Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THERAPEUTIC!
That aptly sums up the musical experience served free of charge at the 2026 Anti-Sanctions Gala, held at Chipadze Stadium in Bindura over the weekend.
Beyond entertainment, the event provided a platform to promote unity of purpose and amplify calls for the removal of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
As reported in the build-up to the event, variety was guaranteed, and the performers did not disappoint.
Young musicians are steadily carving their own paths and winning the hearts of music lovers across the country.
One such gem is Atenda Chingaira, whose career continues to gather momentum. Better known simply as Atenda, she delivered a powerful performance that captivated the crowd. She belted out her original compositions, with the track “Ndodi” sending thousands of fans into a frenzy. Atenda also took fans down memory lane with a rendition of her late father’s song, “Chaiti Chouya Chikopokopo”, much to their delight.
“The love I received here was amazing,” Atenda told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub. “It was a new experience altogether. It was my first time performing here, and I really enjoyed the event.”
Atenda, who turns 21 on November 3, has vowed to remain focused despite her major breakthrough. “I will continue working hard and producing new music. I can’t afford to let fame get into my head,” she said. She is clearly determined to justify her new-found status as the reigning National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) winner in the Outstanding Breakthrough Musician category, an accolade she won earlier this year.
Not to be outdone was Bulawayo’s trusted cultural ensemble, Iyasa. Fresh from a two-and-a-half-month tour of Germany, during which the group staged a series of shows, the troupe continues to evolve under the leadership of Nkululeko Dube. Clad in eye-catching vintage costumes, the group paid tribute to both departed and living musical legends through energetic dance routines. With the festive season fast approaching, Iyasa delivered the late Paul Matavire’s well-loved song “Kisimusi Yatosvika” with absolute finesse. The ensemble also performed Lovemore Majaivana’s timeless classic “Umoya Wami”, among other popular songs.
“We take each performance seriously,” Dube said shortly before the group took to the stage.
With veteran musicians using their performances to denounce sanctions, trumpeter Tanga wekwa Sando, real name Ernest Tanga Kambadzo Sando, made his task easier by selecting a refreshing playlist. His songs “Mahobho” and “Wake” proved particularly popular with fans.
“This gala was a bit special because we are calling for the immediate removal of sanctions. “Sanctions are not good at all. They must be removed,” the crooner said.
Forgotten, yet undoubtedly talented, singer Last “Tambaoga” Chiyangwa was rewarded for his patience with a slot on the bill. Reflecting on his prolonged absence from the limelight, Tambaoga said he had been busy recording new material.
“We are always busy in the studios, but our time will come. I am not a spent force, as some of you say. Sanctions must go for good. We want to enjoy the fruits of our hard work.”
Andy Muridzo’s mastery of the mbira was another highlight of the gala. A creative force in his own right, the Jeetaz Band leader has mastered the art of blending traditional sounds with contemporary musical influences.
Jeys Marabini, who had recently returned from a tour of Europe, demonstrated that music is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures.
As energetic as ever, he delivered an impressive performance, backed by his dependable team of instrumentalists.
Shantel Sithole, who fuses gospel with Kanindo influences, continues to mature as a performer, demonstrating growing confidence and versatility.
Bio Mudimba, real name Day Tawanda Ncube, also brought a refreshing touch to the event, backed by three dancers whose choreography added colour and energy to his performance.
Other artistes who performed at the gala included Delroy Shewe, Bigboy Motsi, and the Police Band, which demonstrated its musical versatility with polished renditions of popular songs.
The biggest moment came in the early hours of Sunday, when fans erupted into excitement as Jah Master appeared on stage. Police officers manning the event had a difficult time controlling the surging crowd, which nearly brought down the barricades.
Since October 25, 2019, the Southern African Development Community Anti-Sanctions Day has been commemorated following a declaration made at the 39th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The bloc is demanding regional unity and solidarity with Zimbabwe in its calls for the removal of 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, which the Zimbabwean Government says have undermined the country’s socio-economic development.
Last year’s edition was held at Heritage Village in Harare, a spacious venue suited to high-profile events of this nature.
