa’s Xabiso Vili – the current World Poetry Slam Champion – and Botswana’s multi award winning Afro pop artist, Jordan Moozy.

Running this year under the theme “#The Take Back”, a clarion call for young Zimbabweans to reclaim their space and art to create a better future for all, Shoko Festival is a celebration of free expression, cutting edge urban art and alternative youth culture.

Nutty O and Gemma Griffiths will perform in the hyped Peace In The Hood concert which traditionally marks the grand finale of the festivities.

The festival will feature a variety of events, including the opening Mash Up night, the popular Shoko Comedy Roast, the Hub Unconference, and the Peace In The Hood Concert.

“This year, we are giving the people an inspiring 3 days of powerful music, thought-provoking talks and riotous laughter,” said Festival Director, Comrade Fatso,

“Join us to hear young people reclaim their voices and their art forms!”

This year’s edition of Shoko Festival will kick off on Thursday 28th September at Moto Republik with Mash Up Night.

It will host The Women’s Cypher, a live performance by some thrilling female MCs including Young Gemini, Noluntu J and Banshee. Mash Up Night will feature a variety of musical performances, including never-seen-before mashups of urban, traditional and electronic music genres.

Curated by artist Thando Mlambo’s Dark Art Matter(s) collective, Mash Ups Night will take the audience on a sonic journey featuring the likes of rising hip hop star Noluntu J, the Maskandi duo Apiwe and Sobancane and electronic producer DJ Rori.

Xabiso Vili and Jordan Moozy will also feature at Mash Up Night.

On Friday 29th September, REPS Theatre will host the hugely popular Shoko Roast which sold out last year when former Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa, was the Roastee.

This year’s Roast presented by Simuka Comedy is set to live up to its billing as it will feature the outspoken serial entrepreneur, Kuda Musasiwa on the hot seat.

Also known as Begotten Sun, Kuda Musasiwa wears many hats including Farmer, Entrepreneur, Music Producer, Activist and Husband.

With top comedian Doc Vikela as the Roast Master and the likes of R Peels, Candace Mwakalyelye and Ricky Fire as panelists it looks set to be a hilarious evening.

The festival will close its curtains with Peace In The Hood, a day-long music event in Chitungwiza Unit L, on Saturday 30th September.

Shoko’s main event will feature Bling 4, Gemma Griffiths and Nutty O for an electric shutdown of the festival. Also on the line up are Bagga, Mycole Biller and Hwinza amongst other acts.

“Life should go on” – Babes Wodumo on loneliness, Mampintsha’s death

By
Thando Kanye
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Uthando Lodumo, is a reality series that features Gqom hit-makers Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha (who is now late).
Uthando Lodumo, is a reality series that features Gqom hit-makers Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha (who is now late).

South African gqom queen Babes Wodumo says that she is looking ahead to life without her late husband Mampintsha, although she feels lonely sometimes and has found the task of making decisions on her own quite hard.

The Wololo hitmaker is preparing for the third season of, uThando Lodumo, which will be the first since the death of a man who was a major part of the first two installments of the popular reality TV show.

In an interview with Zimoja, Babes revealed that life had been hard since the passing of Mampintsha.

“At times it’s lonely, having to have this big house all by myself, no more funny remarks from him. It’s been challenging but I must say I’ve handled it very well because life should go on,” she said.

Babes said since the passing of her husband, she had to learn how to take charge of her own life.

“It’s been different without my Mampintsha. I had to learn to make decisions on my own. Before I used to make decisions with Mampintsha, so I’m doing everything on my own with the help of my team, but all is well,” she said.

Babes said the upcoming season of her reality show would shed light on her life as a recently widowed single mother.

“More drama, a lot about how my life has been after the passing of my husband, my struggles and challenges of being a single mom having to wear my queen crown with pride and finding my feet,” she said of the show’s third season.

Meanwhile, Babes said music fans could still look forward albums from her and her late beau.

“My album is coming out next month, fans will get to hear the last magic we poured out on this album. Plus, next year I’ll be releasing Mampintsha’s album as well. The project is done, he was going to release this year, but I’ll carry on as planned fans are going to love it,” she said.

Clemence Matawu appointed interim Zimbabwe Warriors team manager

By
Staff Reporter
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Clemence Matawu
Clemence Matawu

Former Motor Action and Chicken Inn attacking midfielder Clemence Matawu has been appointed interim Zimbabwe Warriors team manager.

Matawu is part of the Warriors squad that travelled to Botswana on Wednesday for the invitational Independence Day celebrations match.

He replaces Wellington Mpandare who has been the national teams general manager since 2020.

Matawu is a Sports Science Degree holder with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST).

The 2006 Soccer Star of the Year award winner is currently employed as an administrator at Premier Soccer League outfit Chicken Inn.

