Bikita to host Heroes and Defence Forces gala

Arts Reporter

GWINDINGWI High School in Bikita, Masvingo will host this year’s Heroes and Defence Forces gala on August 15.
In line with the Government’s mantra of decentralising national events, all the attention will be on Nyika Growth Point next week.
Mark Ngwazi, Andy Muridzo and Tendai Dembo are set to headline this year’s edition.
Chillspot Family, led by DJ Fantan, will cater for Zimdancehall lovers alongside Ras Caleb and Jah Master.
Revolutionary singer, Chief Hwenje, has also been roped into the line-up.
ZCC Defe Dopota Brass Band, ZDF Band, SPCS Band, ZRP Band, Great Zimbabwe Choir, Madlela Skhobokhobo, Mulombosi Express, Shantel Sithole, Igwe Liner & Chirambamuriwo, Umkhati, Loveness Mainato and Dorcas Moyo are also part of the line-up.
Barura Express heir, Tendai Dembo, has a light job on his shoulders as people will expect him to perform his late father Leonard Dembo’s compositions.
Ngwazi has been afforded yet another opportunity to shine as the new prince of sungura.
In an interview, acting director in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Hymn Mureru said the musical extravaganza is meant to honour living and departed heroes.
“Last week, we held an inter-ministerial meeting and met with the organising team in Masvingo,” he said.
“We chose Nyika Growth Point for the celebrations because it is one of the places where the liberation struggle was fought.
“We are holding it under the theme ‘Lest we forget’ as we remember our heroes.”
The event coordinator expressed confidence in the line-up that is dominated by youthful musicians.
“As you are aware, the youths constitute the highest number of people in this country. The music also speaks to the young people but it’s going to be a mixed bag.
“Masvingo Province will be well-represented at the event. We have at least five groups from the area, among them Ras Caleb, Defe Dopota and others,” he said.
This year’s Heroes and Defence Forces gala comes at a time when the Government has been holding national events around Zimbabwe.
In April, the 43rd Uhuru celebrations were held at Murambinda Growth Point in Manicaland.
Last year, the same celebrations were held in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central.