Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube [email protected]
FILABUSI is set to come alive on Friday as different music sounds with rhumba taking centre stage at the Muface Music Gala taking place at a mine where some of the genre’s heavyweights are billed to clash in a high-energy showcase.
The gala is the brainchild of Filabusi-based miner and arts promoter Emmanuel “Muface KaOne” Chirwa, who has been steadily building a reputation for supporting local artistes since last year.
This year’s line-up features a strong mix of established and popular performers, including Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu, Clement Magwaza, Insimbi ZeZwane, Cosmus Mpofu of Universe Express, and Abigail Mabuza among others.
Chirwa said the event forms part of his broader vision to create a sustainable platform for musicians while also investing in long-term infrastructure for live performances in the area.
He said groundwork is already underway for a dedicated music venue, with construction of a music hall in progress and plans to introduce a state-of-the-art public address system within the next two months.
“I love music and having seen the Government supporting artistes through national music galas, this is my small contribution to those efforts. We have many artistes who need business support so that they continue recording and supporting their families. It is our role as business people to support the arts,” he said.
Chirwa added that his first major event was held last year, featuring veteran musician Chase Skuza, which inspired him to expand the initiative into a regular showcase. He shared plans to host the galas monthly, bringing different artistes from across the country.
Beyond music, Chirwa is also investing in sport development, sponsoring football and pool teams and supporting tournaments in Insiza as part of efforts to keep young people engaged.
“I’m also a sports fanatic. I support sports tournaments in Godlwayo. I have my own pool and soccer teams as a way of keeping our youths busy and so that they stay away from drug and substance abuse,” he said.
On the performance front, Cosmus Mpofu said he is ready to light up Filabusi with an energetic set. The “Igama Lomsebenzi” hitmaker said his band has been preparing thoroughly for the show.
“We’ll do the talking on stage as we’ve been preparing for this show and cannot wait to perform. It’s an opportunity we cannot waste as a band,” he said.
Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu also expressed confidence ahead of the gala, saying his group is in top form after a busy run of performances across the region.
“We’ve been playing at shows across Matabeleland and Bulawayo. From Filabusi, we’re making the long trip to Rusape where we’ll play on Saturday for the first time,” he said.
