Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti,
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
Talented sungura musician Simon Mutambi has expressed his eagerness to perform at national events.
As he prepares for this year’s Heroes Musical Gala, scheduled for August 12 at Kujeke Growth Point in Hwedza, Mashonaland East Province, he shared his thoughts in an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
Mutambi expressed his excitement about performing in Hwedza alongside other stars of his generation. “I always feel happy to perform at national events,” he said.
“I have been waiting for this opportunity to showcase my talent and patriotism. Fans should expect something big, as we have already prepared to make them happy.”
The musician, who recently launched his 13th album titled “Yadeuka Yadeuka,” assured fans that they can expect an unforgettable experience at the gala.
“We always give it our all each time we get an opportunity to honour our heroes, as is the case with State functions. As a group, we want to be remembered for delivering polished shows, and it would be unfair for us not to give it our all. I urge fans to show up in numbers at this event and have fun with us,” he shared.
In addition to Mutambi, the line-up includes notable artistes such as Mark Ngwazi, Andy Muridzo and Tendai Dembo, all of whom are set to delight revellers.
Other performers will include Clemence Magwaza and Allan Chimbetu. Energetic hype-man DJ Fantan, along with his Chillspot Family clique, including DJ Level and Ribhe, will also take the stage in Hwedza. Nduge Yut, who has gained recognition through this crew, will be joined by Jah Master and rising star Nisha Ts.
Reggae enthusiasts can look forward to Emmanuel “Mannex” Motsi’s performance. Mannex, who has transitioned from urban grooves to pure reggae, has been a staple in the industry for years.
Songbird Shantel Sithole, known for her unique blend of Kanindo and comedy, will add her signature spark to the gathering.
She has become a regular performer at national events, backed by her producer, Gibson Makumbe, who plucked her from Chipinge.
Bulawayo’s sought-after rapper Mzoe 7, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Band and mbira princess Sasha Amadhuve will also grace the event.
More additions are expected, especially from artistes hailing from the hosting province.
It would be a disservice if artistes from the hosting province missed out on this rare occasion, either as performers or attendees.
For the Hwedza community, this will be a perfect opportunity for them to congregate and honour national heroes through song and dance.
Over the years, the annual Hwedza Arts Festival, which is held every Christmas Day thanks to Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire, has remained their only source of joy in recent years.
It brings together top musicians under one roof to celebrate Christmas Day. The same spirit will be rekindled on August 12, as the spacious Kujeke Grounds hosts the Heroes Musical Gala.
Lennex Mandipaza, the Principal Information Officer in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, confirmed this exciting event.
“The 2025 Heroes Gala will take place on August 12 at Kujeke Grounds in Hwedza, running from 6pm to 6am. The venue has been secured, and household names that are familiar to many will take part in this event. Fans should brace themselves for yet another exciting gala,” he stressed.
Following Mandipaza’s confirmation of the dates and venue, the Heroes Musical Gala excitement has gripped both fans and performers. In a recent interview, regular faces at national events, led by DJ Fantan, could not hide their elation as they continue to leave a mark on the showbiz landscape.
“Performing at national events is one of my favourite tasks, and I always strive to give fans the best. I will be performing alongside my colleagues, and I promise positive vibes in Hwedza. I aim to create lasting memories and our fans in Hwedza should expect the same when we visit,” he stated.
“We last performed in Hwedza three years ago on Christmas Day at Honourable Tino Machakaire’s festival. We are returning in high spirits, as that has always been our mission. The Chillspot Family will be there in full force and fans should expect a night to remember.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Kanindo exponent Sithole, who rarely disappoints at such events.
“I am ready to salute all the living and departed heroes through song and dance this year in Hwedza.
It’s always an honour to perform at national events, which remains a privilege for some of us. I never thought I would be remembered as one of the consistent female artistes serving my nation with dignity,” asserted Sithole.
In line with the Government’s mantra of leaving no one behind, national events have been hosted in various small towns across the country.
Last year’s Heroes Gala, held in Bikita, attracted thousands of fans, awakening Nyika Growth Point from its deep slumber as the country’s heroes and heroines were celebrated. Ngwazi, Muridzo and Dembo headlined last year’s event in Bikita, Masvingo province.
To date, national galas have also been hosted in remote and humble locations such as Murambinda Growth Point in Buhera, Mt Darwin, Dotito Growth Point, Nyika Growth Point in Bikita and Gokwe’s Nembudziya Business Centre.
