Gwanda joins big league

Q twins

THE Asambe Gwanda Movement has, in the space of just a year, quietly but decisively reshaped the entertainment landscape of Gwanda, turning the once low-key mining town into an emerging hub for live music and nightlife.

For years, international acts have largely restricted their tours to the familiar circuits of Harare and Bulawayo. That pattern, however, is beginning to shift. Gwanda is steadily carving out its place on the map, regularly hosting South African artistes alongside some of Zimbabwe’s most recognised performers, drawing lively crowds from surrounding towns and districts. The ripple effect has been evident — a renewed energy in the town’s nightlife and a growing reputation as a destination for entertainment.

At the heart of this transformation is the Asambe Gwanda initiative, a deliberate and sustained effort by local promoters to energise audiences and bring big-stage experiences closer to home. The movement, led by Phoenix Tshisanyama, has, over the past year, hosted a string of South African acts, including DJ Tira, Eemoh, Nkosazana Daughter, Scotts Maphuma and Leehleza. Each event has added another layer to the movement’s momentum, slowly building trust, excitement and expectation within the community.

This weekend marks a significant milestone for the movement as it celebrates its first anniversary with a performance by South African duo Q Twins. The show is not just another event on the calendar, but a marker of how far the initiative has come in a relatively short space of time.

Organisers say the progress has not been accidental. Consistency, they insist, has been at the centre of the movement’s growth. Asambe Gwanda founder Freddy K reflected on the journey with a sense of measured pride, acknowledging the slow beginnings and the gradual shift in community response.

“Asambe Gwanda started slowly. At first, I didn’t think we’d reach a point of hosting major shows. Through consistency, we’re now seeing the community responding, and this milestone reflects that growth.”

For this particular celebration, the choice of Q Twins appears intentional. Known for their distinctive sound and stage presence, the duo bring a different flavour to the line-up — something organisers hope will broaden the appeal of the movement even further.

“To kick off this milestone, we chose Q Twins because of their unique sound and performance style. We want to show that the movement has no boundaries when it comes to music and entertainment,” Freddy K said.

The event will also shine a light on local talent, with artistes such as Zagoe Radge and Zhezhingtons set to support the main act. Organisers have consistently emphasised the importance of creating space for emerging performers, using the platform not only to attract big names but also to nurture home-grown talent through community-based shows.

Despite the visible success, those behind the movement are quick to point out that the journey has not been without its challenges. Putting together events of this scale requires more than enthusiasm — it demands careful co-ordination, adherence to regulations, and the ability to navigate logistical demands.

“It’s not easy organising events of this nature. There are regulations to follow and a lot of co-ordination involved, but our team has worked hard to make it happen,” said DJ Keitho.

Looking ahead, the vision for Asambe Gwanda stretches beyond individual shows. The organisers are already exploring ways to expand the movement through partnerships with local institutions, including the city council, schools and other stakeholders. The aim is not just to sustain the current momentum, but to grow it into something more structured and far-reaching — a platform that cements Gwanda’s place within the country’s entertainment landscape while opening doors for future opportunities.