Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
LEGENDS NIGHT, the much-anticipated musical showcase celebrating Zimbabwean music trailblazers, made its historic Bulawayo debut on Saturday, drawing hundreds of music lovers to the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre Hall 2.
Braving the winter chill, attendees were treated to an electrifying evening of nostalgia, unity and cultural pride, with the InTotal Band leading the charge in performing timeless classics from some of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated musical icons.
Backed by the high-energy, award-winning dance ensemble Iyasa, InTotal Band delivered beautifully arranged renditions of golden-era tracks, captivating the audience with soulful vocals and tight instrumentals. The collaboration with Iyasa added flair and choreography to the music, offering fans an immersive, multi-sensory experience.
Bulawayo’s beloved Fusion Band opened the night with a lively set that quickly warmed up the crowd. Their performance reaffirmed their status as a local favourite, setting the tone for the powerful acts that followed.
InTotal Band performed in two main segments. The first set began promptly at 7pm and featured renditions of yesteryear classics such as Tozeza Baba, Chitekete, Rudo Runokosha, Mugove, Gomo Ramasare, Ziwere and Ndakuvara, among others.
Following the first hour, acclaimed Bulawayo saxophonist Vuyile Nesbert Qongo took over with a soulful jazz interlude. The emotional peak of his set came with a tribute cover of the late hip-hop icon Cal_Vin’s Banjalo Abantu, leaving many in the audience visibly moved.
At 9pm, InTotal Band returned for their second act, this time paying homage to Bulawayo legends. Their playlist included KoNtuthu Ziyathunqa and Baba loMama by Lovemore Majaivana and Shosholoza, originally performed by the late Don Gumbo with Ilanga, led on the night by Derick Mpofu. They also covered the classic True Love.
The segment featured a powerful spoken word performance by iconic poet Albert Nyathi, who delivered his timeless piece Senzeni Na!
The emotional crescendo of the night came when the legendary Cool Crooners were invited on stage to perform their beloved track Bhulugwe Lami, in a moment that embodied the spirit of unity and reverence upon which the event was founded.
But Legends Night was not just about music — it was a night of networking, celebration and intergenerational exchange. Artistes from across disciplines converged in a rare moment of camaraderie. Among the distinguished guests were theatre luminaries Jasen Mphepo, Simon Mambazo Phiri, Nkululeko Dube, Othnell Mangoma Moyo, Clive Mono Mukundu and several local band members and creatives.
As a token of appreciation, a select group of legends were honoured with grocery hampers for their contributions to Zimbabwe’s music industry. Honourees included Jeys Marabini, Albert Nyathi, Ebba Chitambo of Wells Fargo, George Phahlane and Phathie Ncube of Ebony Sheikh, Chase Skuza, Hudson Simbarashe, the Cool Crooners and Sandra Ndebele.
Visibly moved, Jeys Marabini expressed his gratitude.
“These are very rare occasions. We usually get noticed when we are dead, but to be remembered while alive is a good gesture. These young men and women are doing a great thing by reviving our music, and that allows our identity to be preserved as Zimbabweans.”
Speaking on the sidelines, InTotal Band director and acclaimed saxophonist Joseph “Jose Sax” Chinouriri reflected on the event’s impact:
“This is the first time Legends Night has been held outside Harare. We were overwhelmed by the turnout and humbled by the support of the people of Bulawayo, who defied the cold to be with us. It was an honour to have true Zimbabwean legends support our cause.”
Following the resounding success of the Bulawayo edition, organisers are now planning a national tour, with the next stop set for The Odyssey in Kadoma, on June 21.
