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Nkwali

Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya
Bulawayo’s best female musicians are set for a showdown at Cape to Cairo on Christmas eve.

The show dubbed: “X-Mas Eve Divas Nite” will feature performances from former Iyasa member Nkwali, Lady Tshawe, Tsungie, Ashley and Gugu.

Show organiser, Bonisani Mafela, said they had decided to settle for an all-female line-up as they wanted to promote female musicians.

“Cape to Cairo is always upbeat about promoting artistes, especially those who’re up-and-coming. We decided to pay more attention to women who’re often marginalised in the industry hence the divas night,” said Mafela.

To further support locals, Cape to Cairo has bought band equipment for use during the week by artistes.

“We decided to buy equipment which will be used by artistes to develop their careers as we really want to see the local music industry grow,” he said.

“We’re willing to do more for the city’s artistes because we believe that there’s a lot of untapped talent here.”

Despite pioneering arts in the city, Mafela said he was saddened that events like the Intwasa arts festival barely partnered them in the hosting of the city’s most popular annual fete.

“As Cape to Cairo, we’ve been very persistent with promoting arts in Bulawayo, but sadly, we’re not included in major arts functions like the Intwasa arts festival.

‘‘Nevertheless, we still promote arts and this show is one of the many shows we’re hosting to promote local talent,” Mafela said.