Generations stars to party in Bulawayo

FANS and followers of the popular South African soapie, Generations, have a chance to mix and mingle with their television icons MJ and Senzo when they make a debut appearance in Bulawayo next weekend.

The multi-talented Anga "MJ" Makubalo and the soapie cutie Thami "Senzo" Mngqolo are set to headline Club 40 Forty's first anniversary celebrations set for Saturday.

The two, who do not see eye to eye in the long-running soapie, will on Saturday make time to meet their Zimbabwean fans as well as party with them till the break of dawn.

Club 40 Forty manager Bhekizulu "Bheks" Ndebele confirmed the development and said the two television stars would be guests at their celebrations.

"It's now all systems go.  All the paper work is done, what is left is for Saturday to come and we get down to serious business.  They are expected to touch down at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport on Saturday morning and will have a chance to meet fans later in the day before the celebrations at the club," said Bheks.

He said they had decided to invite the duo as they are very popular in Bulawayo.

"Senzo and MJ are very popular with our patrons and the general public in Bulawayo and as such we will be taking them for a road show in the high density suburbs to meet fans before the official function later in the evening," he said.

Club 40 Forty opened its doors last year taking over from Bar Labhala, formerly Visions and has become one of the most patronised night spots in the city.

It signified its grand entrance as a classy bar with a plethora of entertainment stars such as Sulumani Chimbetu, Beverly Sibanda and Zoey performing there.

Bheks said patrons would also get a chance to braai with the two South Africans as the club introduces a braai section on Saturday.

Initially, the club had invited Generations actress Dineo but was later replaced by Senzo and MJ due to other commitments she had.

Apart from television, MJ is a talented singer, presenter and model. He has worked with Eltonnick on the number one hit track called Move. The track topped charts on Metro FM, 5fm and Y-fm and the video was played on Channel O and other stations.

He has also performed alongside Dee Jay Fresh and Euphonik, Lunga The Sid, Lulo Café and Mo Flava to name a few.

Mngqolo, 31, who plays gay heart-throb Senzo in the soapie, is best known for his role as Senzo Dlomo, son of business mogul Sbusiso.

His role has attracted a lot of attention and criticism owing to the fact that it is the first time Generations screened anything related to homosexuality.

Senzo made his television debut when he played Thomas, a homophobic character in the popular e-TV drama, Rhythm City.

He also appeared on SABC3's comedy For Sale and on SABC 1's local drama, Home Affairs as a guest actor.

However, in real life, Senzo said he is a proud heterosexual and has sired a baby girl with Muvhango actress Jo-Anne Reyneke who plays Pearl in the soapie.

Said Senzo about his role: "My biggest fear was the reaction I was going to get from fans and the public, but it hasn't been too bad so far. It's just a job and a character I play to the best of my ability."