DJ Munya is back

After a two-year hiatus, DJ Munya - real name Munyaradzi Milimo - is back on the decks.

The affable DJ will be among the crème-de-la-crème of Zimbabwe's club DJs that will take turns on the turntables this Friday at exquisite partying den, Private Lounge.

DJ Munya, who now works behind the scenes at popular radio station, Star FM, said he was elated to be finally stepping out of the shadows to do what he loves the most.

The DJ, who made his name on radio as a teenager, emphasised that his decision to play at the event dubbed, Celebrity DJ Party, was mostly due pressure from his fans.

"I'm doing this for my fans who have been asking why I have not been doing gigs. So at this show I will be meeting my fans and other clubbers who have been showing tremendous amount of support and asking me to give them a show," said DJ Munya.

The Celebrity DJ Party features four other top DJs that include Star FM's Gary B, a renowned mix master who has deejayed for several international artistes, especially dancehall musicians.

Gary B is also popular for his Zim dancehall mix-tapes, which are a hit with the genre's followers. At most gigs, the DJ usually employs Godfatha Templeman, an MC, who commands a cult following among ghetto youths.

Other DJs on the line-up include Legendary Sound led by Power FM's DJ Smylie, multi-award winning club deejay, DJ Storm and rising star DJ Joe Mentro.

Legendary Sound, which grew its fan base with a reggae slot at Red Fox every Wednesday, has become a household name, thanks to its front man, Smylie.

Smylie, who is popular for his "Usadaro-o" chant has also released a number of singles onto the market which have taken the music industry by storm. Besides being an MC, the lanky chanter is also an exceptional dancer, who has unleashed a number of dances that have caused shockwaves in the dance-crazy Zim dancehall world.

Stabilising things at the event will be DJ Storm, a renowned crowd-reader. His strength is in knowing his audience's desires and satisfying them. DJ Storm has played at some of the biggest events in the country including Lion Lager Beer Fest and the Coca Cola DJ competition.

The wild card of the night would have to be Private Lounge's resident wheel-spinner DJ Joe Mentro, a youngster who has risen through the ranks to become one of the most sought-after DJs in the country.

Recently, he spent seven weeks on pole position of the popular Star FM DJ Battle, which takes place every Friday. Over the last few years, he has created a relationship with his audience, which varies from the youth to the mature as he is able to cater for different tastes.

The youngster has promised a night to remember to hundreds of clubbers who follow him wherever he performs. However, his greatest joy is being able to share the stage with DJ Munya, whom he says he has idolised since he was still in primary school.

"It is a dream come true. When Munya plays I will make sure that I pay attention. He is one of Zimbabwe's finest and his visit to Private Lounge, especially after so long, is surely going to be a memorable one," said Joe Mentro.

However, the toast of the night DJ Munya, maintains the night will be a simple night necessitated only by his inability to let his friends, fans and family down.

"I have been getting a lot of offers to emcee and play at events but had decided to take a break. Friends, who happen to be the sponsors of the event approached me and asked me to celebrate with them at this particular event and because I have a soft spot for my friends, I said yes," said DJ Munya.

Commenting on the line up, Munya said he was excited to be reuniting and playing with DJs who are on top of their game.