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Natasha Mutsiba, [email protected]

Ladies, you may want to start preparing your doeks and dancing shoes because the highly-anticipated Doek and Slay event is making its triumphant return to Bulawayo for the third instalment.

It is promising to be yet another unforgettable experience, an electrifying blend of music, fashion, and empowerment.

Scheduled for April 14th at the ZITF Main Arena, this event has already sparked excitement among the public. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the dress code of floral prints, their preferred doek  and stylish shades.

This year’s lineup boasts a diverse array of artistes, including the talented Feli Nandi, Band Fusion, and the acclaimed South African female musician LadyDu, who has confirmed her participation via her Facebook page. 

A scene from the Doek and Slay event which was held in Bulawayo

Anesu Rwanga, the innovative force behind the event, said the decision to include LadyDu from South Africa was driven by the desire to cater to the diverse musical tastes of the Bulawayo audience, creating an inclusive and vibrant experience for all attendees.

“We discovered that the crowd in Bulawayo is quite different from others. People in Bulawayo are somewhat like those in South Africa. 

“To blend in well, we realised that they need a touch of South Africa or their own. After receiving complaints, we decided that it would be beneficial to bring in Lady Du,” he said.

Rwanga shed light on the process of artiste selection, emphasising the importance of gauging audience preferences and feedback.

“Our approach typically involves giving people a clue, and upon seeing their positive reaction to the artiste, we then approach the artiste. We believe in communicating with our audience because that’s where the support comes from. We’ll be selecting artistes from South Africa once in a while, not all the time,” stated Rwanga. 

Since its debut in March last year, the Doek and Slay event has quickly gained a devoted following among women in Zimbabwe. The consistently high attendance at each event is a testament to its popularity and the enthusiasm it generates among attendees.

Rwanga emphasised the event’s impact on women.

“Doek and Slay has instilled in these ladies the spirit of uplifting each other, of fixing each other’s crowns. It’s a reminder that there’s no need for animosity between women; instead, we should embrace unity and support. 

“A lady shouldn’t view another lady as her enemy.”

Rwanga has unveiled ambitious plans to expand the event’s influence beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.

“In June, we are gearing up for events in Germany and the UK. Our mission is to empower women involved in various fields such as business, sewing, weaving, and more. 

“We aspire to bring approximately 10 individuals from each province to join us in the UK and Germany, providing them with a platform to showcase their businesses and proudly represent Zimbabwe,” stated Rwanga.