Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
Hundreds of Highlanders FC faithful turned the Highlanders Club House into a spectacular sea of black and white on Saturday night as music, culture and club pride converged in a memorable celebration of Bosso’s historic centenary.
The Bosso@100 Music Bash was more than a musical extravaganza. It was a fitting tribute to a football institution whose rich history, enduring legacy and passionate following have made it one of Zimbabwe’s most cherished sporting brands.
Featuring an impressive line-up of artistes spanning different musical genres, the event brought together generations of Bosso supporters, who turned out in their numbers to celebrate 100 years of Highlanders Football Club.
Running from 6 PM into the early hours of Sunday, the musical fiesta delivered an intoxicating blend of Tshibilika, Imbube, traditional music, Maskandi, hip-hop, Kwaito and contemporary sounds, ensuring there was something for everyone.
Keeping revellers entertained throughout the night were comedians and masters of ceremony Ntando Van Moyo and Thuts Harsh Touch, whose infectious chemistry, humour and lively audience engagement added another layer of excitement to an already electric atmosphere.
The musical journey began with Tshibilika musician Mxolisi “Mr Bones”, who set the tone with a polished performance drawn from his impressive catalogue.
His rendition of crowd favourite Bangihlangabeza Nge Khesi immediately struck a chord with the audience, signalling that the night was going to be special.
The traditional flavour was subsequently strengthened by Imbube ensemble Amaqaqa, who demonstrated why they remain among the genre’s sought-after acts.
Their commanding stage presence and rich harmonies brought an authentic cultural touch to the celebrations, with songs such as Juba Lakhwelimota and iBosso receiving an enthusiastic response.
The energy shifted back to Tshibilika when Godolude and Eze Energy took over, delivering a spirited performance that had revellers dancing to the infectious rhythms of their hit Dlala Bhambadzi.
One of the memorable moments came when some of Highlanders’ most recognisable supporters, Mgijimi, uMfundisi weBosso and uRef weBosso, joined the artiste on stage alongside the club mascot, turning the performance into a delightful celebration of the colourful characters who make up the Bosso family.
Ramsey Kay and The Big Ray Band maintained the momentum, taking supporters down memory lane with a selection of Lovemore Majaivana cover versions. The familiar classics proved particularly popular, highlighting the enduring connection between Majaivana’s music and Highlanders’ supporters.
The evening also embraced Zimbabwe’s rich traditional heritage when Evias Bhebhe and Gogo Mankosi, of the Dziba Lemvula fame, took to the stage.
Their performance was steeped in cultural identity, with traditional favourites such as Mntanami Deliwe, Highlanders yiTeam Yezwe Lonke, Sabona Gogo and Dziba Lemvula adding a distinctly indigenous dimension to the centenary festivities.
From traditional rhythms, the bash seamlessly transitioned into hip-hop, with Noluntu J bringing a different flavour to the stage. Her performance of Amamitha proved particularly popular, with fans demanding an encore and prompting the artiste to perform the song again.
The surprises continued when contemporary musician Hwabaraty made an unexpected appearance. He delighted the audience with his popular offering Amakhwelantaba, further demonstrating the diversity of the entertainment on display.
SeTswana culture was equally represented through Khaya Arts, who delivered an engaging Setapa performance, adding yet another cultural dimension to the night’s celebrations.
However, one of the standout performances came from Nkayi-born Maskandi sensation uMfoka Jeke, who lived up to his growing reputation with a beautifully choreographed set.
His stagecraft, energy and musical delivery captivated the audience, with Umaqondana emerging as the highlight of his performance.
As the night progressed, DJ Brandon Dat Guy took over the decks with an old-school Kwaito selection, paying homage to the late radio personality and devoted Highlanders supporter Babongile Sikhonjwa.
It was a fitting musical tribute to a man whose contribution to entertainment and unwavering affection for Bosso remain firmly etched in the memories of many.
Around midnight, the atmosphere reached another level when hip-hop star Msiz’Kay commanded the stage with an energetic performance that brought the crowd to a standstill.
The rapper gave the centenary celebrations a distinctly Bosso flavour by introducing two specially penned songs in honour of the club, Gcwala nge Highlanders and iTeam Yami iHighlanders.
The tracks resonated with the black-and-white faithful, who enthusiastically embraced the songs dedicated to their beloved institution.
Fab G, the man behind the popular hit Imali Yesigweja, followed with a performance that kept revellers on their feet. He also unveiled his own Highlanders-inspired offering, iBosso Tshilamoya, further reinforcing the evening’s central theme of celebrating the club’s rich heritage through music.
DJs Nospa and Mzoe subsequently took turns behind the decks, showcasing their skills and complementing each other’s selections as they kept the party alive.
Beyond the musical performances, the event’s significance lay in Highlanders’ use of the platform to celebrate the generations of players, administrators and supporters who have contributed to the club’s remarkable journey since 1926.
Highlanders FC board member Elkanah Dube expressed delight at the success of the Bosso@100 Music Bash, describing the centenary as a once-in-a-lifetime milestone that deserved to be celebrated in style.
“We are delighted to be celebrating our centenary. Reaching 100 years is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. We have lined up a series of activities throughout the year, from January to December, to commemorate this remarkable achievement.
“On Saturday, we approached the climax of our centenary celebrations, with the musical festival being one of the final major activities on our calendar. The excitement has reached another level as we draw closer to the end of this historic year.
“Reaching 100 years is no small achievement for any club. Over the past century, generations of players, officials and supporters have contributed immensely to the club’s growth and legacy. This celebration is a tribute to their dedication, commitment and sacrifices from 1926 to the present day,” said Dube.
The occasion also attracted Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League chief executive officer Rodwell Thabe, who attended as a special guest and hailed Highlanders for reaching the remarkable milestone.
Thabe commended the club’s leadership for organising a series of activities throughout the year, noting that the centenary programme had provided several memorable moments for the Bosso family and the wider football fraternity.
“I would like to commend Highlanders FC and its leadership for the various activities they have organised throughout the year to mark this special occasion. I recall the marathon and the memorable 100th anniversary match against Dynamos, among other celebrations.
“Reaching 100 years is a remarkable achievement. I am still a young man, but I am not even sure whether I will live to celebrate my own 100th birthday! Congratulations to the entire Highlanders family.
“We wish Highlanders another 100 years of success. I am confident that, with the leadership currently in place and, most importantly, the unwavering support of its passionate fan base, the club will go on to celebrate its 200th anniversary,” said Thabe.
Ultimately, the Bosso@100 Music Bash celebrated much more than music. It brought together a football family united by history, identity and an enduring love for the black-and-white colours.
One hundred years down, the music continues, the memories endure and the Bosso story marches on.