Meanwhile, the Warriors are scheduled to face off the Zebras on 30 September in an exhibition match scheduled for Gaborone on Saturday.

Warriors coach Baltemar Brito named a 20-man squad composed of local based player only to do national duty.

WARRIORS SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum Stars)

DEFENDERS

Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders), Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Farai Banda (Manica Diamonds), Qadr Amini (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Xolani Ndlovu (Chicken Inn)

MIDFIELDERS

Brighton Manhire (Highlanders), Shepard Mhlanga (Chicken Inn), Brian Banda (FC Platinum), Tanaka Shandirwa (Dynamos), Mthokozisi Msebe (Bulawayo Chiefs), Donald Mudadi (Dynamos), Davison Marowa (Herentals), Walter Musona (FC Platinum) Tinotenda Benza (Herentals) Trevor Mavunga (Manica Diamonds)

FORWARDS

William Manondo (Caps United), Fortune Binzi (Manica Diamonds), Obriel Chirinda (Bulawayo Chiefs) Thubelihle Jubani (Sheasham)

Mighty Warriors troop into camp ahead of COSAFA Women’s competition

By
Staff Reporter
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File picture of the Mighty Warriors in 2019
File picture of the Mighty Warriors in 2019

The Zimbabwe senior women’s team, the Mighty Warriors are now in camp in preparation for the COSAFA Women’s Championship competition slated for Gauteng in South Africa next week.

The 12 team competition will run from 4 to 15 October 2023.

According to the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), the Mighty Warriors head coach Shadreck Mlauzi named a provisional 25 member squad.

They started camping on Wednesday in Harare and will leave for South Africa on the 3rd of October.

Zimbabwe who missed the 2022 edition of the tournament due to a FIFA ban, are in group C along with Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho.

The ZIFA normalisation committee chairman Lincoln Mutasa “wished the girls all the best” and said he is confident they will bring the cup home.

“I would like to wish our girls all the best at the COSAFA Women’s Championship tournament, but not only that, we will also be praying that they bring the trophy home,” he said as quoted on the ZIFA Facebook page.

“Our hopes are on their shoulders because since 2011 we haven’t won this competition.

“We are very confident they will do their best to finish as champions. All players were selected on merit.

“We also want to thank the government through the sports ministry and the SRC for finding each other with FIFA, the reason why we returned to the FIFA family and this has opened up another opportunity for the girls to showcase their talent at the big stage once again.”

Zimbabwe won the COSAFA Women’s competition once in 2011.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Cynthia Shonga (Harare City Queens), Lindiwe Magwede (Herentals Queens), Chido Dzingirai (Correctional Queens)

Defenders

Vimbai Mharadzi, Nobukhosi Ncube, Edeline Mutumbami (Chapungu Queens), Thelma Masawi (Platinum Royals), Purity Mgayi, Eunice Chibanda (Black Rhinos) Hazvinei Dhlakama, Mitchel Nyakatsapa (Harare City Queens),

Midfielders

Morelife Nyagumbo, Alice Moyo (Faithdrive), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Privilege Mupeti, Emmaculate Msipa, Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos), Ennerty Chemhere (Platinum Royals), Tanyaradzwa Chihoro (Maningi Queens), Peace Kanende (Coal Wizard),

Forwards

Maudy Mafuruse, Praynence Zvawanda (Herentals Queens), Rudo Neshamba (Harare City Queens), Patience Ndlhovu (Lozikeyi Queens), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos Queens)

Technical staff

Shadreck Mlauzi – Head Coach
Yohane Chikaola – Assistant Coach
Sithethelelwe Sibanda – Assistant Coach
Ndega Matsika – Goalkeepers Coach
Brenda Chaora – Strength and Conditioning Coach
Portia Chiota – Team Manager
Choice Dambuza – Kit Manager
Dr Margaret Maulana – Medical Doctor
Kudzanai Matavire – Physiotherapist
Dorothy Mugari – Safeguarding Officer
Chioniso Mashakada – Media Officer

Saviour Kasukuwere’s citrus farm in Mazowe destroyed in suspected arson

By
Nyashadzashe Ndoro
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10

Exiled former Zanu PF cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere has blamed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime for a veld fire that destroyed hundreds of citrus trees at his farm in Mazowe.

Kasukuwere was controversially blocked from contesting as an independent presidential candidate in elections last month with accusations Mnangagwa deliberately wanted to ensure the former Minister did not split the Zanu PF vote.

“Seventy hectares have been completely destroyed and the infrastructure, including an irrigation system. The land reform has become a curse,” Kasukuwere said of the fire at his farm.

“The cruelty we are experiencing is beyond comprehension. I never thought one’s country and those you have worked with in life can go to this extent,” he told the independent ZimLive website from South Africa where he is exiled.

The former ruling Zanu-PF political commissar accused the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) of failing to enforce a High Court order aimed at removing the invaders from his property.

