Mafikizolo delivers in Harare

WITH Christmas fever creeping in, merrymakers will grab every opportunity they get to go out and get wasted.

Such an opportunity presented itself on Friday as all roads led to Harare International Conference Centre where South African Afro-pop duo Mafikizolo was tearing it down alongside Oliver Mtukudzi, Alexio Kawara and Tocky Vibes.

Mafikizolo lived up to their billing and gave fans their money's worth with a thrilling performance despite not using a live band.

Alexio got things started as he went on stage and dropped a couple of hits much to the delight of fans who immediately got into party gear and started grooving.

The legendary Mtukudzi did not disappoint as he went on stage and proved why he is regarded as one of the finest musicians on the continent unleashing hit after hit until the end of his set.

The tone had already been set when Mafikizolo came on stage, but they managed to turn it up a notch and showcased how it's done Down South.

Dressed in dazzling African-themed outfits, the duo opened up with award-winning hit single Khona which sent the crowd racing in the direction of the stage screaming and singing along.

Supported by two dancers, the group managed to showcase their dancing skills with well-choreographed moves that mesmerised fans.

Fans were taken down memory lane with Ndihamba Nawe, a song that was accompanied by loud roars and screams with fans singing along and dancing the whole time.

From the beginning to the end of the set it was mayhem on the dance floor as the group's energy did not seem to let up and the hits kept on coming.

Some of the songs that kept the fire burning included Happiness and Uhuru's Ychukucha among others with the group closing it down with a Skelewu dance piece which left the supercharged crowd hypnotised.

Tocky Vibes was left with the task of wrapping things up — a task which he carried out dramatically with precision — of course in a negative way as fans started trickling out in large numbers after his third song.

Being one of the most anticipated acts of the night, fans were already chanting his name before he came on, but the young man failed to take advantage of the momentum and instead put on a poor performance that could win him the flop of the year award.

Despite the solid performances from the first three acts, the show was marred by chaotic scenes at the main entrance which led to property damages as some fans who had failed to acquire tickets tried to gain entry by force into the sold-out show.

In an interview with NewsDay promoter Simba "Simmad" Madziwa said the show was a huge success.