Musicians unite against sanctions

Veronica Gwaze

THE highly anticipated Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Day concert is set to be held on Tuesday.

At least 17 artistes, drawn from across the country, will perform at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza.

Among the top acts scheduled to go on stage are Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zacharia, Sandra Ndebele, Mark Ngwazi, Andy Muridzo, Freeman, Michael Mahendere, Dhadza D and Romeo Gasa.

The show is expected to start at 6pm and end at 6am.

The concert, which will be held both physically and virtually, will be broadcast live on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) TV.

This year’s Anti-Sanctions Day will run under the theme “Enhancing Zimbabwe’s resilience through economic engagement and re-engagement”.

President Mnangagwa will deliver a televised speech. The director of media services in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr George Chisoko, said all is in place for the concert.

“We expect musical fireworks as we commemorate Anti-Sanctions Day in song and dance,” he said.

“We are inviting all Zimbabweans to throng the Aquatic Complex as we unite in support of the call for the removal of illegal sanctions.”

The concert will be held at a time when calls for the removal of sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies are growing louder by the day.

Performing artistes believe the event is important for the nation.

Veteran sungura singer Zacharia and his 15-member band are expected to deliver a polished act.

The musician recently released a new album titled “Musabvunda”, which carries tracks like “Pasi Rachema”, “NdiJesu” and “Pedyo naMwari”.

“I feel honoured and duty-bound to participate in such an initiative that is aimed at creating a conducive environment for every Zimbabwean to thrive regardless of race, creed or affiliation,” said Madzibaba Zacharia.

“It is my hope that we unite in making this call and other ongoing nation-building programmes a success. If we speak with one voice, we can achieve a Zimbabwe that we are all proud of.”

Another sungura singer Romeo Gasa, who released his “modern sungura” album “Phone Yababa Imhiripiri” last month, said he has enough arsenal to leave fans spellbound on the day.

“I am excited to be part of such a programme that has a great significance to our lives,” he said.

“In the past, artistes barely took part in such events yet the sanctions are ruthlessly affecting us, too. On YouTube, we (Zimbabweans) are paid less than others, so let us play our part and send a strong message because the country has suffered for too long.”

Afro-fusion crooner Andy Muridzo added that all Zimbabweans need to call for the removal of the illegal sanctions.

Supported by his Jeetaz Band, the “Dherira” hitmaker goes to the concert armed with his latest offering “Zunza”.

“I am proud to be Zimbabwean and I wish everyone well. Sanctions have affected us in all spheres, therefore, it is key that we speak with one voice as a country to ensure the wellness we wish for.

“So much about us (Zimbabweans) has been affected by these illegal embargoes, including failure to access credit lines offshore.

“There are countries where we wish to expose our talent, but we are restricted due to wrong perceptions about our country,” said Muridzo.

Due to the sanctions, Muridzo said, some international promoters were reluctant to engage them for shows.

He thanked the Government for the re-engagement drive. Rising gospel star Dorcas Moyo weighed in.

“It is an honour for me to perform at an event of such magnitude. It is the will of God that I add my voice to the national cause,” said Moyo.

“It is time we, as artistes, are involved in such events because the impact of sanctions is excruciating for all of us. The nation has been crippled for over two decades and for me, the performance will be a deep prayer moment, asking God to intervene.”

Moyo’s popular songs include “Haakotsire”, “Tsamba” and “Kundirwira”.

According to the musician, the songs carry a message that is relevant to what the country is going through.

Health worker Cathrine Murerwa looks forward to attending the concert.

“We should not forget why the concert has been organised. The show has nothing to do with political affiliation. Let us all unite in speaking against the sanctions for the good of this country,” she said.

High school teacher Kudakwashe Banda urged people to come in their numbers.

“The bigger the turnout, the stronger and louder the message,” he said.