Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
MVURWI Stadium in Mashonaland Central Province will tonight be the place to be as it hosts the 2026 Munhumutapa Music Gala, bringing together some of the country’s biggest names in music for a night of entertainment and celebration.
Organised by the Zanu PF Youth League, the gala is being held to honour past and present leaders who have made a lasting impression on Zimbabwe and the wider Southern African region.
This year’s edition is particularly significant as it coincides with Munhumutapa Day, which was introduced in 2024 and is now recognised as a national holiday.
The celebrations also coincide with President Mnangagwa’s birthday, adding another dimension to the event, which is expected to attract thousands of music lovers from Mvurwi and surrounding areas.
A star-studded line-up, headlined by sungura king Alick Macheso and gospel power couple Pastor Charles Charamba and wife Olivia, is expected to provide the entertainment.
Man of the moment Taruvinga “Sugar Sugar” Manjokota, riding high on the success of his hit song “Mudododo”, has also been rewarded for his artistry with a slot on the prestigious line-up.
Revolutionary singer Admire “Chief Hwenje” Shumba, Suluman Chimbetu, Andy Muridzo, Peter Moyo, Junior Spragga, Vee Mampeezy, Enzo Ishall, Freeman, Killer T, Ndunge Yut, Dorcas Moyo, Mathias Mhere and Jah Promo are also part of the impressive cast.
With such a diverse line-up, variety is guaranteed at the gala, which was initiated by the Zanu PF Youth League two years ago.
For Macheso, the event presents another opportunity to perform in Mashonaland Central, a province where he has built a strong following and rarely disappoints his fans.
“It is always good performing at national events which bring people together,” Macheso’s publicist, Tichaona Makahamadze, told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“We last performed in the area early this year, so for us to be back there before the year ends should be good news for music lovers.
“We have been receiving calls ever since the news was announced that we were part of the gala.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Mhere, who has become a familiar face at national events.
“It is a good feeling performing at such a big occasion where we are also celebrating the life of our President,” he said.
“Being invited to perform there is a plus for me because I love my country and its leadership.
“As a team, we are more than ready to perform there. It has been ages since I performed there.
“Now that we are celebrating a new holiday, I am glad that we are going to make history with others in Mvurwi.”
He also promised to sample new songs and showcase his latest dancing routines.
“As a group of dedicated worshippers, we always cherish what God has given us, and we love our nation,” he said.
Manjokota was equally ecstatic to be part of the celebrations in Mvurwi.
“I can’t thank the organisers enough for including me in the line-up,” an ecstatic Manjokota said.
“To those who are yet to watch me perform “Mudododo,” this is the perfect opportunity for them to come in numbers and watch me perform.
“As for those watching on television, you won’t be disappointed.”
He added:“I would like to thank my President for what he has done for us, and I can’t wait to celebrate his legacy through song and dance in Mvurwi.
“I simply cherish this moment where we are going to honour him in a unique way like this.”
The Munhumutapa celebrations, however, go beyond music, with schools, universities, museums, traditional leaders, cultural institutions and youth organisations using the occasion to honour the country’s heroes and celebrate its heritage.
These commemorations take various forms, including exhibitions, public lectures, storytelling sessions and cultural programmes designed to educate younger generations about the country’s history and traditions.
For the people of Mvurwi, hosting the gala is, therefore, more than just an entertainment event.
It gives the town an opportunity to take centre stage on a national platform while allowing local communities to participate in the celebrations without having to travel to major cities.
The decentralisation of such national celebrations has also become an important feature of the musical galas, taking major events to communities that have traditionally been overlooked when it comes to large-scale entertainment.
Last year, Masvingo hosted the same gala, and this year the spotlight has shifted to Mvurwi, reinforcing the idea of taking national celebrations to different parts of the country.
The growing appeal of these musical galas lies in their ability to combine entertainment, culture and national celebrations while taking major events to marginalised communities, in line with the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.
For Mvurwi, tonight’s gathering promises to be both a major cultural occasion and an opportunity for the town to showcase its capacity to host a national celebration, with music providing the soundtrack to the festivities.
