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of the major highlights at this year’s Harare International Festival of the Arts.
The festival scheduled for April 26 to May 1, will run under the theme: “The Engagement Party,” which exhorts all Zimbabweans, visiting festival goers and artists to engage themselves fully, in art, culture and life.
According to organisers the theme “can be interpreted on different levels and in different ways, depending on how it strikes each individual, whether metaphorical, symbolic, or literally”.
And the collaboration of Winky D and Transit Crew is certainly one of the engagements that music lovers have been waiting to see for a long time.
For long Winky D, whose real name is Wallace Chirumiko, has been a “lone ranger” when it comes to stage performance as he relied on backtracks but that will all change when he teams up with one of the most revered reggae groups in the country – Transit Crew.
Comprising Emmanuel “Mannex” Motsi, Farai Kazembe and instrumentalists, Munyaradzi Nyemba on bass, lead guitarist Samaita Zindi and drummer Joshua Penga, the band has seen it all both locally and internationally.
So far the crew has backed Jamaican reggae star Luciano, performed with Culture, Eric Donaldson and I Jah Man Levi and has toured Europe and Asia.
On the other hand, Winky D has won the hearts of many through his social advocacy and his belief in spreading social justice through music.
In his quest for social justice, he has visited South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom preaching the “ghetto gospel”.
Inimitable in style, lyrical skills and showmanship, Winky D is a conscious social advocate who speaks about everyday life in the ghetto.
However, to him the ghetto is a living creature that preys on the souls of the downtrodden who must have an exceptional will to survive.
His music is a reflection of human toil in the ghetto and failed socio-economic systems that perpetuate social injustice.
Solidarity with his community shown in his music has won him a huge following.
In 2002, he won the prestigious annual City Sports Centre Sound Clash.
He also featured on Jamaican international artiste Red Rat’s single, “Rise Up Zimbabwe”, and has shared the stage with several Jamaican reggae/dancehall superstars, and world renowned afro-jazz musician Salif Keita.
He was featured in the Southern Africa Music Airwaves (SAMA) Festival 2009.
To cap it all Winky D was voted the People’s Choice (Music) at the recently held National Arts Merit Awards where he also scooped the Outstanding Song award with his chart topper “Musarova Bigiman” taken off the album “Igofigo” (The Unthinkable).
But those with a taste for sweet melodies should not miss the combination of Victor and Chiwonisio, popularly known to her fans as simply Chii.
The two artistes share an exhilarating synergy of interlocking melodies, electrifying energy and chemistry. Victor is a rising star whose gentle power and elegance combine well with his highly personal brand of Afro-beat and Afro-jazz infused traditional cross rhythms.
In 2006, Victor won an award for Best Traditional Contemporary Group at the Zimbabwe Music Awards while Chii is tipped to be Zimbabwe’s next mbira Queen.
She entwines entrancing and uplifting songs with ancient soul and modern spirit.
Chii has won prestigous awards, including the RFI Prize in 2009 for her hit album “Rebel Woman”.