The Rocket Man Experience Lights Up Bishop’s Mistress

The Rhythm Refined Band transformed The Bishop’s Mistress into a stunning tribute to Sir Elton John, complete with sequins, spectacle, and spectacular sound.

The show, titled The Rocket Man Experience, drew a sold-out crowd of music fans dressed in flamboyant colors, wild suits, and glittering glasses, channeling the rock icon’s larger-than-life personality.

The five-piece Rhythm Refined Band, lead by DJ, musician, and radio personality Jason Wyngard, has earned a reputation for seamlessly transitioning between genres, including sungura, rock, and everything in between. Under the direction of Nabeelah Jogee, a well-known media personality and TV host who also acted as the evening’s MC, the band once again demonstrated why they are one of Zimbabwe’s most diverse live performers.

The evening began with a pre-dinner set titled Soundtracks, featuring beloved anthems like Circle of Life, Tiny Dancer, and Your Song. As orange and multi-coloured lights softly glowed across the stage, lead vocalist Aidan transported the audience into Elton John’s melodic universe, setting a nostalgic yet elegant tone for the night.

During dinner, the mood deepened with Ballads, a soulful sequence that included Nikita, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, and Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me. The audience enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal while the music and lighting shifted gently between hues of blue and gold, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and cinematic.

Then came Greatest Hits, the after-dinner act that raised the roof. Songs like Crocodile Rock, I’m Still Standing, and Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting had the audience on their feet, clapping and singing along under a storm of flashing lights and pulsing guitar riffs. Three dancers took the performance to another level, reviving the spirit of the 70s and 80s with vibrant, retro choreography that brought smiles to every face in the room.

This year’s Rocket Man Experience carried an even deeper message. The show celebrated Elton John’s 35 years of sobriety, and the band dedicated the night to raising awareness around drug and substance abuse. It was a celebration and a call to consciousness , a reminder that music can heal as powerfully as it entertains.

As the final chords of Rocket Man reverberated around The Bishop’s Mistress, visitors remained, unwilling to let go of the magic. For one magnificent evening, the audience wasn’t just seeing a tribute; they were part of it, soaring alongside the music that continues to inspire generations.

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