Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu
RISING from initial scepticism to a standing ovation, Bulawayo’s own Mzoe 7 has boldly announced plans to make his ground-breaking one-man show an annual event.
The declaration came during a press conference at Sabela Studios within the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (Zices) on Tuesday, days after his inaugural performance electrified a packed Bulawayo Theatre on Saturday night.
“Many doubted I could pull it off. Some said it was too ambitious, others warned I’d go broke. Sometimes, I even doubted it would come to pass, especially with the stop-start nature of our rehearsals. When Sikhonjwa died, we had to halt our preparations and continue with dejected faces but we soldiered on,” Mzoe 7 reflected.
Yet, the Entumbane-bred artiste silenced critics with his debut” I Am Who I Am” — a 90-minute, 12-song spectacle he described as a divine fulfilment.
“It was through God. I Am Who I Am made it all possible,” he affirmed, noting the show’s title drew from a Biblical verse, Exodus 3:14.
The production, crafted over weeks with creative director Rasquesity Keaitse, delivered a cinematic experience unprecedented in the city.
Structured in three thematic segments — Culture, New Life and Representation of Township Life — the show wove music, storytelling, and striking visuals into a personal odyssey.
Mzoe 7 opened with a soulful tribute to late icons Babongile Sikhonjwa and Desire “Moyoxide” Moyo in, Kunzima Sometimes, before journeying through Afro grooves (Umjolo), 3Step rhythms (Emoyeni Wami), and sultry Afro house (Chipwilikiti).
His wardrobe mirrored the narrative: a Klobber Fusion-designed first outfit, blended animal skins and feathers to honour heritage; the second — self-designed — featured muted tones with vibrant bursts, symbolising hope; and a fiery red ensemble by local designer Ofresh, embodied his Entumbane roots.
Gratitude punctuated his post-show reflections.
He paid homage to arts doyenne Sandra Ndebele-Sibindi for her unwavering support, crediting her influence for his inclusion of emerging talents Macala and ABD, whom he unveiled during the performance.
He also thanked and acknowledged a team of creatives he worked with to pull the show off.
“I believe in uplifting the next generation and these are the lessons that I have learnt over the ways,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Mzoe 7’s ambitions stretch beyond music.
He confirmed ventures into film and announced new collaborations, including releasing a track with Asaph Afrika and revered poet Albert Nyathi.
This Saturday, he will drop visuals for Angisalali emakhaya, a hotly anticipated single featuring Macala.
Macala, who joined Mzoe 7 during the press conference said he is grateful for the opportunity granted to him.
“I’m grateful that Mzoe 7 gave me a chance to show what I can but I must say, I was scared when I saw the theatre packed. I almost dropped my microphone,” he said.
Notable attendees, including Harare-based artiste Oriyano and rapper Mlue Jay from South Africa, witnessed what Mzoe 7 called “a dream come true” — filling Bulawayo Theatre.
But he’s already eyeing bigger stages.
“This will be annual.” Next time, we need a larger space. It might be Barbourfields Stadium, the Large City Hall or White City Stadium, who knows!” he vowed.
For a performer who transformed doubt into triumph, scaling up seems the natural next step. — @MbuleloMpofu
Mathew Masinge
derick.khumalo