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Tafadzwa Zimoyo, Harare Bureau
Thousands of fans thronged the Glamis Arena in Harare to celebrate the Star FM #5Starversary show despite the chilly weather due to the winter season.

The revellers were kept warm by the stellar performance from a star-studded line-up including Jamaican artiste Anthony B, Jah Prayzah, Winky D, Soul Jah Love, Garry B and Templeman.

The massive gig was jointly organised by Star FM, the popular radio station and 2 Kings Entertainment.

And for the multitudes of fans, this was the “Show of the Week” since there was not much happening in the city.

The stage was lit, and well done Star FM, from the VIP although it was far from the stage but people could be seen enjoying the moments.

The line-up provided a mixed bag although it was largely a dancehall affair there were those who had come to watch award winner music sensation Jah Prayzah.

Headline Act
He came and “damaged” the show.
Yes, the Damage hitmaker, Anthony B proved that he is one of the most gifted artistes with a powerful voice.

However, since he arrived on the very day of the show, he left everything to chance.
It was easy to see that there was little or no rehearsals at all since his otherwise powerful act was marred by glitches here and there.
While he was not entirely to blame, his backing group which consisted of local musicians are equally to blame.

He had his great moments on stage, though, considering that he had an action packed playlist which kept music lovers on their feet.
To show how experienced he is on stage, Anthony B who took to the stage after 1am did not let the microphone hiccups or sound put him off as he would perform Accapella and still connected with the crowd.

He was also kind enough to introduce Freeman before they performed their duet Time Fi Get Rich before he urged Zimbabwe and Africa to work together.

Anthony B also exhibited a level of humility that we hardly see from our local dancehall stars so much so that he is of the Bob Ashanti Movement, the Rastafari who wear long robes and turbans.

He performed his hits including Go Wey, Raid the Barn, Good Cop Bad Cop, My Yes My No, Black Coffee and Damage which had everyone singing along.
He finished his set with Muscle and Grip much to the delight of the crowd.

Winky D pays tribute to Cde Chinx
For one reason or the other Winky D proved his worth at the bash through song and dance.
The highlight of his act was when he performed Panorwadza Moyo a duet he did with superstar Oliver Mtukudzi and dedicated it to Cde Dickson Chingaira.

Cde Chinx was buried at Glen Forest Memorial Park last Friday after succumbing to cancer.
It was a befitting tribute to the late liberation hero.

Although music icon Mtukudzi was not there his presence was felt as Winky D used a back-track to fill in the gap.
But his power play continued and the crowd went wild with each song from Abracadabra, 25 to Swagga Muchando, among a captivating play list.

He also went back into time and played some of his early hits such as Green Like Me Garden and Ndiri Rasta which sent fans into a frenzy.
The Ninja president’s new song Rugare with Buffalo Souljah was not well received with the crowd, maybe because it is still new.

Energy was high both on and off the stage and Winky showed great control of the crowd.
He sealed off his set with his number Baba Maitei.

Jah Prayzah — above average act
Yes, Jah Prayzah’s music is loved by many and the fact that he was part of the bill shows his relevance in the music industry in Zimbabwe.
Clad in the military fatigue as usual, Jah Prayzah performed out some of his very best songs but then there was something missing.

It was the “wow” factor, most of the drills he did made the crowd to stop and watch.
You cannot keep up with his dances and so was the music, but somehow, his act was not well polished as many of his fans expected.

It was good that he came on time and performed to his best ability but there were low cheers from the huge crowd, somehow.
He performed Mudhara Vachauya, Seke Mutema, Goto, and Watora Mari with Andy Muridzo providing the vocals for Diamond Platinumz part.

Muridzo sailed well and one could be surprised it wasn’t Diamond.
Soul Jah Love — Man of the Moment

Then last but not least was Soul Jah Love who kept the crowd on their feet paying his dues for the fans who had been waiting for the chanter currently riding high with a number of songs.

And when he appeared on stage it was more fire although the flame was quickly burnt out as he has several hits but then when it comes to putting together a playlist he falls short of expectations.

Kudos go to his band member Supa Yute who always comes handy when his act starts to drag.
Soul Jah Love (Chibaba) made his grand entrance with the latest hit Zvinhu a song he recorded after an unfortunate incident in Mutare.

He also performed Pamamonya Ipapo which saw the whole stadium in sing along.
Fans got so wild as he fired up the stage but again after a couple of songs he stumbled.

Piwayi Dzuda, Star FM deputy general manager said he was happy with the huge turnout.

Dzuda said there will be more shows coming from the leading radio station.

Among the notables who attended the concert were Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi and wife Barbara and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority boss Karikoga Kaseke, Star FM advertisers and presenters from other competing radio stations.

All in all, it was a birthday to remember!