Tuku, Winky, Jah rock HICC

HAVING filled the Harare International Conference Centre on December 31, 2015 and set ablaze 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale a few weeks later, Jah Prayzah and Winky D team up with superstar Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi for another mammoth bash on April 2.

Now a major highlight of the calendar, The Sunday Mail Bridal Gala at HICC promises to be another thriller and tickets for the show are already on sale.

Jah Prayzah and Winky D are among the most sought-after artistes in the country, having won numerous awards between them over the past two months.

Winky D's "Disappear" won a treble of Song of the Year awards in three different national contests, and he also walked away with the Best Live Performance gong at the Zim Dancehall Awards.

His manager, Jonathan Banda aka Ras Walimo said the dancehall maestro would display his dynamism at The Sunday Mail Bridal Gala.

"Winky is going to be at his usual best on the night and as a dynamic artiste he has always managed to thrill all types of audiences. It will be great being part of this event which is family friendly and promotes family values," said Ras Walimo.

On the other hand, Jah Prayzah has captured the imagination of many music lovers with his captivating music and choreography. He has changed the rules of the game and has everyone from little kids to grannies singing along.

Keen Mashapaidze, Jah Prayzah's manager, said they were excited to be part of the Bridal Gala.

"It is always an honour performing at an event where marriages and weddings are celebrated. We want people to come in their numbers and everyone who is coming should expect a thrilling performance from the band," said Mashapaidze.

Add the godfather Tuku to the mix and it is guaranteed attendees will have their money's worth.

Said Sam Mataure, Tuku's manager: "We have a good relationship with The Sunday Mail. We have performed at the Bridal Gala before. We know what those that attend the event expect from us and we are going to deliver just that. It is indeed going to be a thriller."

Zimpapers business manager (marketing) Charity Gwata-Chirume said this year's Bridal Gala, like all others, would be memorable.

"If you look at the line-up of artistes you can tell that these are some of the best musicians in the country, so it's guaranteed that the event will be full of excitement. We are encouraging people to come with their families because this is a rare opportunity where you get to have such a line-up at a family friendly event.

"The Sunday Mail Bridal Gala is an annual event that has been gaining popularity and many families, every year, look forward to this event - so this is one event one must not miss," said Gwata-Chirume.

Prior to the Bridal Gala, The Sunday Mail Bridal Expo will take centre stage on April 1 and 2 at Rainbow Towers Gardens. Entry for the Expo is free while US$10 will be charged for the Gala. Tickets are available at Herald House, Star FM Studios and Zimpapers' offices at Exhibition Park.

The long-running and ever-popular Bride and Cake of the Year contests provide an opportunity for scores of brides to have their weddings and cakes featured in the country's leading family and largest weekly newspaper. The prize-giving ceremony starts at 6pm and will run up to 8pm, after which the music extravaganza will continue until late into the night. The winning bride will be US$1 000 richer while the first runner-up will receive US$800. The third-placed bride gets US$600. In the cake category, the winner, first runner-up and second runner-up will walk away with US$800, US$700 and US$600 respectively.

One lucky ticket holder will leave the venue with a free wedding voucher while one reader of The Sunday Mail, who has to be in attendance, will win a 32-inch LED TV.

Last year, Rudo Madzviti-Zenda was crowned Bride of the Year while Faith Mazorodze-Mufumi took second place and Tapiwa Bepe-Matyanga grabbed third spot.