malvernmugadzikwa
Society Reporter
TOP local artistes will perform at a gala commemorating Zimbabwe’s gallant sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country from colonialism.
DJ Fantan, Chief Hwenje and Mark Ngwazi are among the big names set to appear at the “Heroes and Defence Forces Musical Show”, to be held at Gwindingwi Secondary School, at Nyika Growth Point, in Masvingo.
The eagerly anticipated musical extravaganza will take place on August 15.
Hymn Mureru, acting deputy director of media services in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, said the venue of the gala holds significant historical value in relation to the liberation struggle.
“Bikita and the rest of Masvingo played a crucial role in liberating this country. Numerous nationalists hailed from Masvingo and contributed to our independence,” Mureru said.
The Government official added that holding the gala at Nyika Growth Point aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of decentralising important national events.
“We are shifting away from predominantly hosting national galas in urban areas. Our ministry is committed to ensuring that rural communities also participate in and benefit from such significant national occasions,” he said.
Over 20 artistes from various genres will perform, as the country commemorates Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Entertainment, DJ Fantan said the show will give Masvingo fans a rare opportunity to meet their stars under one roof.
“It has been a while since we last performed in Masvingo, where we have a huge following. This show will reunite us with these fans, who have been missing us dearly,” said Fantan.
Apart from Levels and Ribhe, Fantan said the Chillspot Family will unveil a “surprise act” during the musical show.
“Those attending are in for a big surprise. We are known for surprises and we will unpack another one come Thursday (this week),” Fantan added.
Enzo Ishall, Blot and Jah Master will represent Zimdancehall, while Dorcas Moyo and the ZCC Defe Dopota Brass Band will perform on behalf of their fellow gospel singers.
Reggae crooner Ras Caleb is also set to perform, with Shantel Sithole, specialising in Kanindo, also scheduled to showcase her talent. Chief Hwenje and Sithole have, in the past, emerged as crowd favourites during important national events.
Andy Muridzo, Tendai Dembo, Mavis Mainato, Manine, Umkhati and Mandlela Skoboskobo are among the artistes who will perform.
The Great Zimbabwe University Choir, ZRP Band, ZPCS Band and ZDF Band will also get a chance to entertain the expected large crowd.
Rising groups such as Mulambosi Express, Igwe Liner and Vadamburi Express Band, fronted by Last Chirambamuriwo, have also been added to the line-up.
Vadamburi, based in Masvingo, considers the venue its home ground.
Online Reporter