Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
As the nation commemorates Heroes Day today, veteran musician Sotja Moyo, frontman of the legendary Black Umfolosi ensemble, has urged African youths to unite and drive the arts agenda forward as a way of honouring the sacrifices made by liberation heroes across the continent.
Moyo, whose music career began before Zimbabwe’s independence, believes the continent’s future lies in cultural collaboration, driven by a new generation of artistes committed to preserving and advancing Africa’s rich heritage.
“Africa needs to come together, especially our young people. They must step onto the world stage and collaborate across borders, culturally, politically, and economically. This is the best way to honour those who gave their lives for our freedom.”
Moyo stressed that the liberation struggle was deeply intertwined with the arts, particularly music, which served as both a tool of resistance and a unifier for fighters and civilians alike.
“Music carried messages of freedom. It educated people on the realities of colonial rule, rallied support for the liberation movement, and kept morale high in training camps,” he recalled.
Groups such as the LMG Choir, ZUPU Choir, Zimbabwe Revolutionary Choir, and Impi Yosiko played key roles in mobilising and inspiring liberation forces through music.
However, Moyo noted that the creative industry at the time was limited in scope.
“There were very few musicians doing politically-conscious or traditional music. Most played Western cover songs in hotels and at private functions. The struggle for true cultural expression was also part of the broader liberation movement,” he said.
Now, more than four decades after independence, Moyo believes it is time for the youth to carry the torch forward, not only to preserve the gains of freedom, but also to build on them through meaningful artistic expression and continental unity.
“Heroes Day is not just a holiday, it’s a reminder of what was sacrificed. We honour our heroes not only through speeches but by advancing the total freedom they fought for – political, economic, and cultural.”
He called for more cross-border cultural exchange programmes that empower young artistes and promote Africa’s shared identity on the global stage.
“Our youths are the future custodians of our heritage. If they unite through art, they will keep our stories alive and shape a powerful, unified African narrative.”
Moyo, best known for leading the timeless hit Unity, continues to use his music to advocate for peace and cohesion across communities.
“As we celebrate Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, let’s not forget the cultural warriors — musicians, poets, dramatists — who fought with words and rhythm. Let’s invest in the arts to preserve the soul of our nations,” he added.
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