dyton mupawaenda
Valerie Mpundu
National Arts Merit Awards 2023 Outstanding Poet of the Year (Spoken Word Category), Ngonidzashe Paradza, whose stage name is Mambo Guramatunhu, has coined touching lyrics dedicated to Zimbabwe ahead of the country’s 44th independence celebrations.
The spoken word poet joins many other artists who have lined-up shows to commemorate Independence Day on April 18.
Paradza’s recitations of the poem, “Zimbabwe @44”, has widely been appreciated in mainstream and social media platforms.
In an interview recently, Guramatunhu, underscored his pride in being part of Zimbabwe’s legacy and heritage, urging other Zimbabweans to remain united for the greater good of the nation.
“This is our heritage, and as such, we should be proud to safeguard it jealously. We have obtained peace through the sacrifice made by our heroes and heroines towards freedom,” he said.
Guramatunhu emphasised that the country’s destiny lay in the hands of the Zimbabwean people, whose quest for freedom culminated into a protracted liberation struggle.
“In celebration of our freedom, we rejoice in song and dance. We were born and bred in Zimbabwe; hence we should sing with one voice,” added the artist.
Appreciating the collective sacrifices made for freedom, Guramatunhu highlighted the need for artistes to amplify their voices. He pointed out that it would be a disservice if artistes fail to spread the gospel of peace in nation building.
The words to the poem, accompanied by visuals, were crafted to artistic mastery paying tribute to heritage and monumental sites in Zimbabwe, with captivating serenades of developmental strides the nation has taken.
“When we made visuals for the poem, we wanted to represent the journey Zimbabwe has taken so far; at the same time appreciating tremendous efforts our Government is making,” he said.
Guramatunhu said the Zimbabwean story is best told by its people, united by the Motherland—giving them identity as a nation—notwithstanding their different backgrounds.
Commemoration of Independence Day, goes beyond celebrating living legends, who selflessly sacrificed for the common good, but also encompasses paying tribute to our fallen heroes as well.
Guramatunhu takes cognisance of this aspect in the following lines:
“Standing with fallen heroes who fought for this moment, we honour the heroes of this movement.
“Rest in peace! Your sweat, blood and tears paid the ultimate price for our freedom.”
Poetically rhyming to some Chimurenga songs, Guramatunhu lays out some of the victory choruses.
“Kune nzira dzemasoja,
Zimbabwe ndiyo nyika yatakazvarirwa,
Vanhu vose muno muAfrica, hondo maiona
Maruza imi vapambepfumi
Mbuya Nehanda Kufa vachireva:
Achamuka aya mapfupa aazorova.”
Through the refrain “Happy Independence Zimbabwe”, Guramatunhu takes a bow in honour of the heroes of the struggle.
Online Reporter