B-Metro
Langalakhe Mabena
Exactly 41 years since they performed in Zimbabwe, globe-trotting Reggae and Pop band UB40 are set to reunite and connect with their local fans as the nine-piece group is set to perform at Old Hararians Sports Club tonight.
They will perform alongside young talents in the names of Sylent Nqo, Mimmie Tarukwana as well as The Voice South Africa 2017 Runner Up Josh Ansley.
Performances are expected to start as early as 6pm. Mimmie Tarukwana will open the stage followed by Sylent Nqoe who will pass on the platform to DJ Chiweddar.
After that, UB40 are expected to enter the stage at 10pm. Josh Ansley will close the show after the British outfit’s performance.
Event organiser Walter Wanyanya of Ngoma Nehosho Promotions said he was excited to have brought the British band led by the legendary Ali Campbell to Harare.
Sylent Nqo
“We’re set and ready to welcome UB40 featuring Ali Campbell in Harare for a show that will go down in history as iconic.
“This event has been in the making for a couple of years. The pandemic delayed it, but we’re happy and super excited to finally have this legendary band in Zimbabwe.
“I’m looking forward to watching the four local opening acts, DJ Chiweddar on the decks, Mimmie Tarukwana on Keys, Josh Ansley with his band, Sylent Nqo and his band of brothers doing their thing on stage.
“The opening acts are young Zimbabwean musicians who we believe have so much to give through their creativity. As Zimbabweans, we have many reasons to celebrate and this show is going to bring us all together to simply celebrate life through music,” Wanyanya said.
Mimmie Tarukwana, a sister to Hip Hop sensation Asaph, is over the moon, at the same time shocked that she will be the first one to take on stage at the UB40 gig.
“I got a call from the organisers of the show and I couldn’t believe that I was chosen to perform alongside UB40. It’s a dream come true for me because these are the people who inspire me musically.
“Growing up, my parents used to listen to UB40 a lot and I could sing along to their songs. I am happy and ready to show the world what I am capable of,” said Tarukwana.
Mimmie Tarukwana
The guitar Sangoma, Sylent Nqo said despite sharing the stage with many great creatives, the UB40 gig was a major highlight in his career.
“I have shared the stage with many legends from Mtukudzi, Zahara, Hugh Masekela, to mention a few but sharing the stage with UB40 is huge.
“I am going to grab the opportunity with both hands and I promised a polished performance as we rehearsed very hard with the band so that we bring our “A” game,” said Nqo.
UB40 was formed in 1978, in Birmingham, England. They coined and named the group UB40 which referred to an unemployment benefit form which was common among the disaffected youth in the United Kingdom in the 80s.
UB40 has achieved considerable international success over a career close to a golden jubilee, having won several awards and topped many charts, are famous for their ground-breaking hits including Labour of Love, Rat in the Kitchen and Signing Off.
The ensemble has sold over 70 million records to date. They are not planning to stop anytime soon as the band continues to create and build on a legacy.
Tickets for the show are pegged at US$60 and they are available at Techtools Avondale, Pariah State Borrowdale, Pariah State Avondale and Pariah State Highland Park.
