Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari, Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
VETERAN music producer and acclaimed guitarist Clive Mono Mukundu, has revealed that the upcoming Bulawayo Legends Night will be a tailor-made celebration of the city’s musical identity — and a chance to challenge the long-held belief that younger generations lack an appetite for local music.
Initially launched in Harare in 2023, Legends Night is a nostalgic tribute to the golden era of Zimbabwean music.
The event features the InTotal Band performing cover renditions of iconic hits from local music legends, celebrating the country’s rich sonic heritage.
Now making its way to Bulawayo, the event is set to shine a spotlight on the city’s own musical trailblazers and showcase its distinctive cultural flair. According to Mono Mukundu, the show boasts a star-studded line-up including Iyasa, Albert Nyathi, Dereck Mpofu, and a host of surprise Bulawayo-based artistes.
In an interview with Zimpapers Entertainment Hub, Mukundu said this edition of Legends Night has been uniquely curated for Bulawayo’s audience.
“The audience should expect fireworks and a show tailored specifically for Bulawayo. It’s going to be a spectacular celebration of local classics — no foreign material. It’s all about preserving and promoting our cultural identity through music.”
While Mukundu is assisting with logistics behind the scenes, he will not be performing on stage.
“I never perform at Legends Night gigs. I’ll be in the crowd, cheering on like a proud father.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of Legends Night, Mukundu noted, is its unexpected fan base — the youth.
Contrary to the belief that genres like Sungura, Chimurenga, and Mbira appeal only to older generations, Mukundu says the shows consistently attract crowds dominated by the so-called ama2000 generation.
“There’s an old-age myth that young people don’t like local genres like Sungura, Chimurenga, or Mbira. But every Legends Night I’ve attended, 99 percent of the audience is young. Even when I worked with the late Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, half our audience was made up of youth,” he said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa