Herald
Tafadzwa Zimoyo Entertainment Event
Makanaka. “You are beautiful”, as they say in English.
Like the name itself, “Makanaka” aptly describes the just-concluded inaugural parade held at the Sam Levy Village car park in Borrowdale on Saturday.
It was such a beautiful spectacle.
Dubbed the Makanaka Fashion Show, the well-choreographed, colorful event was organized by Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation.
Definitely many agree that it is a brand new spirit in the art sector, considering that in the past, it was only for music, film, modeling and television.
The emergence of the world of fashion in Zimbabwe’s entertainment sector is a step in the right direction.
Gone are the days when all the media could review every weekend was music among other things.
The game has reached another level.
By the way, the hands that revamped, modernized and brought glamor to the Zimbabwe Awards (NAMA) are the ones that made the fashion show.
Of course, their midas touch at the awards show has spread to the fashion world and the fashion show which they also said will be an annual event.
Looking at the season, Spring, the show was well timed as it was all about colour.
The event saw all races and colors participating in the glitz and glam show which was themed ‘Day-Dream’. It was all about fostering a bold perspective of art and fashion.
Again, this was well represented by the bright woven accents and bold abstract designs illustrating the show’s attempt to break out of the old traditional depiction of the culture and into a new meaning and understanding of what Africa means. for individuals in the 21st century.
The guests looked on point and when it comes to fashion enthusiasts, you don’t need to waste your precious time telling them what to wear.
They understood the task.
Arriving at the event, one would think it was not a Zimbabwean event, but a Mercedes fashion show in South Africa, if not in New York.
Who knew something good could come out of Nazareth?
This biblical connotation was very similar to what happened on the Sabbath.
Who knew a car park could be turned into a track?
They designed it brilliantly and it was a made-for-television show.
Hi, when it comes to fashion, it’s all about good lights and sound.
The organizers brought their A-game to those themes and made sure everything fit according to plan.
The models were the accessories of the show and it was about the catwalk.
It seemed that American model and catwalk mother, Naomi Campbell, was in Zimbabwe training the models because what they showed on the ramp was excellent.
No glitches, funny walks or falls on stage.
They acted like they were born to do this.
In fact, this way.
The facts are that Naomi was not in Zimbabwe, but the organizers worked with the agency Top Model Zimbabwe, who arranged the models and after weeks of rehearsals and hard work, they put on a thrilling show.
It flows chronologically.
It was like the Milan show or if you want to call it that, the Victoria Secret Runway.
Indeed, local designers are lekker.
Some of the designers that featured are Fungai Muzoroza, Danayi Madondo, The Big Locomotive, Venon and Amon.
They proved their mettle with both local and foreign fabrics as they meant business on their creative side.
Their biggest feat of the night was bringing a Chinese rendition of Zimbabwe and Africa to the track.
They came, saw and conquered.
Like lions they roared into the fashion jungle and were heard.
Some of the outfits are already available in select stores, while some were for the stage and will be used in music videos by local artists.
It would be short-sighted if we did not talk about the host of the night, popular radio personality Samantha Musa, fondly known as “MisRed” in showbiz circles.
Yes, she did not disappoint.
She navigated flawlessly through her presentation on stage and backstage.
In fact, she was the right candidate for the job.
Like her namesake, “MisRed,” she didn’t wear red, instead opting for a white tube mermaid gown with a designer white pearl neckline that cascaded down her chest.
Now that was a fashion statement.
She was like an angel and with a commanding voice, she was in no rush to run the show and resonated well with the guests.
However, should we say that fashion conscious fans are much more civilized or is it just a myth?
The show started on time, the guests were punctual and everything went according to the script.
But then again, it wouldn’t be a proper fashion show without music as the two are intertwined and inseparable.
The artist list which included Tamy Moyo, Nyasha David, Mwenje Mathole and Mimi delivered a polished act.
Nyasha David, a JCMC babe, needs no introduction at such cool events.
He performed his hit song “Mariana” to the delight of the lady fans.
Mwenje Mathole had to take care of the gentlemen as he belted out tune after tune.
Multi-award winning singer Tamy Moyo and her dancers then closed the show with an electrifying act.
Typical of a fashion show, Tamy made sure the guests got their money’s worth in addition to coming to see the fashion statements.
The only downfall of the night was when the models were showing off the designs of particular designers.
The screen remained showing the name of the show “Makanaka”.
To some extent it was right, reminding attendees that it was a Makanaka event, but some felt it was as good if not better to display the name of the designs.
Their good marketing.
“We know from the beginning they showed the story of the upcoming designer on stage, but what if someone missed that part. Wasn’t it necessary and right that the name of the designer was beamed on the screen as it happens in most fashion shows”, said a model who commented on condition of anonymity.
Theresa Floy from Borrowdale, a fashion critic and fan, said the show was good as it brought the industry to life.
“Thanks to the organizers for a job well done. I am happy and I expected this. After the amazing Style Icon of Zimbabwe (SIZA) awards show in February, we thought it was her.
“This performance proved that Zimbabwe has what it takes to compete at an international level. They promoted upcoming designers and we hope to find the merchandise in stores,” she said. According to the organizers, the show was meant to show Zimbabwe and Africa in a different light internationally.
“The name Makanaka is a message in itself, firstly to Zimbabweans that we are all beautiful and unique and there was no better way to convey that message than the fashion show,” said JCMC spokesman and show producer Panashe Nyakawa.
“The aim is to revive the fashion industry, give a platform to new and established designers to showcase their work and continue to sell their wares.”
JCMC founder Zivanai Steve Zhao emphasized that the vision is to see Zimbabwean fashion on global runways.
