Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
TSHIBILIKA firebrands Insimbi zeZhwane are leading a star-studded, tyre-burning, horsepower-powered Heroes Day bash at ZKS Spinners Arena on 11 August. They are bringing everything from music to memories.
The Jeremiah hit-makers, fronted by charismatic lead vocalist Brema, say the gig is a tribute, a celebration, and a heartfelt nod to fallen band members MaEli and Maviri, who died in a car crash exactly two years ago in August.
“Celebrating Heroes Day is very important to all Zimbabweans because our freedom came through sacrifices made by our parents who took part in the liberation struggle,” said Brema.
“As Insimbi zeZhwane, we are super excited to be gathering with our fans as we celebrate this beautiful day. We also have to remember that we lost our brothers in an accident two years back, in the month of August. Hence, we will use this gig to remember them with this performance because they are our heroes, who helped in paving a way for the group to be celebrated like it is today.”
The ZKS Arena will be lit with a fire combo of music, car spinning and drifting, horse riding and even ostrich viewing. The venue is not only turning into a music lover’s paradise, but a full-blown tourism hotspot.
Zakhele Mlilo, the mastermind behind the ZKS Spinners Arena, said they have cooked up an event that is more than a concert.
“It is more than just spinning and music. We have also tapped into the aspect of promoting tourism because we will take our visitors to other parts of Bulawayo including the Khami Ruins, which is a stone’s throw from the arena,” said Mlilo.
He added that crowds are expected to pour in from all over the world, from the UK, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and beyond.
Among the high-profile guests is none other than former Warriors and Manchester City captain Benjani Mwaruwari, who will be part of the revelry.
In a unique twist, Khami Maximum Prison will also play a surprising role in the day’s festivities.
ZKS Arena has teamed up with the correctional facility to empower inmates by allowing them to exhibit and sell their handcrafted items and agricultural produce at the event.
The partnership follows a recent donation drive led by Mlilo, who provided prisoners with blankets, plates, buckets and essential electrical tools to help them endure winter’s bite.
“During that visit, we discovered that they are engaged in a variety of productive activities, including farming, metalwork and woodwork. We felt it was important to support their rehabilitation by giving them a second chance to reintegrate into society,” said Mlilo.
“Their participation in the Heroes Day event fosters a sense of purpose and helps them feel connected to the community.”
As the arena roars to life with music, tyre screeches and cheers, this year’s Heroes Day promises to be unforgettable.
A day where the past is honoured, the present celebrated and the future shaped.
