Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
AS local creatives step into 2026, the age-old conversation around new year’s resolutions takes on renewed meaning.
For some artistes, resolutions are clear commitments that shape their craft and careers. For others, they are simply guiding intentions rooted in growth and self-reflection. What unites them is the moment the new year offers, and a pause to look back, recalibrate and set a tone for what lies ahead.
The Weekender Entertainment caught up with some arts and entertainment personalities who shared how they are approaching 2026, opening up about their goals, creative focus, and whether resolutions still play a role in their artistic journeys.
Dorcas Moyo
We are an ensemble that always seek to push the bar a little higher from our previous attainment. We are working on modalities and road map for our 2026 project that will be most likely be released in the second half of the year. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we may be successful in coming up with the collaborations we are pursuing.
Hosiah Chipanga
I didn’t manage to release an album last year, and I feel I let down the legion of my fans across the country. I also realised that 2025 was one of my best years in terms of brand visibility. We managed to hold a lot of shows out of Mutare, which is very commendable. I will release a new project which will carry more than four tracks. On another note, I feel, traditionally we were used to airplay and I feel radio stations are letting me down. I don’t know what is really happening. I will also work on videos.
Keavan Simomondo (Dapurahunanzva)
As we step into 2026, my resolution as a creative—and for us as Dapurahunanzva Arts Ensemble—is to create with deeper purpose, wider reach, and stronger impact. This year is about moving beyond survival into intentional growth, both artistically and socially. Audiences in Mutare can certainly expect new projects and meaningful collaborations with other local groups and organisations such as Chenhaka Trust, Mutare City Council and Global View. Our focus in 2026 has a strong international outlook, building on the networks and exposure we have gained beyond our borders. We are working towards projects that allow our local stories, indigenous knowledge, and artistic expressions to dialogue with global audiences, while still remaining grounded in our identity. Collaboration is another key pillar for us this year. We are actively seeking to partner with local organisations, creative hubs, schools, and independent artists who are committed to strengthening Mutare’s entertainment and creative arts scene. Importantly, our work in 2026 is also deeply connected to community wellbeing. We are responding, through creative interventions, to the ravaging challenge of drug and substance abuse among young people.
Carol Chidzikwe
As has always been the case, our focus going forward remains on releasing new singles accompanied by quality music videos. We are also exploring the possibility of an international collaboration, resources permitting, as part of our efforts to broaden our reach. Live shows remain a key priority, with a strong emphasis on using the stage as a platform to minister the gospel through music. Our main thrust is anchored in the Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:19–20, using music to inspire, uplift, and spread the message beyond borders.
Ndau Arts Festival (NdaFA)
Despite limited resources, our role as a creative organisation compels us to act. We are planning to launch a key project in April—a Ndau Language and Literature Book Expo aimed at showcasing books and creative works published in Ndau. We are engaging potential partners and sponsors to support the initiative, which seeks to affirm to the Ndau community that writing and publishing in Ndau is both possible and important. The project also highlights the vital role creative organisations play in advancing cultural preservation and supporting the government’s broader vision.
Clayton Masekesa
Yaa, definitely this year is a special year for me as a musician because I have a big present for my fans. I am going to release a six-track album anytime from now because it is already there. The album is called Homwe Dzachoboka. We are going to release a video on one of the songs from the album. We have been performing private shows the previous years, but, now we are going to perform more public shows. I am looking forward to have various collaborations with Leonard Zhakata, Hosiah Chipanga and Blessing Shumba along the year. Want to take this opportunity to thank my fans in the unwavering support. I am so humbled by their support.
WaCharie
As I step into this new year, I carry 2025 on my back like a drum that has been beaten hard, but never broken. Manzwi Enzara was a mirror of hunger, hope, doubt, and defiance. Some days the music flew higher than I ever imagined, other days it felt like silence was winning. But even in the noise and the quiet, I learned who I am as an Afro musician and as a human being. This year, my resolution is to move with intention. I want to create music that tells the truth, even when the truth is uncomfortable. I resolve to protect my sound, my spirit, and my roots, remembering that Afro-music is not a trend for me but it is my language, my ancestry, my home. I will stop rushing art to please moments and instead allow songs to grow, breathe, and mean something long after the beat fades.
Lionel ‘Caff’ Matanda
Consistency has been my greatest teacher over the years, and as I step into this new season, I am more focused than ever. Mutare has given me a strong stage, loyal audiences, and countless live moments that shaped me into the artiste I am today. This year, my resolution is simple: elevate the standard without losing the soul. I am committing to releasing new, danceable scorchers that move people from the first beat to the last hook—music that fills dance floors, street corners, and festival grounds. Alongside the sound, I resolve to invest more in visuals, delivering quality music videos that reflect the energy, culture, and confidence of my music. Live performance remains my heartbeat. I plan to do more shows, touch more cities, and give audiences the full Caff experience.
