The Sunday News
Simba Jemwa, Sunday Life Correspondent
IT’S hard to believe, but over the last few years, you would have been hard-pressed to find venues in Bulawayo where you could hear live roots reggae.
That’s all changed, due to an undeniable groundswell of new roots musicians and fans—there is now “live session” every Sunday in the City of Kings and Queens. Khanyisile Basketball Courts plans to become the pre-eminent roots reggae and dub venue in Bulawayo.
Old Bulawayo was a regular stop for Jamaican reggae artistes with Peter Tosh, Buju Banton, Gregory Isaacs, Maxi Priest, Third World, Shabba Ranks, UB40 and Jimmy Cliff all having toured and performed in the city at least once in yesteryear. The city has a vibrant and rather large Rasta community that until now has been neglected by music promoters and night club owners.
UB40
While over the years Harare has had clubs like the popular Red Fox and countless shows by international reggae artistes, Bulawayo has lagged behind.
But Khanyisile Basketball Club has taken the leap to bridge this gap with live band sessions coupled with reggae DJs to make the venue is a purely Rasta spot every Sunday.
Draped in Rasta paraphernalia, scores of reggae fans thronged Khanyisile last Sunday for its very first live reggae session with up-and-coming band, Small Axe Band. They were kept entertained by talented band’s covers of popular songs from Bob Marley to Buju Banton to Gregory Isaacs.
The new Sunday vibes at Khanyisile are being promoted and championed by renowned sound system, Champions Sound ZW fronted by DJ Obey Shiriyapenga (Ras Obi) and MC Tendai Mamombe (Crazy Black).
Shabba Ranks
“We are lovers of the reggae vibe; Rasta lifestyle and we know that there are many more of us out there. Sadly,
Bulawayo has had little to offer for this genre and that’s why we came up with the live reggae sessions at Khanyisile Basketball Courts in partnership with Xolani ‘X’ Botha,” Ras Obi told Sunday Life.
“Discover our brand-new reggae sessions in Bulawayo. This is a great place to meet and enjoy wonderful live reggae sessions, traditional Caribbean music while sipping the different types of rum we have available at our bar. We now have a fantastic selection of vegan Caribbean food to pair with all that rum. Keep an eye on our social media for up-to-date gigs and live events,” said Ras Obi.
DJ Obey Shiriyapenga (Ras Obi)
“Join us for an incredible new comedy night, each and every Sunday. An interactive evening with multiple guest DJs and performers on an open mic night, bringing you hours of unlimited fun and music,” he added.
The live sessions will be accompanied by reggae music played the Champion Sound ZW duo of Ras Obi and Crazy Black.
Apart from the live sessions, the Sunday gig will also be coupled with Rastafarian meals which will include veggie burgers and other vegetarian foods favoured by the pure Rasta community.
@RealSimbaJemwa
