Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
MUBAIRA Growth Point in Mhondoro will be the place to be tonight when Chemhanza Grounds hosts this year’s Heroes Gala, bringing together some of Zimbabwe’s biggest musical acts for a night of entertainment and national celebration.
The star-studded event, which will be held at the heart of the thriving business centre, promises to give residents of Mhondoro and surrounding areas an opportunity to rub shoulders with top musicians without travelling to major cities for entertainment.
For many, the gala will be more than just another music extravaganza.
It will be a celebration of Zimbabwe’s liberation heroes, both living and departed, with music and entertainment providing the soundtrack to the national commemorations.
Top musicians led by Admire “Chief Hwenje” Sibanda and Braveman “Baba Harare” Chizvino will headline the event, while Utakataka Express heir apparent Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo has also been roped into the line-up.
Widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s finest sungura stage performers, Young Igwe is expected to remind fans why he continues to carry forward the legacy of his late father, Tongai “Igwe” Moyo, who became a household name through his memorable performances at national events.
Mark Ngwazi, Romeo Gasa, Clement Magwaza, Bio Mudimba and Simon Mutambi will also be on hand to demonstrate that sungura music remains in safe hands.
The five musicians represent a new generation of sungura artistes who continue to reinvent and popularise the genre among younger audiences.
Adding a gospel touch to the celebrations will be two consistent gospel divas, Dorcas Moyo and Agartha Murudzwa.
Born and bred in Mutare, the pair is expected to bless the night with their powerful voices, which have left audiences yearning for more.
Their participation will add a distinct Manicaland flavour to the celebrations as they minister through song while praying for the nation.
After all, the two gospel musicians hardly disappoint wherever they perform.
LMG Choir has also been included in the mix.
Atenda Chinx, daughter of the late liberation hero Cde Dickson Chingaira Makoni, has also earned a place on the programme in recognition of her consistency, while Jah Master will represent the Zimdancehall genre.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services deputy director Hymn Mureru said preparations for the gala had gone according to plan and fans should expect an unforgettable evening.
“Preparations for the Heroes Gala have been going on well, and this year we will be holding it on August 11 at Chemhanza Grounds in Mubaira Growth Point,” he said.
“The event is scheduled to begin at 6pm and continue late into the night after the Defence Forces celebrations at Rufaro Stadium.
“We will be celebrating the gains brought about by our heroes, and we can guarantee an exciting show.
“We have assembled a top-drawer line-up of musicians for the event.”
Mureru said the response from the people of Mhondoro had been overwhelming.
“This is the first time Mhondoro will be hosting such an event, in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no place and no one behind.
“People from Mhondoro and surrounding areas now have the opportunity to enjoy performances by some of the country’s biggest stars without travelling long distances.
“We are looking forward to a successful event that will certainly bring joy to the people of the area.”
Chief Hwenje, who is no stranger to performing at national events, said he was eager to entertain fans in Mhondoro.
“I am very familiar with the Mhondoro area, where I have previously performed during political rallies and other events,” said the energetic singer.
“To be honest, I feel honoured to be part of this year’s line-up, and I am determined to give my very best performance.
“It will be a special night as we honour both the living and departed heroes who sacrificed for Zimbabwe’s liberation.
“The arts sector also has its own heroes whom we continue to celebrate, and I want to leave a lasting impression through my performance.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Tshibilika exponent Clement Magwaza, who also performed at last year’s Heroes Gala in Wedza.
“It is always a great honour to be invited to perform at such a prestigious national event.
“I am a proud Zimbabwean, and I cannot afford to disappoint the fans on such a significant occasion.
“It is not only an opportunity to showcase our talent, but also to represent our country.”
Last year’s Heroes Gala in Wedza was hailed as a resounding success, and organisers are hopeful of replicating that atmosphere in Mhondoro.
With a stellar cast of performers, heightened anticipation among residents and a national celebration honouring the country’s liberation heroes, all roads now lead to Chemhanza Grounds.
For one memorable night, Mubaira Growth Point will become the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s entertainment scene, providing a fitting musical celebration to accompany the nation’s tribute to its heroes.
Judging by the success of previous galas held in different parts of the country, the decentralisation of national events has been widely welcomed as a triumph, giving communities outside major cities a chance to participate in and enjoy national celebrations.
