AS the curtain comes down on 2017, there is a lot to be reflected on the Zimbabwe arts and entertainment industry.
Without doubt, this year has left a mixture of memorable, sad and great moments in the minds and hearts of many arts followers.
As has been the norm in previous years, a number of musicians took to recording studios for new albums.
Some naturally made an impact while others could not make it to the top of local charts.
The highlight of this year’s music industry as far as albums were concerned was Mukudzei Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah’s Kutonga Kwaro.
Kutonga Kwaro is not only a remarkable piece, but reflects the power of music in shaping the social and political situations.
Pundits described Kutonga Kwaro as an album that did not only predict political events, but highlighted the lanky musician’s growth locally and internationally.
With tracks ‘Kutonga Kwaro’ and ‘Masoja’ among others, Jah Prayzah stole the thunder.
The title track ‘Kutonga Kwaro’ became not only a theme song at ZANU PF political gatherings, but left many concluding that the lyrics are a celebration of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s ascendancy to the helm of the country’s leadership.
“Zaruraiwo dura, sasikaiwo ngoma nyangwe huku dzamaundura, ndakuchinja mutemo.
Rasvika gamba, rinofadza nenherera…vakaranga motyora muzura, kwasvika gamba riye rinotonga musha,” are some of the lyrics of the hugely popular song.
While Jah Prayzah enjoys the fame brought by Kutonga Kwaro, it must not be forgotten that year 2017 saw him being attacked at his former aide Chris Nyemba’s funeral by a few mourners.
Besides Jah Prayzah, other musicians also released scorchers.
Some of the notable albums were unleashed by gospel music power couple Pastor Charles Charamba and Olivia Charamba.
The albums can be described as their warm return to the gospel circles.
Baba Charamba’s album titled Abba Father and Olivia’s Voice of Miriam were well received by their legion of fans.
Released on the same day, Abba Father captured the hearts of many due to its reminder of the days when Pastor Charamba topped the gospel music charts.
This year also saw controversial dancehall artist Saul Musaka better known as Soul Jah Love, releasing his debut album.
He is one musician who, though popular in the dancehall circles, had mostly produced singles.
The 12 track album titled Ndofirapo is a reflection of the ‘Pamamonya ipapo’ hit maker’s talent and confirms the controversial musician’s composing prowess.
Just like Jah Prayzah, the year had ups and downs for Saul Jah Love.
Apart from paying lobola for wife Bounty Lisa, also a singer, it was also during the year that the dancehall maestro faced humiliation at a ZANU PF Youth Interface Rally in Mutare.
He was humiliated in front of a huge crowd by the excitable and ousted ZANU PF Secretary for Commissariat, Innocent Hamandishe, who stated that ‘Soul Jah Love hachisi chinhu’.
And the talented and creative dancehall artiste grabbed headlines a few days later by his response, a track titled ‘Zvinhu’.
Ammara Brown of the ‘Mukoko’ fame finally got out of her shell, releasing her debut album Ammaritas which is a term the musician uses to affectionately refer to her fans.
In the album is the track ‘Akiliz’, which has not only topped local charts, but has become an anthem for all age groups.
Some of the musicians who released albums which made an impact include Utakataka heir, Peter Moyo who released Mopao Mokonzi.
Mopao Mokonzi, which means big boss, proved that the Utakataka leader is still in the Sungura game.
This year also witnessed the return of the traditional six-day fete of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA).
The return of HIFA saw a colourful opening accompanied by splendid performances by the country and Africa’s finest in the form of Mahube, Zimbabwean legend Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi and Hope Masike.
International acts that graced HIFA included Ghanaian reggae maestro Rocky Dawuni, Kereryce Fotso of Cameroon, Banda Magda, a Greek singer, Canadian Angie Nussey, Luis Llaneza from Spain, Street Corner Symphony, an a cappella group based in Nashville, Tennesse, American violinist Rebecca Fischer; Ignition from Ireland; German keyboard genius and songwriter Thomas Motter as well as Japanese Iyco and Kaka Furaha, among others.
While music became the main attraction in the local arts industry, comedy also made memorable moments.
Local comedians that include Bus Stop TV, Pachiteshi, Comic Pastor, and Madam Boss were a hit on social media.
Zimbabwe born and US-based comedian, Alfred Kainga came back home and showed off his talent at a homecoming show that was well attended.
A dark cloud hovered over the music industry when the country lost the inimitable Chimurenga music legend Dick Chingaira popularly known as Cde Chinx.
Cde Chinx died after a long battle with cancer.
He was one of the musicians who made significant impact in the music industry during the liberation struggle and after independence.
He touched the lives of many as he tackled social inequalities affecting the black majority in the liberation struggle and after Independence.
His death was indeed a blow to the country.
Many artistes like Douglas Chimbetu have promised fireworks in 2018.
Hopefully, they will deliver.