That Patoranking could live up to his billing was not a secret, that dancehall chanter Winky D could surpass him would not have surprised any Zimbabwean, when the midnight surprise came it was worth the wait.
By Marshall Bwanya
The midnight surprise finally came when it was least expected in the form of a light skinned girl whose rebirth on the local music scene was as captivating as her act at Friday’s blockbuster show.
Those who walked along first street in Harare could have had an illusion that it was an ordinary Friday night yet right at the corner of the CBD some six thousand people were having an unforgettable night, a show of their life.
Gemma Griffiths’ surprise appearance set the crowd ablaze in ecstatic frenzy, by the end of her act with Winky D there was no much difference between male and female screams for their MuGarden collaboration.
When Gemma took to the stage she seemed engaged in a constant epic battle with her inner demons of overcoming stage fright.
It was when she hit the first note with such perfect precision and a captivating elegant pitch mesmerizing the crowd who rowdily failed to contain themselves.
Her confidence grew from within, at the split of a second, her body language had transformed to that of a Rockstar wearing a glittering jacket which shone just as she did on her first major show in Zimbabwe.
She seized the moment with her riveting vocals and new found unparalleled movement.
The chemistry between Winky D and Gemma won the hearts of the crowd, transporting fans to a place where unconditional love is a reality.
The legion of music fans who thronged the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) in anticipation of yet another unforgettable night, indeed had value for money.
After watching Gemma’s rebirth one’s impatience to book a seat in the auditorium was very understandable.
It was as if the late legend Oliver Mtukudzi’s soul was hovering at the HICC.
