Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Afro-fusion star and songwriter Dereck Mpofu says his inclusion in the star-studded line-up at the 46th Uhuru Gala, set for Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, is more than just an endorsement.
Running under the theme “Zim@46 — Unity and Development Towards Vision 2030,” the musical extravaganza will take place at Minda High School on April 18.
With Matabeleland South and its creatives under the spotlight, Mpofu, who hails from Plumtree, cannot wait for the gala, where he will share the stage with some of his regional peers.
To him, it will be more than just a show—it will be a reunion with some of the artistes he never imagined sharing a stage with, yet whom he grew up with.
An equally excited performer is also looking forward to the event. For him, it will be his first time performing in Maphisa.
“I am excited about the invitation to perform in Maphisa, which is my first time there, even though I come from the same region in Plumtree,” he said.
“I felt humbled when I was called to be part of the line-up in Maphisa, and I can’t wait to meet my peers there, who have been longing to see me on stage.
“I have also been longing to share the stage with some of the guys from Bulawayo, and it will be quite an amazing experience to say the least.
“We are more than prepared for that occasion, and fans should expect nothing but fireworks in Maphisa.”
He also applauded Government for decentralising national events.
“On that note, I would like to applaud my Government for this initiative of leaving no one behind by taking such events countrywide.
“We are more than excited to be performing there, and we are simply going to do our best as we celebrate our independence,” he added.
Mpofu will be part of the star-studded line-up alongside headliners—Chase Skuza, Socha Moyo (who fronts Black Umfolosi), Jeys Marabini, and Sandra Ndebele.
Early this week, Skuza—who hails from, and resides in, Plumtree as Mpofu—was overwhelmed with joy as the countdown to the gala reaches fever pitch.
“I am ready for the gala, which means a lot for us, the people of Matabeleland South,” he said.
“It is a big occasion for the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo, Solomon Skuza, and other departed greats who contributed a lot to the liberation of Zimbabwe.”
Skuza said he would be travelling to Bulawayo on Monday (today) to start rehearsals with his team, adding that they want to make an impression in Maphisa.
The lanky performer, famed for the all-time classic “Banolila,” revealed that the song is always on his playlist.
“The song ‘Banolila’ is always on my playlist wherever I perform because I was instrumental in promoting Kalanga as a language.
“It carries a lot of meaning to me, and I am happy that it has been embraced and performed at international level by other groups like Iyasa, which means a lot to us.”
Besides Mpofu, variety is guaranteed in Maphisa, where all genres will be well represented.
It will be a marvel to watch top musicians in the spirit of celebrating Uhuru.
Other top acts include Suluman Chimbetu, Andy Muridzo, Dereck Mpofu, Bio Mudhimba, Admire “Chief Hwenje” Sanyanga, Gudoluhle and Friends, Dubia Masters, Bolamba Culture Birds, Zondamuthakathi Dance Group, Zinja Ziyamuluman Mxolisi, and many more.
Euphoria has since gripped Maphisa, where preparations are in full swing.
Serious road rehabilitation is also taking place in the area, with the Government hosting state functions.
Last year, Nembudziya Government High School in Gokwe, Midlands, hosted the 45th Uhuru Musical Gala, featuring an impressive line-up that included Simon Mutambi, Admire “Chief Hwenje” Sibanda, Suluman Chimbetu, Andy Muridzo, Clement Magwaza, Argatha Murudzwa, Shantel Sithole, Jah Signal, the Mbare Chimurenga Choir, Sandra Ndebele, and Peter Moyo.
This time around, attention will again be on musical greats led by Skuza and Black Umfolosi, led by former freedom fighter Socha Moyo.
Black Umfolosi operated in the area under ZIPRA forces before he crossed to Zambia, where he received further training.
Musically, he has also toured the area and commands a loyal following.
For Mpofu, the Maphisa gala would be a perfect present as he returns home.
After all, he will be performing in his own region, where he commands a huge following.
The show will be a mixed bag of veterans and new-school talent in Maphisa—where events of this nature are rare.
This year promises even more fun, with a star-studded line-up set to awaken Maphisa Growth Point from its deep slumber.
For Mpofu, the event has given him a chance to show millions of Zimbabweans what makes him unique as an Afro-fusion star.
