Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma and Langalakhe Mabena
MUSIC and dance from Matabeleland took centre stage at the inaugural Munhumutapa Day Musical Gala held in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central, on Tuesday, with Mavusani, Iyasa and veteran songstress Sandra Ndebele delivering standout performances before thousands of revellers.
The trio was part of a star-studded line-up featuring some of Zimbabwe’s biggest musical acts, who entertained crowds as the nation marked the first Munhumutapa Day since September 15 was declared a public holiday.
The Government declared September 15 a public holiday, known as Munhumutapa Day, through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026 under the Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act.
The inaugural commemorations placed Zimbabwe’s history, heritage and cultural identity at the centre of national celebrations, with the musical gala providing a platform for artistes and cultural groups to showcase their talent through music, dance and performance.
Organised by the Zanu-PF Youth League, the gala coincided with President Mnangagwa’s birthday and brought a major national celebration to Mvurwi, reflecting efforts to decentralise such events beyond the country’s major cities.
The impressive line-up featured Botswana’s Vee Mampeezy, sungura giants Alick Macheso and Sulumani Chimbetu, Freeman, Sugar Sugar, Enzo Ishall, Killer T, the Charambas, Mathias Mhere, Chief Hwenje, Peter Moyo, Seh Calaz, Dorcas Moyo, Onismo, Jah Prayzah, Andy Muridzo, Ndunge Yut and Junior Spragga, among others.
Mavusani said he was honoured to be part of a historic event, describing the experience as a milestone in his career.
“The atmosphere was electric and full of energy. We dedicated one of our songs to His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa as a birthday present. I am happy to have been part of the first gala since the declaration of the public holiday.
“I want to express gratitude to His Excellency President Mnangagwa for including music artistes from Matabeleland through the 2030 mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
“As youths and music artistes, we are blessed to have a leader like His Excellency President Mnangagwa,” said Mavusani.
For Ndebele, the enthusiastic reception from the crowd reaffirmed the enduring bond between her music and audiences while motivating her to continue producing new work.
“The musical gala was beautiful. The music was welcomed well, and the future is brighter for more music releases and more projects. The support that people continue to give me assures me that I am not retiring soon,” she said.
Iyasa director Nkululeko Dube said the overwhelming turnout highlighted the enthusiasm of young people and provided valuable lessons and inspiration for the group.
“It was an electric atmosphere engulfed in youthful exuberance and excitement. People turned up in their numbers, especially the youth, and as an organisation that works with young people, it was a momentous occasion for our creatives.
“We also learnt a lot in that short moment on stage, and we left the platform richer in inspiration and a desire to continue doing well every time,” he said.
Beyond the Matabeleland contingent, the gala offered both established and emerging artistes a chance to connect with a massive audience.
Sungura musician Taruvinga “Sugar Sugar” Manjokota, who has enjoyed renewed popularity through his hit song Mudododo, brought his trademark energy to the Mvurwi stage, with the song proving one of the night’s highlights.
Young Zimdancehall artiste Junior Spragga also injected youthful energy into the celebrations, captivating fans with his hit song Daka.
His appearance at the gala came after an earlier performance at the main Munhumutapa Day commemorations, where he joined other artistes in singing Happy Birthday to President Mnangagwa.
The gala ultimately showcased the breadth of Zimbabwean music, bringing together different generations of performers, with veterans such as Macheso, Chimbetu and the Charambas sharing the stage with a new crop of rising stars.
