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celebrate Zimbabwe’s 32nd birthday, after the country attained independence on April 18, 1980.
Memories of the country’s first Independence bash which was held at Rufaro Stadium 32 years ago, which saw the late reggae music legend, Bob Marley, performing will be rekindled.
The likes of Oliver Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Pastor Charles Charamba and his wife Olivia, cousins Sulumani and Tryson Chimbetu, Peter Moyo, Jah Prayzah, Blessing Shumba, Jays Marabini and Iyasa will take part.
And more befittingly, the concert will be held under the theme “Indigenisation and Empowerment for Economic Development” which was carefully chosen to promote the indigenisation and empowerment initiative started by Government a few years ago.
The theme focuses on investing wealth in the hands of local people who were deprived of such opportunities before the country was freed from colonial rule.
Tuku’s inclusion in the line-up is a welcome development since many Zimbabweans had been yearning to witness him performing at national music galas. There is no doubt that the legendary musician will live up to his billing with his catalogue of songs that talk about nation building, peace, love, harmony and unity.
Sulu, on the other hand, is renowned for playing his late father’s songs, which talk about the liberation war and living in free Zimbabwe.
Songs like “Ndarangarira Gamba”, “One Way” and “Pane Asipo” among others, talk about how Independence came about as a result of sacrifices made by sons and daughters who gallantly fought the enemy.
These are some of the songs the dendera prodigy is expected to dish out at the concert.
He will spice up his late father’s catalogue of songs with his own sounds like “Non-Stop” and “Kwedu”.
Peter, or simply “Young Igwe” in entertainment circles, represents a generation of young musicians who, despite being born after Independence, know the importance of Uhuru and together with Jah Prayzah, will be making their maiden appearances at the event.
Jah Prayzah’s patriotism is reflected in the way dresses on stage, which comprises military-like regalia worn by the liberation fighters during the Second Chimurenga.
He is currently doing well with songs like “Gochi Gochi”, “Ngwarira Kuparara” and “Wandifungisa Kure”.
Peter is also riding high after some excellent performances at the 21st February Movement Gala and many of his duels with Tryson in recent weeks. Without doubt, the Charambas will be leading on the gospel music front and their music is laden with messages that talk about the essence of patriotism.
Pastor Charamba’s song, “Nyika Zimbabwe” will without doubt be the theme song of the concert as coincides with the event.
Mutare-based gospel singer Shumba will also perform at the event for the first time and has been causing a stir in music circles with his songs like “Nhaka”, “Varombo Vachaiteiko?” and “Ndichauya Neiko” among others.
Those who know Macheso can testify that the artiste is always in fine form with his high-octane performances that often send music lovers into a delirium.
The artistes were reduced to not more than 15 to give them more time on stage.
This year, the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity partnered with Chipaz Promotions to organise the concert.
“It is a people’s concert and they should come in their numbers to celebrate the country’s independence,” said Partson Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions.
Online Reporter