Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
Thousands of revellers in Hwedza and surrounding areas are in for a spectacular treat on August 12, when the country’s top musicians gather at Kujeke Growth Point for this year’s Heroes Day celebrations.
As has become customary, a grand musical extravaganza is guaranteed at this upcoming event, as Mashonaland East is set to be recognised by the event organisers.
Such celebrations have become commonplace in other parts of the country, which previously hosted few similar events.
While the final line-up of performers will be released today, event organisers have assured entertainment-starved fans that Kujeke Grounds in Hwedza will indeed host this year’s edition. Lennex Mandipaza, the Principal Information Officer in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, confirmed this exciting event.
“The 2025 Heroes Gala will take place on August 12 at Kujeke Grounds in Hwedza, running from 6pm to 6am,” stated Mandipaza.
“While the line-up of artistes is still being finalised, the venue has been secured.
“In fact, we will release the final list on Thursday (today), but preparations are proceeding smoothly.” In line with the Government’s mantra of leaving no one behind, national events have been hosted in various small towns across the country. Last year’s Heroes Gala, held in Bikita, attracted thousands of fans, awakening Nyika Growth Point from its deep slumber as the country’s heroes were celebrated.
Both departed and living creatives who have transformed Zimbabwe’s showbiz scene were also remembered. Notable performers included Mark Ngwazi, Andy Muridzo and Tendai Dembo, who graced last year’s event.
This year, the focus is on Mashonaland East, which has proven to be a nursery for top musicians. One departed legend from Mashonaland East who deserves top honours at this event is Daiton Somanje, the co-founder of Pengaudzoke, who died in 2015 at the age of 50.
Ten years after his death, his music remains as beautiful as ever.
It would be wonderful to see either Daiton’s younger brother, Josphat, or his son, Feheem, get a slot at this event. This would mean a lot to revellers in Mashonaland East.
This could also be a perfect opportunity for the artistes in the line-up to honour Daiton, as one of the legends who made a significant impact in the region. From a farm labourer in Beatrice, Daiton became a household name in Zimbabwe and later settled in Marondera.
However, the same honour should be extended to other departed musicians, including Leonard Dembo, Paul Matavire, Marshall Munhumumwe and System Tazvida, among others, who did not have the chance to perform at similar events.
This event should also serve as a platform to remember some of the departed legends who used to dominate State-run musical galas, such as Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo, who mesmerised fans with his performances during State-sponsored events of this magnitude.
The late Andy Brown, Tedious Matsito, Bob Nyabinde, Cde Chinx, Cephas Mashakada, Tatenda Pinjisi, Beatar Mangethe and Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu are among the many creatives who once performed at national galas.
There are also yesteryear veterans like Hosiah Chipanga, sungura giant Nicholas Zakaria, Gift Amuli, Last “Tambaoga” Chiangwa, Alick Macheso and Paradzai Mesi, who made past galas memorable.
Of course, there is a dedicated crop of newcomers, including Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange, Mark Ngwazi, Tendai Dembo, Chief Hwenje, Mathias Mhere, Argatha Murudzwa, Andy Muridzo, Jah Master, Killer T and the Chillspot Family led by DJ Fantan and Levels, who have consistently shown their patriotism.
This level of commitment has led to many of them being recognised for their efforts, making them popular household names.
Not only have these musicians demonstrated their patriotism, but their true spirit of honouring both departed and living heroes deserves special mention. Zimbabwe has legends in all spheres that deserve to be honoured in a unique way, as is the case with musical galas.
The Heroes and Defence Forces holidays hold special memories, after all, tough battles were fought in the area during the liberation struggle, and music inspired freedom fighters.
It would be refreshing for the same spirit to be exhibited in Hwedza, known for its warm hospitality and innovative people.
For the business community, this is also the perfect time to capitalise on revellers visiting Hwedza for fun. Taking a cue from other small towns that have hosted similar events, Hwedza should not be left behind, as the area has the potential to grow and make an impression.
After all, it boasts infrastructural developments befitting the efforts made by its heroes to put it on the map.
To date, national galas have also been hosted in remote and humble places like Murambinda Growth Point in Buhera, Mt Darwin, Dotito Growth Point, Nyika Growth Point in Bikita and Gokwe’s Nembudziya.
Peter Tanyanyiwa