Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ALL is set for this year’s Anti-Sanctions Musical Gala taking place at the Heritage Village, located within the African Liberation Museum in Harare, on Saturday.
This event serves as a solidarity platform advocating the removal of unilateral sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western nations and their allies.
Organised by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, this year’s gala will feature 16 acts selected from across the country.
The theme for this year’s edition is “Inclusive Development through Heritage-Based Innovation and Industrialisation in a Multilateral World”.
Performers include Andy Muridzo, Agartha Murudzwa, Chief Hwenje, Shantel Sithole, Sasha “Madhuve” Lushomwa, Cello Culture, Jah Master, Clemence Magwaza, Jah Signal, ZRP Band, Simon Mutambi, Iyasa, Sandra “Sandie” Ndebele, Khonangale, Cynthia Mare and Mbare Chimurenga.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services deputy director Hymn Mureru confirmed the event, which is set to attract hordes of fans from across the country.
In an interview, Mureru told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that the stage had been set for this year’s musical extravaganza.
“Preparations have gone according to plan, and all the musicians we announced in the line-up will certainly come and perform. We are expecting a full house as usual, considering that all the artists in the line-up are familiar to fans.
“Most of them have performed at previous national events to perfection,” he stressed.
The deputy director also assured fans of a unique musical experience in Harare, where people from various walks of life will come together, calling for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
“This year’s edition is unique compared to the 2024 event, which was held in Esigodini. For the people of Harare, this is a perfect opportunity for them to come and witness this event since most state functions have been held in rural areas.
“Precisely, Harare has been remembered this time around, and the focal point will be The Heritage Village, where this year’s edition will take place,” he emphasised.
Judging by the line-up, fans are guaranteed a great time at the venue, where Muridzo, Sasha and Chief Hwenje are not strangers.
As for Murudzwa, she has been given yet another chance to showcase her maturity and creative edge as a consistent gospel singer.
Popular Zimdancehall chanters Khonangale, Cello Culture, Jah Signal and Jah Master will be rewarded for their loyalty towards performing at national events.
Bulawayo-bred Tshibilika singer Clemence Magwaza, who thrilled fans at the recent 2025 Heroes Gala, has proven his worth as an entertainer to look forward to.
He put on a vintage show in August, winning the hearts of both show organisers and fans who thronged the event, which lit up Kujeke Growth Point.
As for Sandie, she needs no introduction, having been part of national events for over two decades.
Her loyalty and commitment are unquestionable since she has been in the game for years, giving it her all.
United Kingdom-based Mare, who has just returned from the UK, will have yet another chance to reunite with fans at national events.
Mare, who returned to Zimbabwe for the first time in 10 years, has been missing in action since 2015.
She hardly disappoints each time she gets an opportunity to perform on stage.
The evergreen Iyasa and Mbare Chimurenga, largely dominated by energetic dancers, will be out to cement their romance with fans.
Those watching from home and online will be treated to good music on the night in question, where Zimbabweans are expected to unite against sanctions.
The event is particularly special since it coincides with the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, which was declared in August 2019 following the 39th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The day, marked annually on October 25, demonstrates regional unity and solidarity with Zimbabwe against sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, and their allies in the early 2000s.
SADC leaders have consistently argued that the sanctions are unjust, illegal and detrimental not only to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development but also to regional economic integration and cooperation.
Since the inception of the commemorations, member states have used October 25 to amplify calls for the lifting of these illegal sanctions, citing the progress Zimbabwe has made in governance, economic reforms and engagement with the international community.
This year’s commemorations come at a time when the country continues to advance its Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, which promotes innovation and industrialisation grounded in local knowledge systems, an approach reflected in the 2025 theme.
The theme resonates with the President’s mantra of leaving no one behind when it comes to areas of innovation and industrialisation.
All these will be celebrated tomorrow through song and dance at The Heritage Village, which is not only spacious but also serene for high-profile events of this magnitude.
As has become the norm, top musicians will provide entertainment to mark the day. Most of them hardly disappoint.
What has raised the appeal of this event is that it will be returning to Harare after a series of national events held countrywide in line with the Government’s policy of decentralising similar events.