“It never rains but pours: A huge fire has destroyed my prime citrus plant at Concorpia Farm, Mazowe. Against all legal efforts to remove the invader, the ZRP has refused to enforce a HC order.

“For now, we are yet to ascertain the motive behind this arson attack,” he wrote on his X handle.

In 2020, Kasukuwere approached the High Court on an urgent basis with an application seeking leave to evict war veterans identified as Efanos Mudzimunyi, Kudakwashe Moyana, Kenneth Mudzimunyi and Akim Mudzimunyi, who had invaded the same farm. He won the case.

According to the papers, the farm was given to Kasukuwere during the land reform programme. But early 2020, his offer letter was withdrawn under unclear circumstances and without notice, resulting in the case spilling into the courts.

Kasukuwere won a court order to evict the war veterans who then went on to file a Supreme Court appeal in a bid to continue staying at the property, claiming that they also had the right to be at the same farm through offer letters.

This prompted Kasukuwere to approach the High Court again seeking leave to execute Mushore’s order.

Kasukuwere fled the country in November 2017 during a military coup that ousted late former President Robert Mugabe. He is in self exile in South Africa together with his colleague Walter Mzembi and Patrick Zhuwao.

He tried to challenge Mnangagwa in the 2023 harmonised general elections held last month but he was stopped by the High Court on the controversial basis that he was not in the country for more than 18 months.

‘Give Tatenda Mavetera a chance’ -Mzembi defends embarrassed Minister

By
Nyashadzashe Ndoro
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Zimbabwe’s ICT Minister, Tatenda Mavetera (Picture via Ministry of Information)
Zimbabwe’s ICT Minister, Tatenda Mavetera (Picture via Ministry of Information)

Zimbabwe’s newly appointed ICT Minister, Tatenda Mavetera who recently faced an avalanche of criticism for failing to properly define the role of artificial intelligence (AI) while she copy-pasted Bill Gates’ quote about technology without providing due credit, has found support from fierce government critic and exiled former cabinet Minister Walter Mzembi.

Mavetera is a former actress famous for her role on the TV series Studio 263. Her recent appointment has been under a lot of scrutiny, and the plagiarism blunder along with the bad speech, showing no knowledge of ICT, further fueled criticism.

Without crediting the author or at least rephrasing, Mavetera caused a stir two weeks ago after she posted her picture captioned by Gates’ quote saying “The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t really even notice it, so it’s part of everyday life.”

She then said “Am ready to serve !!!”

With the world already shrinking into a global village due to technological advances, the Minister has been on TV several times interviewed about ICT sectors like AI but she seemingly failed to articulate critical issues her Ministry would tackle to make Zimbabwe competitive in this digital world.

During her inaugural speech, Mavetera drew ridicule by saying: “We need ICT because you see ICT is important and ICT also to the rural areas, so ICT will be our key focus to make sure ICT reaches every corner of Zimbabwe as you can see ICT is not very popular right now, but we will take measures to ensure ICT advances.”

Mzembi, a former Tourism Minister believes that Mavetera has an opportunity to deliver because she is a successful actress.

He added that actresses are not measured by accumulation of qualifications or PhDs.

Mzembi said that President Emmerson Mnangagwa rewarded Mavetera for her role and that of the controversial Zanu-PF aligned shadowy organisation Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ) during the 2023 harmonised general elections.

“I have been following Debate about this Minister Tatenda Mavetera ICT, I didn’t know much about her, some say she was a Studio 263 Actress, still I didn’t recognise her because I never watched an episode of this soap.

“My point is if she was a good actress she would probably make a good Minister of anything, in a country where all Ministers often do is read prepared speeches, preside over ceremonies and workshops they hardly understand, get applauded and leave,” Mzembi said.

“Minister Mavetera was appointed for her loyalty, she can fit into any script , and she also acted well with her 4ED Project. Subsequently traditional party structures were bussed passengers to Rallies whose script only the likes of Mavetera and FAZ were privy to.

“The Party subcontracted its campaign to FAZ and Mavetera and notwithstanding the crude script they “won” hence the rewards. The person for whom they were doing it for Emmerson Mnangagwa is the type who would say the end justifies the means, and in fact he said so during the appointments,” he said.

“So here we are, one has to learn a thing or two from Mavetera , she is in my book a good actress unlike Kirsty Coventry who has had no impact except kuti “ndine murumbi wangu muCabjnet “. Although I never watched any of Mavetera episodes because she is a good actress she may surprisingly deliver.

“Actresses are not measured by accumulation of qualifications or PhDs which may have been a point of unnecessary scrutiny as she tried to ” act” academic. She didn’t need that. She was or is a good actor without those academic tags.

