Online Reporter
Trust Khosa, [email protected]
THE Heroes Day Gala held at Mubaira Growth Point in Mhondoro, Mashonaland West, was not only a celebration of Zimbabwe’s living and departed heroes but also a significant platform for artistes seeking to expand their reach and connect with new audiences.
Organised by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, the gala brought together musicians from different generations, provinces and musical backgrounds. By taking the event beyond the country’s major urban centres, organisers created opportunities for both established and emerging performers to showcase their talent before audiences they might not ordinarily encounter.
For up-and-coming artistes, the gala provided valuable exposure, experience and a chance to test the appeal of their music beyond their traditional fan bases.
Afro-beats singer Atenda “Chinx” Chingaira was among the standout performers of the evening. The daughter of the late revolutionary musician Dickson Chingaira, popularly known as Cde Chinx,
Atenda displayed remarkable confidence and maturity as she blended some of her father’s well-loved classics with her own growing catalogue of music.
Her performance resonated strongly with the crowd, which repeatedly called for her return to the stage. After consulting stage managers, she honoured the request and asked the audience which
song they wanted to hear. The answer came back loud and clear: Makoti!
She duly obliged, performing the popular 2025 release that has helped raise her profile alongside other tracks such as Ndodi, Mwoyo Wangu and My Man.
Another artiste who left a lasting impression was Jah Signal, whose energetic performance had revellers on their feet throughout much of his set. Anchored by his hit song Sweetie, his performance generated such excitement that he too was called back for an encore, providing another opportunity to interact with a new audience.
The response received by both artistes highlighted the benefits of decentralising major national events and exposing performers to audiences in different parts of the country.
For Matabeleland-based Tshibilika musician Clement Magwaza, performing in Mhondoro offered an opportunity to introduce his music to listeners outside his usual market.
“We had a lovely time in Mhondoro performing for a new audience. The people there totally enjoyed our performance and enjoyed our rhumba beat and stage work,” said Magwaza.
Mzoe7, who represented Matabeleland alongside Fashion Maradona and Zimdancehall artiste Ma9nine, said the gala demonstrated the power of art to connect people from different regions and backgrounds.
“This was the best experience ever! We had a good time in Mhondoro. What I love and appreciate about art and the gala is that it takes you to different parts of the country and makes you meet different people and appreciate places,” he said.
“A lot of people there were asking us why we’d never performed in their province as they enjoyed our art.”
For the host community, the gala was equally important as it provided local musicians with an opportunity to share a stage with some of the country’s biggest names.
Popular Sungura musician Jonathan Siyasitimuzira, better known as “Mr Gina or Mr Chinhoyi”, delivered a polished performance that was well received by the crowd. Mbira Dzasamaita, a family ensemble that combines youthful talent with experienced performers, also impressed audiences and showcased the depth of artistic talent within the province.
Jiti Outfit and Mhondoro Music Group further represented the host area, ensuring that local talent remained an integral part of the celebrations rather than simply playing a supporting role to visiting performers.
Mashonaland West artiste Romeo Gasa added colour and flair to the event with a visually striking performance. Dressed in an all-white outfit and accompanied by four dancers clad in co-ordinated black-and-white ensembles, he brought a distinctive style to the stage that captured the audience’s attention.
Gospel music also featured prominently during the celebrations, with Agartha Murudzwa and Dorcas Moyo providing contrasting but equally engaging performances.
Revolutionary musician Admire “Chief Hwenje” Shumba also demonstrated his versatility by stepping beyond his familiar patriotic repertoire to perform a selection of love songs.
“I am a versatile artiste who can sing anything you might think of, from gospel, sungura and Afro-fusion among other genres. This gala was special to us,” he said.
Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo also attracted significant attention as he continued to carve out his own identity in the music industry while inevitably drawing comparisons to his late father, Tongai
“Dhewa” Moyo, who was a regular favourite at national events.
Representing Binga, Tonga musician Bio Mudimba brought another regional flavour to the celebrations, treating fans to several sing along tracks, including his breakthrough hit Kujatajata.
Jiti musician Braveman “Baba Harare” Chizvino blended some of his older favourites with material from his latest release, while Mark Ngwazi maintained strong audience engagement through his trademark singsong repertoire, at times allowing fans to take over entire sections of his songs.
One of the night’s most talked-about performances came from Lazarus Zakaria, nephew of the late Sungura legend Nicholas Zakaria.
Despite receiving a cease-and-desist letter from Nicholas Zakaria’s widow, Margaret Gweshe, instructing him to stop performing the late musician’s songs, Zakaria proceeded with his set. Backed by a strong band that included former Khiama Boys members such as Nasho Azatti, he delivered a memorable performance that drew considerable attention from the crowd.
The gala eventually closed on a high note with Sungura musician Simon Mutambi, who justified his position as the closing act through a commanding performance that capped a night of entertainment and celebration.
The broad representation of artistes from across Zimbabwe reflected the organisers’ efforts to make national celebrations more inclusive and accessible to both performers and audiences outside the country’s major cities.
The approach is consistent with the Government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind while also strengthening the role of national events in promoting Zimbabwe’s creative industries and cultural diversity.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Dr Omphile Marupi attended the gala as guest of honour. Traditional leaders and legislator Cde Chamu Chiwanza were also among those in attendance.
Last year’s Heroes Day Gala was held in Hwedza, while this year’s event was staged at Mubaira Growth Point in Mhondoro, a move that once again highlighted the value of decentralising national celebrations and taking major events closer to communities across the country.
