By Princess Eugene Majuru
LEICESTER, UK — Zimbabwean music fans travelled from across the country to Leicester for a memorable night of music, entertainment and celebration as Bank Holiday Unplugged delivered a spectacular line-up at the Athena in Leicester city centre.
From Culture K and Tocky Vibes to Kurai Makore, before music legend Alick Macheso brought the night to a powerful close, the show gave revellers an experience many described as one to remember.
The choice of Athena, one of Leicester’s prominent entertainment venues, added to the experience. The venue was packed with Zimbabwean music lovers who danced, sang and celebrated throughout the night.
The event also benefited from professional security, with the security team maintaining a strict but welcoming presence throughout the evening. Their professionalism contributed to a safe and enjoyable environment for fans.
Behind the scenes, stage manager Lazzie T did an excellent job keeping the programme moving and ensuring that the stage was properly managed.
Lazzie T also had the opportunity to showcase his own musical talent before the main acts, delivering a brilliant reggae performance that warmed up the crowd with his reggae grooves.
Culture K was the first of the headline performers to take the stage, bringing his Chimurenga sound to an enthusiastic audience.
He delivered his songs in great style, immediately setting the tone for the evening.
At the end of his performance, Culture K jokingly assured fans that what they had witnessed was only a “nzwisa”, as he had performed just four songs.
For Chimurenga music lovers, Culture K’s continued rise is welcome news. His growing popularity and commitment to the genre suggest that fans will continue to have plenty to look forward to.
Tocky Vibes gets the crowd moving
Next came Tocky Vibes, whose energetic performance had fans singing and dancing along.
His stage presence kept the momentum going as he interacted with the crowd and delivered the energy expected from one of Zimbabwe’s popular contemporary performers.
By the time he left the stage, the audience was fully warmed up for what was to come.
Kurai Makore aka Sabhuku delivers
Kurai Makore, popularly known as Sabhuku, did not disappoint.
His performance was one of the major highlights of the evening, with the audience dancing and singing along throughout his set.
Fans who spoke after and during the performance repeatedly acknowledged the quality of his show, describing his performance as superb. Sound was phenomenal, Stella Entertainment provided the sound .
Kurai demonstrated the importance of preparation behind a successful live performance. His extended songs and stage presentation gave the audience an opportunity to fully engage with the music rather than simply watch from the sidelines.
Then came the moment many had been waiting for. Zimbabwean music legend Alick Macheso took to the stage and did what he does best — delivering hit after hit to the delight of the packed Athena audience.
Macheso’s performance had fans on their feet, while his trademark dances added another dimension to the entertainment.
The crowd responded enthusiastically, with many dancing and singing along to the familiar songs.
It was a fitting finale to a night that had already showcased different generations and styles of Zimbabwean music.
Phab Entertainment continues to grow
The success of Bank Holiday Unplugged is also a reflection of the growth of Phab Entertainment.
Over the years, the promoters have continued to develop their events, and filling a venue such as Athena is no small achievement.
The Leicester show demonstrated that Zimbabwean music continues to command a strong following in the UK, with fans willing to travel to experience live performances from their favourite artists.
For Phab Entertainment, the challenge now is to build on this success and continue raising the standard. As media partners, News of The South was proud to be part of Bank Holiday Unplugged.
Our team worked closely with the organisers to help ensure a polished, well-promoted and well-attended event.
It was particularly encouraging to see artists, promoters, media and the Zimbabwean community working together to create a successful platform for Zimbabwean music in the UK.
Bank Holiday Unplugged proved that when the right artists, promoters, venue, production and audience come together, Zimbabwean music can create an unforgettable experience.
From Culture K’s Chimurenga grooves, to Tocky Vibes’ energy, Kurai Makore’s commanding performance and Macheso’s legendary finale, Leicester certainly had a night to remember.
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