Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
VARIETY is guaranteed at this year’s Anti-Sanctions Gala, scheduled for Chipadze Stadium in Bindura tomorrow, with veteran musicians, established performers, and emerging talent set to entertain fans well into the night.
Running under the theme, “Leveraging Regional Integration and Global Partnerships for Economic Transformation Beyond Illegal Sanctions”, the event will feature afternoon exhibitions and celebrations before a musical gala gets underway in the evening.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services deputy director Hymn Mureru said preparations were well advanced, with all groundwork completed.
“Preparations are well on course, with exhibitions set to take place in the afternoon at Chipadze Stadium,” he told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“After the main celebration, which will feature a number of activities, including exhibitions by various institutions, a musical gala will follow.
“It will be an all-night gala, as usual, starting at 6pm. In terms of preparations, all the groundwork has been done. We are now waiting for the main celebration.”
Attendees will be spoilt for choice, with a diverse line-up featuring seasoned performers and emerging stars, who have become familiar faces at State functions.
Veteran musician and trumpeter Tanga wekwa Sando, real name Ernest Tanga Kambadzo Sando, is among the performers lined up for the gala. The township jazz exponent needs no introduction, having enjoyed a career spanning five decades. His inclusion is expected to add a touch of nostalgia and musical maturity to the event. Last “Tambaoga” Chiyangwa, another talented musician, will also share the stage with seasoned performers such as Admire “Chief Hwenje” Shumba and Jeys Marabini.
Andy Muridzo, who has continued to demonstrate his patriotism through music, is also expected to make his presence felt.
The inclusion of Shantel Sithole, Bio Mudimba, Delroy Shewe, Mark Ngwazi and Bigboy Motsi further strengthens the appeal of the event. Other acts on the bill include Guruve Marimba Ensemble, Atenda Chinx, Obert Chari, Iyasa, Clement Magwaza and the Police Band, which has consistently delivered at prestigious events.
Zimdancehall fans can also look forward to Jah Master, who has spent more than a decade in the music industry.
Meanwhile, Iyasa is expected to bring its trademark energy to the stage following a successful two-month tour of Germany. The group is no stranger to performances at events of this magnitude.
Young performers, including Shewe and Chinx, will also be looking to prove that the next generation of musicians is ready to take the reins from the old guard.
Mudimba, who made waves with the song “Kujatajata”, continues to earn recognition for his talent, with appearances at high-profile events further demonstrating his growing appeal.
Known for making the simple appear sophisticated, Mudimba is also renowned for investing heavily in choreography, treating the stage like a chief executive’s office where serious business is conducted. With Mark Ngwazi on the line-up, sungura fans have every reason to smile. The musician has carved out a niche by combining music with comedy, a formula that has helped him establish himself as a household name.
He represents a new generation of sungura musicians alongside Romeo Gasa, Peter Moyo, Simon Mutambi and others. Muridzo also expressed enthusiasm about the Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations, held annually on 25 October.
“I am looking forward to this day, which means a lot to us as musicians because we can use our music to reach a wide audience,” he said.
“I am ready for the event, and I urge fans to turn up in their numbers. It is a special day for us, and we need to embrace it wholeheartedly.”
Chari has also continued to broaden his appeal, with music that resonates with both Christians and non-believers.
Chief Hwenje, meanwhile, has expressed his desire to use his talent to serve the nation.
“I will fully utilise my talent and the opportunity I get when I perform at such events,” he said.
October 25 is observed as SADC Anti-Sanctions Day, following a declaration made in August 2019 at the 39th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The annual commemoration is intended to demonstrate regional unity and solidarity with Zimbabwe against sanctions imposed by the United States, the European union and their allies in the early 2000s.
Over the years, SADC leaders have consistently called for the removal of the sanctions, arguing that they undermine Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development, as well as regional economic integration and cooperation.
Since the inception of the commemorations, member states have used 25 October to amplify calls for the lifting of the measures, while highlighting Zimbabwe’s progress in governance, economic reforms and engagement with the international community.
Last year’s edition was held at Heritage Village in Harare, a spacious and serene venue suited to high-profile events of this nature.
This year, the celebrations move to Chipadze Stadium in Bindura, where a diverse musical line-up is expected to provide entertainment well into the night.
