Mimmie reflects on UB40 gig

Langalakhe Mabena

Bulawayo songstress Mimmie Tarukwana says if she could go back to school and be asked to write a composition on “the day I will never forget,” it would definitely be 25 May 2023.

This year’s Africa Day was historic to Mimmie, at the same time a dream come true as she made history by opening the stage for globe-trotting British Reggae and Pop band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell who performed at Old Hararians Sports Club on 25 May.

Some of the young creatives who were curtain raisers were Sylent Nqo also known as Guitar Sangoma as well as The Voice South Africa 2017 Runner-Up Josh Ansley.

Mimmie was backed by a marvelous youthful band consisting of the talented Daniel Chiweddar who was the music director for her set and also the resident DJ for the night. 

Freedom Chinosengwa also known as Bullet Bass took care of the bass. Leroy Kasepa (Tama) was on the drums with Ngonidzaishe Shamudzarira (Shamex) playing the lead guitar.

The vocalist who is also hip-hop sensation Tafadzwa “Asaph” Tarukwana’s sister, performed a 35-minute set singing covers and medleys. 

She did a Stevie Wonder tribute with Jamming and Higher Ground.  She also performed Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan, Never Too Much by Luther Van Ross as well as Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

“The UB40 show was great, I thoroughly enjoyed myself on and off the stage. It was an honour to be a supporting act for UB40 featuring Campbell because my dad is a big UB40 fan and growing up he would play songs like Red Red Wine and I Got You Babe.

“It still feels surreal that I got to be on the same stage as an iconic act. This was a big deal for my career because I was the only one representing Bulawayo at the show. It was a real defining moment for me. It was also a learning moment to gain knowledge and see how the legends do it,” said Mimmie.

She is happy that she faced her fears and made the whole crowd dance and sing.

“I was very nervous about going up on stage. I had butterflies in my tummy and when the director of the ceremony called my name, I marched onto the stage unsure whether the crowd would respond to my set or not. 

“But they did sing along and dance too. It was also encouraging to see a few people from Bulawayo in the crowd, that too calmed me down a bit,” said Mimmie.