SUNGURA – gospel chanter Orbert Chari was the toast of the night at his most anticipated 6 track album launch held at Anglican Cathedral Hall in Harare last night.
Despite initial hurdles that delayed the show, the evening transformed into an unforgettable celebration of music, culture and community.
As fans arrived, excitement filled the air, but chaos soon ensued outside the venue.
With only two entrances — one for VVIPs and a congested one for general ticket holders — many people struggled to gain entry.
Recognising the mounting frustration, Orbert Chari management made a bold decision to delay his performance, pushing it from the scheduled 6pm to 10am.
Addressing the crowd, he expressed his genuine concern: “We apologise for the late start. I heard many of our fans are still outside and decided to wait a bit)”.
His apology made fans feel valued and acknowledged.
Once order was restored, the stage was set for an electrifying performance.
Resplendent in a white and blue outfit, the Mebo Hitmaker opened with the title track, “Hamuna Moyo,” making a dramatic entrance, like the famous Winky D and Jah Prayzah redefined show.
Rising from beneath the stage, he ascended to a platform above the crowd, captivating the audience with his presence.
The moment was met with thunderous applause, igniting an energy that would pulse through the venue for the next two-and-a-half hours.
The Sungura chanter delivered a compelling mix of new hits and beloved classics, ensuring that both loyal fans and newcomers were thoroughly entertained.
Songs like,“Munyengeri,” featuring Jah Praizah “Babamunini Dee,” featuring Leonard Zhakata and “Ruvengo” electrified the audience, while older tracks evoked nostalgia, reminding everyone why Hakireni Stars lead has been a cornerstone of Zimbabwean music.
Throughout his performance, the musician expressed heartfelt gratitude to thousands who turned out to support him.
He emphasised his desire for the new album to have a meaningful impact on their lives: “My biggest wish is that this new album must be impactful and should speak volumes to my fans.”
His humility and appreciation for his fans were palpable, making the evening feel intimate despite the large crowd.
Among the highlights of the night there was a bid of grants among popular business tycoons Costa Mupoto, Pastor Engineer Simon Munotengwa, Bishop Believe Paradise and Honorable Member of Parliament Mudhumi who graced the launch as the guest of honour.
Mr Mupoto added an extra layer of excitement to the event, as he declared the album officially launched with a top of 2000 us dollars token of appreciation.
This endorsement from such a respected figure like Bishop Paradise in the community further elevated the significance of the evening.
The diverse line-up of supporting artistes contributed to the vibrant atmosphere, showcasing the incredible talent within Zimbabwe’s music scene.
Local stars such as Jonah Chivasa, Pastor Trymore Bande, Prince Chigwida, Simon Charumbira and upcoming artist Diiboii took to the stage, each delivering captivating performances that warmed up the audience.
Prince Chigwida, in particular, stole the spotlight with his dynamic dancers, clearly signalling his intention to expand his musical reach.
For Jonah Chivasa, this concert served as a valuable opportunity for exposure.
He delivered a stunning performance, capturing the audience’s attention and leaving a lasting impression. Trymore Bande, a rising star in his own right, made his set memorable by dedicating his song “Kuriritira” to Orbert Chari and his band, Hakireni Stars: “Tonight, I would like to celebrate my brother and very good friend, big up Orbert Chari and congratulations. I dedicate my song, “Kuriritira vana”, to him and his team.”
This moment of camaraderie highlighted the supportive nature of the local music scene, as artistes rallied around one another in celebration of their successes.
As the night progressed, Orbert Chari continued to mesmerise the crowd, performing a range of songs from his new album, which included tracks like “Vatezvara,” “Ngoma Ndiyo Ndiyo,” “Kura uone,” “Munyengeri,” and “Babamunini Dee.”
Each song resonated with the audience, who sang along passionately, creating a sense of unity and shared experience.
By the time the show concluded, it was clear that Orbert Chari had not only successfully launched his new album but had also reaffirmed his status as a vibrant figure in Zimbabwean music.
The evening was a celebration of resilience, artistry and community, leaving an indelible mark on everyone in attendance.
As fans departed, they carried with them not just the memory of a spectacular concert but also the promise of new music that would continue to enrich their lives.
Orbert Chari’s album launch was a triumphant reminder of the power of music to bring people together, no matter the challenges faced along the way.
