Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
GOKWE is gearing up for an eventful Friday as the country celebrates the 45th anniversary of Independence with a packed line-up of artistes, who have already promised to bring their A game.
For the better part of last week, the hosts, Midlands province, have been hard at work preparing for the festivities, which will run under the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030”.
The celebrations will take place at Mutora Grounds in Nembudziya, Gokwe North district, on April 18, while the musical gala will be held at Nembudziya Government High School.
The musicians performing at the gala include Suluman Chimbetu, Peter Moyo, Mark Ngwazi, Jah Master, Sandra Ndebele, Andy Muridzo, Chief Hwenje, Tendai Dembo and Sasha Amadhuve.
For Tendai, every Independence Day celebration is special, as it reminds him of his father, the late great Leonard Dembo, who passed away on April 9, 1996.
He dedicates every show he holds in April to his father.
“All is set,” he said.
“We are more than geared for the event. It will be epic and the performance will be top-notch. April 18 is close to the day my father passed away, so I always dedicate such shows to him. As Barura Express, it is always an honour and privilege to be recognised among so many artistes and be chosen for national duty.
“We greatly appreciate having such a platform and are truly grateful for the exposure we get at such events, both in the places we perform and on national television.”
Energetic mbira player Sasha Amadhuve said Independence Day celebrations were important and should be respected by everyone.
“This is a very important occasion for the nation and, as such, should be taken with the seriousness it deserves,” she said.
“It is my genuine belief that all stakeholders are working flat out to make the event memorable, entertainers included.
“I am promising my fans who will attend the event and those who will watch on television a polished traditional act. Traditional music best suits such events, as spirit mediums played an important role during the liberation struggle.
“In short, I will deliver a memorable performance befitting the event.”
Njanja Express frontman Mark Ngwazi will use the event to celebrate his birthday.
He was born on April 18, 1988.
“I have a lot of fans in Gokwe,” he said.
“We have prepared a lot for the team there. I have fans who have never seen me perform live for one reason or another.
“This is their time to come and watch me live in action. I am promising the best.”
Chief Hwenje said he will use the platform to sample music from his new offering.
“We are based in the Midlands, so it is like we are on home ground,” he said.
“We will be performing new songs. I am promising my fans an epic delivery. They should come prepared to have fun.”
The celebrations will also feature a football match between Simba Bhora and FC Platinum at the main event, while Herentals Queens and Black Rhinos will play at the Children’s Party.
The Children’s Party, to be hosted by the First Family, is scheduled for April 17 at Nyamuroro High School.
