Online Reporter
Diana Baloyi Moyo
A YOUNG man from Dongamuzi village in Lupane has earned widespread praise for a selfless mission to bring live music and cultural celebration to one of Zimbabwe’s often-overlooked rural communities — driven by heart, purpose and affordability.
Raised in a family of Maskandi guitarists, Mbonisi Mkadla, popularly known as Double Voice M, grew up surrounded by music but without access to live performances.
“I remember hearing songs on the radio and always wondering who makes this music, where do they play it and how they sound in real life,” he recalls. “I have brought live shows here to clear the curiosity for many who grew up like me — curious, but distant from it all.”
For the past three years, Mkadla has hosted a live music festival every Christmas Day at Dongamuzi Primary School in Lupane, bringing together celebrated artists from Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Last December’s line-up featured Platform One, Amaqaqa, Zinja Ziyamluma, Mlambos Express Band, the Double Voice M Festival Band, with DJ MaPressa as master of ceremonies.
What sets the festival apart is not just the music, but its ability to restore joy, pride and social connection in marginalised rural spaces.
Villagers are treated to full live band performances, complete with real instruments, vocals and stage presence — not just sound systems. For many, it is the first time witnessing such artistry up close.
“This is more than entertainment; it is cultural revival and a statement that rural communities deserve the same quality experiences as urban centres,” said Mkadla.
The festival is also deeply personal. To honour his late grandfather, Masiganda Mkandla, also known as Jwabu lomvundla, who died before realising his dream of recording music, Mkadla has since recorded five full-length albums and several demos.
His music now enjoys airplay on local radio stations, and he continues to advocate for increased support and exposure for rural-based artists.
Looking ahead, Mkadla plans to open a recording studio in Zimbabwe to help aspiring rural musicians record their first albums free of charge.
He also has ambitious plans to expand the festival to other marginalised areas across the country, spreading opportunity, exposure and celebration to communities often left behind.
Mkadla has called on well-wishers, organisations and sponsors to support the festival, the recording studio project and the broader mission of empowering rural talent.
Through vision, generosity and rhythm, he is proving that transformation does not always begin in cities — sometimes it starts in the heart of the village, where talent has always existed but opportunity has not.
