Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura and Liberty Dube
WHAT a weekend it was in Rusape!
There was song, dance and excitement in the usually sleepy town over the weekend as leading local radio station, Diamond FM celebrated 10 years of broadcasting with a colourful anniversary show that attracted huge crowds and top entertainment acts.
The celebrations, held at the picturesque Rusape Leisure Resort, turned into a memorable night for music lovers as hundreds of revellers gathered to celebrate a decade of one of Manicaland’s most influential radio stations.
People from different parts of the province, including Mutare, Nyanga and Makoni, travelled to Rusape for the event, which was marked by lively performances, energetic dances and a festive atmosphere that lasted late into the night.
The anniversary bash brought together artistes from different music genres, proving Diamond FM’s commitment to promoting diverse local talent and Zimbabwean culture.
Gospel artiste, Dorcas Moyo, was among the standout performers of the night. Backed by her energetic band and dancers, she delivered a polished and electrifying act that left many fans singing along to her popular songs. Her performance was characterised by smooth choreography, powerful vocals and high energy that kept the crowd fully engaged.
Dancehall queen, Nisha Ts, also lit up the stage with a live band performance that thrilled fans, especially younger revellers. Her stage presence and confident delivery earned loud cheers from the audience as fans danced and sang throughout her set.
Ama2k favourite, Caff, proved why he remains one of the country’s rising stars. His lively performance and connection with the youthful crowd added excitement to the celebrations.
The artiste’s energetic stage antics and hit songs created one of the loudest crowd reactions of the night.
King of Qama music, Simbarashe Muchita, also impressed with a solid performance that showcased his unique style and ability to entertain diverse audiences.
Popular artistes, Mark Ngwazi and Steve Makoni kept fans on their feet with thrilling performances that blended traditional rhythms with modern sounds. Their sets attracted huge applause from fans who danced enthusiastically near the stage.
The entertainment line-up also featured spirited performances from Hungwe Stars, Vybz DJ, Hyping Canteh, Mcee Keedy, Lyke DJ and Vakorobheri Entertainment, all of whom added flavour to the anniversary celebrations with lively performances and crowd interaction.
As music echoed across the venue, food vendors and local traders also enjoyed brisk business as revellers bought meals, drinks and other merchandise during the celebrations.
Speaking during the event, Diamond FM station manager, Jabulani Mangezi, thanked listeners, sponsors and artistes for supporting the station throughout the past decade.
“We say special thank you to Diamond FM’s listeners in Rusape and Makoni, and some who came as far as Mutare and Nyanga to support us on our 10th anniversary celebrations. We also want to thank the proprietors of Rusape Leisure Resort and the partners who came through,” he said.
Mangezi said the station is proud of its journey over the past 10 years and promised bigger activities as part of the ongoing anniversary celebrations.
“We had corporate partners such as Liquid, Econet, POSB, Molusi Meats and others. We had a wonderful time with the artistes who all gave top drawer performances. It was our first event to mark 10 years.
“We are also doing our part to promote local tourism sites and encourage people to visit majestic places such as Rusape Leisure Resort. We are looking forward to continue with our year-long 10th anniversary celebrations,” he said.
The strong turnout reflected the radio station’s popularity and growing influence in Manicaland and beyond.
Since its establishment, the station has become popular for promoting local talent, community stories and Zimbabwean music.
Security personnel maintained tight security throughout the celebrations and no major incidents were reported, allowing families and fans to enjoy the event peacefully.
For many revellers, the anniversary celebrations were more than just a music show. They were a celebration of a radio station that has become part of everyday life for thousands of listeners across eastern Zimbabwe.
As the music continued late into the night and fans danced under the lights, the event showed that the radio station’s journey is far from over.
After 10 years on air, the station continues to shine brightly while strengthening its role in promoting entertainment, culture and community development in Zimbabwe.
