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By Lovemore Chazingwa in Kadoma
The entertainment space has not been the same since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. From the time the first national lockdown was pronounced by His Excellency, no one imagined the longevity of the restrictions. Some thought, as all wanted to believe, that it was a short stabbing spear. Alas! that has turned out to be a nightmare whose end is not nigh.
The entertainment scene has been dealt a heavy body blow in all manifestations.
The arts, sport, live performances, gymnastics, exhibitions, weddings even funeral wakes were decimated.
There was deafening silence across all corridors. What the nation went through is painful to relive.
The period 2020-21 becomes one of the worst lived in our time. Some popped the question, “is it the end time?” No one could comprehensively answer that probe.
In a recent interview with the Daily News On Sunday, Information Minister Hon Senator Monica Mutsvangwa reminded the nation to adhere to protocol against Covid-19.
“We’re not yet out of the woods, the pandemic is still with us so let’s continue masking up, social distance, sanitizing, and washing our hands … . I urge each and everyone to be vaccinated. We also encourage people to get booster shots.”
Everything came to a halt while life was uncontrollably lost. The sharpest of minds could not find a solution to the ravaging pandemic.
Our roll into 2021 was subdued. The effects continued unabated. Variants of the pandemic manifested with abandon. Delta variant posed the worst threat. National leaders were taken aback with some on record as throwing in the towel. As nationals became battle-weary, Governments cast a defiant stance in the wake of continuity of morphing variants. Omicron came onto the fray with high infection and lesser fatality, though. The Zimbabwe leadership, like others around the world, defied the temptation to completely close spaces altogether, again.
National chief Covid-19 co-ordinator Dr. Agnes Mahomva pressed the mega button: “Zimbabweans should remain vigilant as we celebrate the festive season,” she also told the Daily News On Sunday.
Live music performances were returned, schools back to activity, church services resumed, towns and cities refilled, businesses up and ticking, travel once again loosened, borders ventilated. Above all, Covid-19 regulations were heavily relaxed.
The latest state of affairs has brought a new fragrance of existence.
The Kadoma arts sector has done considerably well to get back to grips with the new normal.
The covid-19 protocol is the new normal. All venues exhibit compliance with the regulations. A survey of leisure spots points the radar to reshaping dawn.
The Star Bar in the heart of Rimuka has reinvented the wheel. It’s living in the fast lane. The security system there, both physical and technical is simply massive.
It has been divided into two distinct sections, the internal enclosure, and the garden. The indoor is complete with a separate sound system that is accompanied by imposing plasma television sets. A dedicated DJ fills that compartment to soothe the musical taste of those who may prefer to enjoy that part of the establishment.
The seating arrangement is also on a varied juggernaut. High stools and lower velvet seats line the set. It’s a no-smoking zone to accommodate all types of patrons.
“We do it for the love of the city of Kadoma and visitors. We are not done yet. It’s something we are always pondering on. It has to be a place in a class of its own,” joint owner Calvin Mhindu said in an interview.
On the outside is the spacious garden that also has its set of sound systems. It is here where you find organic seating sets allotted strategically on the spacious section. While it is spacious, it’s surrounded by a concrete perimeter wall, to keep it locked. Here are located the braai stands for the salty toothed lads.
Flora takes its place to bring in an air of freshness and life to the magnificent venue.
Kadoma Sports Club has stood the test of time. As its name suggests, it’s a sports hub. You have all the allomorphs of entertainment at KSC. There is a bar with a wide array of local and foreign drinks. Its restaurant serves food on order, which is a popular extension with patrons. The well-manicured sports sections are there to offer activity to lads in trainers and trunks. Onlookers can always be part of the fun.
The kids have space to very much be part of the day at KSC.
“We want our community to be very much part of us without discrimination. The young and old should feel welcome,” commented houseman Edman Makawa in a recent interview.
The Oddessy has not been out done. This popular venue has reawakened with pomp and fun. It can safely be said that it has maintained appeal.
It’s also one spot that boasts eventful family fun days. Curtain raising the festive season, trailblazer Nutty O strummed his stuff at The Odyssey Bar and Restaurant. Not only has the young man come to thrill the crowd in the city of gold, but he has also gradually won a good number of admirers.
Gangly Third Generation Band frontman Jah Prayzah has once again set foot at the joint this season after a long hiatus. His jamboree two days before Christmas Day is one that reminds many that Mukudzei still has the Midas touch.
Local-based sungura maestro, Solo Moyo has made the beeline to perform at the home of musical shows in the city. The Sorry hitmaker has dished out reverberating performances, much to the delight of showgoers. Straight outer Kwekwe, Extra Basso headed to a place he also calls home. BaSharo brought his act to The Odyssey, as usual, and dished an energetic show.
“The owners of Odyssey should have asked for more time for Macheso’s show. We were robbed of a spark last night. In cities like Kwekwe and Gweru, I’ve attended shows going beyond 10 pm during this period,” lamented one show goer. He opined that cutting the show at 9 pm is a heartbreak.
Speedway counts as one of the places where patrons are assured of hardcore entertainment. You can relax in the sprawling outdoors or perch yourself in the confines of inner comfort. At Speedway Bar, patrons can easily get served their drinks without missing any order. The trick is, it is located next to Delta Beverages complex making it ask for supplies at the snap of one’s finger. They always appear well-stocked at The Speedway.
The iconic Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre (KHCC) continues to hold the fort in terms of top-notch entertainment. The place is famed for serving clients what can best be described as therapeutic service. You can never miss the professional touch in what the hotel serves.
The cranking Ranch Bar, soothing swimming pool, reliable room service, succulent meals, sparkling drinks, secure car park, and scintillating staff is all that you keep going to the hotel for.
Interestingly, KHCC, KSC, and the Odyssey spice up service with conference facilities.
With such venues in the city, the entertainment space is sure to retain players that are geared to provide what the doctor ordered, now and into the future.