Online Reporter
Laura Maposa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Today is Independence Day for Zimbabwe, and already there are a lot of events taking place across the country.
The diaspora community has urged their fellow counterparts to embrace their role as global citizens and emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong connection to their homeland while contributing positively to their adopted countries.
Leading the pack is South African singer Nox Guni, who said that diasporans can engage with their home countries in numerous ways on Independence Day, including financial contributions, sharing skills and knowledge, and supporting development projects.
The 40-year-old Ndinonyara hitmaker said he has a couple of shows lined up for Independence Day celebrations, apart from the tour in the United Kingdom.
Nox, said he plans on participating in cultural celebrations and events, and connect with family and friends from his home country.
“April 18 for some in SA is just an ordinary day on the calendar, but for others it’s a time to remember Zimbabwe’s independence from the yoke of colonialism,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be recognised in South Africa if my country were still struggling.
“For this, I have planned in celebration of Independence Day.
“I have got a tour in England on Saturday.”
“I am doing a gig in Leeds, Sunday, we continue again in Scotland doing the same gig, this is the way to bring people back home.”
Renowned Zimbabwean songstress Cindy Munyavi, said the theme of the whole independence shows is our African culture.
“I will be singing live at an Independence Concert in Lowell Massachusetts, in the USA.”
“I am Texas based so it is an honour to be flying to another state for this event, this will be my first live performance in Massachusetts.”
“I was schooled in Zimbabwe, l have pride in my history and acknowledges the tough struggles taken by those who fought hard to liberate Zimbabwe from colonial rule.
“Diasporans can engage with their home countries in numerous ways on Independence Day, sharing skills and knowledge, and supporting development projects.”
“They can also participate in cultural celebrations and events, and connect with family and friends in their home country,” she said.
US-based afro pop artist Julian King, said this is going to be an intimate holiday for him as he is to spend it with family.
“I’m spending my Independence Day relaxed with family because it’s also Easter weekend.
“I don’t get to see my family most of the time, so I have to take this opportunity to see each other and bond over the holidays.
“Also, because my family will be around, obviously, we will get a chance to share stories about Zimbabwe and her struggles.
“Zimbabwean independence is relevant regardless of the difficult journey that has characterised our country for the past 4 decades and a half,” added Julian King.
“We need to finance academic education and skills training elsewhere in the country for social and economic development of their motherland, provided, of course, that the hard-earned money is used for purposes for which it is meant.
“Let local companies and individuals emulate the charitable gestures by diasporans.”
Zimbabwean socialite Tallyn Ndudzo told the publication that her heart remains at home during this time.
“I’m going to attend a few shows here in the UK, and most are happening towards the Easter holiday.
“I also get to spend time with my friends and family.
“Zimbabweans whose hearts remain at home.
“Propelled by a national patriotic development ideology, with Zimbabwe’s youths in the forefront, just as they took the lead in the liberation that brought Uhuru to our motherland.
“This country will take the lead in the third world’s economic and social development run and remain untouchable to the end of the world,” said
He said independence is a day to celebrate.
“For some, growing up in the diaspora, it is very important to attend Independence Day celebrations because they teach them about our culture and traditional values.
“You have got to understand who you are and where you come from, once you’ve got that, it’s easier to relate, it’s better to have something on the table from your own culture, and it’s easier when you understand where you come from.”
