Massive gigs to mark 31st independence

main event at Ascot Stadium in Gweru on April 21.
However, a Mashonaland Central provincial gala in the mining town of Shamva is slated for April 17 at Wadzanani Gardens.
The two gigs seek to commemorate the country’s independence that came about on April 18, 1980 as a result of the sacrifices made by both living and departed heroes and heroines.
Popular gospel musician Pastor Charles Charamba – who will headline the Shamva gala together with the likes of Cephas Mashakada and James Nyamandi – said he would take music lovers on a memorable musical journey as a way of celebrating the momentous day.
“While we will be celebrating our national independence, we will also be commemorating Easter.
“Independence Day marks the liberation of our country, while in a similar vein Easter marks the resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
“What this means is that we are going to mark and observe our liberation as a nation twice,” said Pastor Charamba.
The “Machira Chete” hit-maker also said the gala would give people from Mashonaland Central Province a chance to sample his new album “Pashoko Pangoma” live.
“It will be my second show in Shamva following the release of my new album ‘Pashoko Pangoma’, so people should brace for it,” he said.
Mashakada, or simply “Motomuzhinji”, who has become a permanent feature at most music galas said he was raring to go and promised “fireworks”.
“We will lead the nation in commemorating our independence and we are going to put up a good performance, both in Shamva and Gweru.
“People should also look forward to new songs from our forthcoming album due for release sometime in July,” said the dreadlocked musician.
Mashakada is famous for his suave lead guitar playing skills as well as sing-along songs like “Samson”, “PaChinhoyi” and “Magamba Edu”, among others.
James Nyamandi, who is reviving the famous Four Brothers outfit, urged people to come and support the gala saying it was a way of using music to celebrate a worthy cause.
“We are urging people to come out in their numbers. The Four Brothers is still alive.
“In fact, we have a new album in the pipeline and we are continuing from where my late mentor, Marshall Munhumumwe, left,” said Nyamandi.
Jah Prayzah, Njerama Boys, Olinda Marowa and Mashonaland Central’s upcoming musicians Caveman and Almaxton are also billed to entertain people at the Shamva gig.
From the mining town of Shamva, all roads will then lead to Midlands Province where close to 40 musicians are billed to illuminate the Midlands capital with their performances.