Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
FOR a century, Highlanders Football Club has been more than a team chasing trophies and football glory. It has stood as a symbol of belonging, identity and pride, with its iconic black-and-white colours firmly woven into the social and cultural fabric of Bulawayo.
Now, as the Bulawayo football giants celebrate 100 years of existence, the festivities are taking a different rhythm, moving from the terraces to the dance floor through the Bosso@100 Music Bash, a musical extravaganza bringing together football loyalists, musicians and entertainment lovers.
Scheduled for today at the Highlanders Club House, the event is expected to be one of the major entertainment highlights of the club’s centenary celebrations, offering a meeting point between football heritage and the city’s vibrant music culture.
It is a fitting marriage of two worlds that have long shared a common language in Bulawayo, passion.
From the thunderous chants at Barbourfields Stadium to the infectious rhythms of local musicians, Highlanders has cultivated a following that extends well beyond the football pitch.
The Bosso@100 Music Bash seeks to capture that enduring relationship, transforming a century of football memories into a celebration of music, dance and shared identity.
The entertainment line-up reflects the diversity of sounds that define Bulawayo’s creative landscape.
Leading the charge will be Ramsey Kay and the Big Ray Band, whose live instrumentation is expected to add an exciting dimension to the festivities.
They will be joined by Tshibilika music heavyweights Godolude and Mxolisi “Mr Bones”, traditional music exponents Evias Bhebhe and Gogo MaNkosi of Dzibalemvula fame, as well as maskandi musician Zwelihle “Mfoka Jele” Jele.
The urban music flavour will come courtesy of Noluntu J, Msiz’Kay and Fab G, while DJs Mzoe, Nospa, Brendon Dat Guy, Mxicarly and Thuts Harsh Touch will keep the party alive.
Beyond the performances, however, the event carries a deeper significance for musicians whose lives and artistic journeys have been shaped by the Bosso culture.
For some, the centenary presents an opportunity to translate years of football allegiance into musical tributes, adding their voices to the club’s rich history.
Fab G, who recently released the single iBosso Tshilamoya, featuring Mthunzi Da Poet, is among the artistes bringing fresh material inspired by the black-and-white institution.
The song draws from his childhood experiences growing up in a family of Highlanders supporters, where following Bosso was almost a family tradition.
He recalls watching his father and uncles proudly donning the club’s colours at Barbourfields Stadium, experiences that gradually shaped his own attachment to the institution.
“For me, Highlanders is not simply a football team but a culture that is sustained through generations.
“This has inspired me to write this song, which I will perform at the event today. This offering is intended to give supporters an anthem they can identify with, whether in the stadium, at home or during social gatherings,” said Fab G.
Similarly, Msiz’Kay will bring two Highlanders-inspired compositions, Gcwala nge Highlanders and iTeam Yami iHighlanders, to the celebrations.
Having previously recorded songs for local football sides Chicken Inn and Bulawayo Chiefs, the musician views the opportunity to celebrate Bosso through music as a meaningful contribution to the club’s centenary.
“I have done songs for different teams, including Chicken Inn and Bulawayo Chiefs. Doing two songs for Bosso, especially as the team celebrates 100 years, I think was the right time because this is part of history.
“I am a musician, but if I can be given a second chance to choose another path, I would definitely choose football. Doing these two songs for a team that is the pride of Bulawayo is a great feeling. I will definitely perform the two songs during my set,” said Msiz’Kay.
Mduduzi Mdlongwa of 3D Events, one of the organisers, said preparations had been underway for four months, with the team determined to deliver an event befitting an institution that has reached such a historic milestone.
He said the organisers were ready to welcome supporters, following a positive response to the promotional roadshows.
“We started preparing for this epic bash four months ago. Despite facing challenges here and there, I am proud to say we are ready to go. I think we have done justice to marketing this event, as the feedback we received from the roadshow build-up was positive.
“What we now wait for is for Bosso loyalists to come to this event because it is their 100-year celebration, and they have to own the show. We are just a privileged generation to witness Bosso turning 100, and we have to make the most of it,” said Mdlongwa.
As Highlanders marks a century of football history, the Bosso@100 Music Bash offers another way of celebrating the institution’s enduring place in the hearts of its supporters.
For one night, the songs, rhythms and performances will tell a story that has been a hundred years in the making.
