Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
WITH just two days left before the 2025 Heroes and Defence Forces music show at Kujeke Growth Point in Hwedza, Mashonaland East province, fans can look forward to an unforgettable experience.
The country’s finest musicians will come together on one stage.
Music lovers across the nation are looking forward to the event.
Following the decentralisation of national events, Hwedza residents are lucky to have the nation’s top-grade musicians participating in their area.
Faheem Somanje
Performers from Mashonaland East will be led by Faheem Somanje.
For the Marondera-based star, who inherited his father’s band at 27, it would be an honour to remember the patriarch, Daiton, on this occasion.
The revered and gifted sungura singer passed away in 2015 aged 50, but even 10 years later, Faheem says the wound is still fresh.
Faheem, who was added to the line-up last week, has vowed to honour all departed and living legends in the creative sector.
“It is a good feeling to be performing in Hwedza. If this was a soccer match, I would call it home-ground advantage,” the talented composer and rhythm guitarist said.
“I was over the moon when the organisers contacted me for the show. It is a special occasion where I get to remember my late father and other music heroes like John Chibadura, Leonard Dembo, Simon Chimbetu and Cephas Mashakada,” he added.
“I will also use this occasion to honour all the living legends who are doing their best to entertain and educate fans.”
A true patriot who is no stranger to national events, the singer urged music enthusiasts to show up in large numbers.
“I can only urge them to come and enjoy free entertainment while we honour our heroes,” he said.
Besides Faheem, other artistes from Mashonaland East will be represented by Mark Ngwazi, who hails from the same area (Hwedza), and Beatrice-born Simon Mutambi.
Also joining the list of gifted performers are Zimdancehall stars Kadiki and Van Chichi. Versatile entertainer Del Roy Shewe, along with Mutokwe, are also part of the bill and ready to perform.
In addition to these stars, the line-up includes Chief Hwenje, Mathias Mhere, Shantel Sithole, Ndunge Yut, Mr Gray, Jah Master, Loveness Mainato, Clement Magwaza, Tendai Dembo and the ZPCS Band.
Bulawayo-bred jazz stalwart Jeys Marabini, who has been enjoying the success of his latest album “Mjolo”, also made it to the list of performers on merit.
“To be honest, I am happy to be part of the performers, where I will be doing national duty in Hwedza,” Marabini said.
“The last time I performed in the area was during the annual Hwedza Arts Festival, organised by Honourable Minister Tino Machakaire. I was blown away by the reception I received there.
“I cannot wait to reconnect with them and plan to sample at least one or two new songs since my album has been endorsed everywhere as a triumph.”
The performer, who has mastered the acoustic guitar over the years, vowed to use the platform to salute all the departed heroes.
“The good thing about this event is that it unites us as Zimbabweans, where we will honour our departed heroes. In every sector, we have both living and departed heroes. The same goes for our creative sector, where we will also honour our own,” he added.
The inclusion of gospel music granddad Baba Machanic Manyeruke has added dignity to the event.
Manyeruke has been in the music game for over five decades.
A gifted performer who gives his all on stage, Manyeruke is best remembered for popularising worship songs.
As a father figure in the industry, Manyeruke continues to guide local creatives determined to excel in various artistic disciplines.
This has always been his message wherever he preaches, and many hope he will take the gospel to Hwedza and beyond.
Like any other national event, the 2025 Heroes and Defence Forces Gala is more than a celebration of music stars; fans will also get to meet some of the popular radio personalities they only hear on the air.
Popular presenters, led by Kanyemba Bhonzo and Thabani Gambiza, will preside over the event. They will combine forces with Tatenda Chinoda, Lucy Ngosolo and Edias “Mafight” Sibanda.
Following the Government’s move to hold similar events countrywide in the spirit of inclusivity, Hwedza has been remembered.
Last year, the Heroes Gala took place in Bikita, Masvingo.
Other remote areas that have hosted similar events include Nembudziya (Gokwe), Murambinda (Buhera), Mt Darwin and Dotito growth points (Mashonaland Central province).
Online Reporter