adminLiberty Dube
A GALAXY of artistes, poets and traditional dancers are tomorrow (Saturday) set to entertain thousands of people expected to throng Sakubva Stadium as the country celebrates its 35th Independence Anniversary.
It is not every day that artistes from different genres and of different forms of art converge for one purpose – entertainment. But tomorrow, from morning to sunset, artistes will take turns to wow people from all walks of life.
In traditional dance, outstanding prison outfit, MANSA, the reigning Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance provincial winners and national finalists Ben Arinoti, Chinyauhwera, Rujeko and Zamba primary schools will take turns to entertain people with their waist-wriggling traditional dances.
Inmates at Mutare Farm Prison who have benefited from the correctional service’s rehabilitation programme will also be part of the celebrations by providing drama and other educational stage works.
Prominent poets drawn from local schools and organisations such as National Gallery of Zimbabwe will also have a special time to showcase their poetry expertise during the potentially explosive day.
Chimurenga Choir, a local musical group, is also lined up to dish out revolutionary songs as well as their post-independence compositions.
This will be an ideal platform for another ambitious group, Sakubva Women’s League Choir, to present some of their latest offerings as they join fellow Zimbabweans in celebrating the country’s birthday.
Wiriranai Maenda, popularly known as Juicer Mpostori, will be one of the star attractions to perform as he is one of the most talented urban groovers and entertainers in the eastern border city.
He is expected to belt out songs from his forthcoming album, Mai Tatenda, among a rich discography that includes hits like Benita, Zvinhu zvacho, Unondiona sei? and Kamunakiro. He will hand over the mic to another Mutare’s musical group, Two Keys, before seasoned composer Hosiah Chipanga jumps onto the stage.
Affectionately referred to by his fans as Kwachu Kwachu, the shrewd wordsmith backed by Vaparidzi veshoko will unleash some of his greatest tracks dedicated to President Mugabe and Zimbabwe at large that include, Gushungo, a hit track that praises President Mugabe for being an iconic leader but being let down by some of his subordinates as well as a hit single, Vana veZimbabwe, produced in 1984.
On the latter, he sings, “Hatichade kunzwa nezvehondo, yakatipedzera vanhu vakawanda, pamusoro soro pegomo pakafira mukoma wangu….”
On this 24th album titled Mumweya and released last year, Chipanga describes Zimbabwe as a blessed country which is holy and loved by God.
Here goes part of the song Mumweya, “Zimbabwe ndeyemweya, haizorori pasina wemweya, inotomirira wemweya, pachigaro chemweya, haizorori pasina wemweya..”
Soldiers from 3 Infantry Brigade are expected to be at their best during mock battles and parades.
One of the organisers of the Independence Day celebrations, Enock Dzumbira, said in an interview that preparations for the 35th anniversary were at an advanced stage and urged people from all walks of life to come and celebrate the significant event in the history of Zimbabwe.
“It’s all systems go at Sakubva as we celebrate the country’s freedom. There is every reason for us Zimbabweans to celebrate and enjoy the fruits of independence.
All groups expected to take part in the celebrations are ready for the extravaganza,” said Dzumbira.
Online Reporter