Gweru reverberates to Uhuru

for its extremely chilly nights but on Friday night it was hot as Ascot Stadium hosted the Independence Gala conjuring scenes of the 1980 independence euphoria.
The festivities started on a gospel note with Diva Mafunga of the “Endai Naizvozvo” putting up a well-polished performance.
He simply nailed it when he played “Kubata KwaMwari” and “Zimbabwe” off his debut album that put emphasis on the theme of the gala.
Dick Chingaira, better known as Cde Chinx, took the audience down memory lane with his songs “Roger Confirm”, “Vanhu VemuAfrica” and “Hondo Yeminda” sending the crowd into a frenzy.
One of his backing vocalists treated the crowd to “Sele” and “Borrowdale” dances that delighted fans while others broke into “kongonya”.
Roki was another crowd favourite after he staged a well-choreographed act with his side-kick and dancer Melody, who despite her bulging tummy was as agile as ever.
Comparing his recent performance to the previous ones, one could tell Roki has slightly improved in both dressing and dances. The urban grooves artiste said he would in future perform live backed by his five-member band.
The crowd burst into applause as one of the sungura giants, Somandla “Mafia” Ndebele, took to the stage.
Since the gala was held to mark 31 years of independence, the show could not be complete without a dose of Chimurenga music.
Mbare Chimurenga Choir displayed their famous “kongonya” dance spicing it up with “Sele” popularised by the talented Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo.
The audience sang along when the group performed songs such as “Changamukai”, “Timu” and “Slogan” off their album, “Nyatsoteerera”.
Sista Flame, who was recently blessed with a bouncing baby, proved her mettle with the microphone and was a joy to watch.
The diva has now set up her own recording studio.
Chase Skuza of the “Banolila” fame defied all odds when he displayed his artistry with both the guitar and vocals.
Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria, a mentor and founding father of the Khiama Boys, was simply at his best.
The Chitungwiza-based guitarist wowed audiences with his fast-paced rhythms.
Playing songs such as “Mabvi Nemagokora” and “Ida Anokuda” just he way fans liked it.
Dendera prodigy Tryson Chimbetu played some of the old hits originally done by his late uncle Simon Chimbetu.
He proved that the legacy left by his mentor still lives on when he played “Usandisiye” “Ndarangarira Gamba” and “One Way” much to the delight of many who braved the chilly weather to enjoy the music extravaganza.
Bulawayo-based Iyasa put the icing on the cake with a spectacular dance/drama act that won the hearts of many.
The group’s performance was full of life with acrobatics and dance routines that have made them popular both locally and abroad.
Popular gospel outfit Mahendere Brothers, fronted by Amos Mahendere, also flexed their muscles.
Sungura maestro Alick Macheso breathed life into the show as the crowd went wild when he went on stage.
Macheso is famed for his antics with the guitar which he plays using literally any part of his body.
The king of sungura left the crowd crying for more.
Closing the musical bash in the early hours of Sunday were Cephas “Motomuzhinji” Mashakada, Andy Brown and Freddie Manjalima aka Kapfupi who performed his new song titled “Musoja”.