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From Melissa Mpofu in Harare
It’s not every day that someone throws a big bash to celebrate their 26th birthday, let alone invite big names in the showbiz industry to celebrate with them. But, former Miss Zimbabwe, Vanessa “Queen Vee” Sibanda decided to be different from the rest by going all out to host South African celebrities Bonang Matheba, Ziyon, Nadia Nakai, Somizi Mhlongo, Anatii, Tol Ass Mo and Cassper Nyovest at an All-white celebrity affair at The Venue in Avondale, Harare on Friday.

With such a star-studded cast, white carpet and classy venue which had been given an international feel by VIP Hosting, one had to ensure they looked their best to avoid embarrassment. And indeed, local personalities including style icon – Craig Zoowie, musicians Stunner, Mudiwa and Peekay as well as radio and television personalities – Samantha “MisRed” Mussa, Trish Carmen, Tich Mataz, Candice Mwakylyele, Itai Mutinhiri rocked the white carpet looking glamorous.

Though most guests who included Chatunga Mugabe seemed to be having fun, one person who was meant to be the highlight of the event – Bonang – seemed indifferent. Putting two Queens under one roof just may not have been a good idea as Bonang, a top television host and radio personality who had been invited to host the party was not her usual bubbly self. She somehow failed to execute her duties as she simply spent the greater part of the night relaxed on a couch, taking selfies with Somizi and her assistant whom she had travelled with. The only times she left the couch was when she was making her way to the bathroom to relieve herself. It was at such periods when a few would sneak in for selfies.

While other celebrities joined Queen Vee on stage to sing happy birthday, Bonang remained seated on her seat which was at a corner far away from the activity, leaving many asking why she had come to the party. She never at any point took to the mic and gave one word answers to guests who attempted interacting with her.

To add onto the already tense situation, the diva denied many who asked for pictures with her as it was said she needed to get drunk first. Some claimed she told them she had not been paid to take selfies.

Her close associate, Somizi had to take over and play her hosting duties as he took time to mingle with guests. He constantly used any opportunity presented to him to dance with Queen Vee, probably to try and cover up for Bonang.

And, while all that was happening, some of Queen Vee’s die-hard fans were complaining on social networking sites that they had been snubbed as the party was strictly by invite. Those who showed up clad in other colours which were not white were turned away at the gate while gate crushers were dealt a major blow as security details were merciless.

Though Queen Vee seemed to be just throwing a party, the beauty Queen, who is now based in South Africa where she is pursuing a music career was on a mission. She and her music stable – United Nations of Africa (UNA) – fronted by Buffalo Souljah – wanted to push her Queen Vee brand which is not known to many.

And indeed, their plan seems to have worked perfectly well as the better part of last week people from different parts of the continent were asking, ‘who is Queen Vee?’ A harsh tag #Who’sQueenVee has also been trending. This simply was because of the magnitude of the party which saw Idols SA judge, Somizi Mhlongo catching a flight to Zimbabwe to join the fun.

For her music, Sibanda, who has collaborated with Da Les, Ziyon and Buffalo Souljah is using the Queen Vee brand. As a result, her management has had to embark on a series of campaigns, including the party to develop her brand so that it is visible on the showbiz scene.

UNA boss, Buffalo Souljah said through the hosting of the party and celebrities who graced her event, Queen Vee had added over 2,000 followers on her social media networking sites.

He said the party would not be once off as many similar events are on the cards.