“Next space is delivery. Delivery is a function of the bar set for her. If it’s low unongodanyanga. There are three bars, the public bar, sectoral bar and her boss ‘s bar. Lets watch the space, she may actually deliver on one of the bars, at least the boss ‘s bar. Early days!”

Trey Nyoni shines; nets late winner for Liverpool Under-18’s vs Everton

By
Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
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3

Recently signed Zimbabwean exciting forward Trey Nyoni scored a stoppage time winner to help the Liverpool Under-18 side claim bragging rights in the mini Merseyside derby against rivals Everton.

The 16-year-old impressive midfielder scored from close range tapping-in in the 96th minute finishing off Michael Laffey’s deflected shot off the upright.

It was Nyoni’s fourth goal since joining the Reds youthful side in August.

Nyoni opened his Liverpool scoring account with a hat trick on 8 September when they destroyed Southend United 10-0 in a friendly.

Born in the United Kingdom (UK) to Zimbabwean parents, Nyoni is touted to be the next big thing in England.

The promising youngster that Liverpool tracked for months before adding him into their junior ranks, is viewed as one of the outstanding prospects in his age group in the UK.

Nyoni who has represented England in the junior ranks, qualifies to play for the Zimbabwe senior men’s team.

“Stop telling me I’m drunk” – Emtee hits back at alcoholism allegations

By
Thando Kanye
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3
South African rapper Emtee in the video for Corner Store
South African rapper Emtee in the video for Corner Store

Troubled South African rapper Emtee has hit back at suggestions that he is struggling with an addiction to alcohol, castigating social media critics that have been alleging that his behaviour showed signs of substance abuse.

The rapper, real name Mthembeni Ndevu, has found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons over the last few years, as allegations of a debilitating dependence on addictive substances tarnish what used to be a promising career.

Hitting back at a follower that suggested that he was intoxicated during an Instagram Live video, an incensed Emtee hit back at claims that he was an alcohol abuser.

“I don’t drink liquor mother f**ker. I don’t like liquor. Get it through your thick skull. Stop telling me I’m drunk. Did you give me the drinks?” he said.

In an interview on fellow rapper L-Tito’s podcast, the rapper claimed that he had been sober for a decade.

“One of the reasons I stopped drinking alcohol, I came to the realisation that alcohol is actually the devil himself inside the bottle. I see how people behave when they’re drunk. I see what it does to people.

“The nicest n*gga might turn out to be the toughest n*gga because he is drunk … my dad used to be heavy on it, and I used to see what it does to him. I don’t want to be a statistic, so please give me the ganja only.”

Back with a bang, Hadebe scores weeks after recovering from ankle injury

By
Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
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5

United-States based Zimbabwe Warriors defender Teenage Hadebe is ‘back with a bang’ after making an exciting come back from a serious ankle injury with a goal.

Hadebe scored for Houston Dynamo in their 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City during a Major League Soccer (MLS) encounter played on Sunday evening.

The ex-Kaizer Chiefs defender who had been sidelined by an ankle injury for five months, netted at the stroke of half time although his goal was not enough as the Orange Crush suffered a defeat.

He was subbed off early into the second half.

Hadebe returned into action two weeks ago following his recovery from injury.

The 28-year-old defender fractured his right ankle in April and underwent successful surgery and rehabilitation.

Last week, he played the entire match when Houston Dynamo defeated Vancouver Whitecaps 4-1.

He expressed his delight following the big victory as well as his return.

“For me (winning 4-1) is a great feeling, I will take it as a birthday present since It’s my birthday month,” said Hadebe.

“I would like to thank all the fans for pushing (supporting) us, it wasn’t easy but because they were cheering us we managed to pull through,” he added.

Hadebe’s recovery is a huge boost for the Warriors ahead of the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in November.

Unstoppable Mushekwi grabs brace as Zhejiang thump Shenzhen 5-0

By
Staff Reporter
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35

In form Zimbabwean striker Nyasha Mushekwi grabbed a second half brace in Zhejiang’s 5-0 drubbing of Shenzhen FC in the Chinese Super League on Sunday afternoon.

Mushekwi who came in as a second half substitute replacing Leonardo 62 minutes into the match, scored his goals in the 73rd and 88th minute.

The brace took the 35-year-old striker second on the goal scorers chart with 16 goals after 24 matches.

Leonardo is leading the chart with 17 goals one ahead of the former CAPS United and Mamelodi Sundowns striker.

The ageless striker is considered one of the best top players at Zhejiang by Sofascore.

He is rated the third best player at his club after the league’s leading scorer Leonardo and Franko Andrijasevic.

Mushekwi has rated at 7.10 while Leonardo and Andrijasevic are rated 7.37 and 7.18 respectively.

The big striker has played 112 games for Zhejiang FC since joining them in 2019 and has scored 65 goals.

In August 2022, he surpassed South Africa’s Dino Ndlovu to become the club’s all time top scorer with 41 goals.

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