The Sunday Mail
I remember with nostalgia how the late burly and dreadlocked singer, Cephas “Motomuzhinji” Mashakada, would whip fans into a frenzy during Independence galas.
Backed by his talented ensemble, Sounds of the Muddy Face, the veteran singer was always one of the main acts.
His monster hit “Samson” was irresistible.
Music galas were an event not to be missed as Mashakada’s nimble-footed dancer and percussionist Shame Mashonganyika — better known as Chibage — perfectly complemented the raspy-voiced singer.
Mashakada made strings do the singing.
He performed miracles with his hands on the fingerboard of his famed brown lead guitar.
Revellers were always left asking for more.
Sadly, Mashakada is no more and all that remains are memories.
But it was not only Mashakada who made revellers enjoy the national event: the perceived rivalry between Alick Macheso and the late Tongai Moyo were also a drawcard.
There was debate on who best dominated discussions in most public spaces — churches and bars included.
Leonard Zhakata, left-handed guitarist Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria and the inimitable Hosiah “Kwachu-kwachu” Chipanga were equally outstanding.
Zimdancehall and other rising artistes also played a part in making Independence Day celebrations memorable.
However, things have changed.
The coronavirus will make us taste Independence with a different flavour. This time around we must mask up, sanitise and maintain social distance. In Zimbabwe alone, the virus has claimed more than 1 000 lives.
It continues to wreak havoc across the globe and has altered the way people live and do business.
Many companies have gone under.
Celebrations and festivities are now being done virtually. That does not take away the essence of our Independence celebrations.
Today Zimbabwe has turned 41 and we have a lot to cheer. There have been many successes socially, politically and economically.
This year, the country is celebrating its 41st birthday with granaries bursting to the seams due to a good rainfall season.
A lot of infrastructure development projects are underway.
But, as we reflect on our Independence, it would be folly not to self-introspect.
As a nation, we need to decisively deal with the scourge of domestic violence, which unfortunately shot up during the Covid-19-induced lockdown.
“The country has turned 41, but the surge in domestic violence is worrying. Women have sadly been turned into punchbags and that is unacceptable. The moment you hear a woman crying, you automatically know that her husband is around,” said Mr Tellmore Nyakabau of Mufakose.
He also touched on challenges from alcohol and drug abuse, especially among the youth.
“This business of our children taking mutoriro, musombodhiya and other illicit brews should be dealt with. What can we do to save our youth? Independence is good, but let us be responsible citizens all the time,” he said.
Mr Simbarashe Manimanzi thinks it is high time citizens take stock of their actions to create a better society.
“It is surprising that 41 years after Independence there are some people who are still spoiling for a fight. We need to be mature in our approach every time.
There is no need for rowdy behaviour in a mature democracy.”
There is also a challenge of teen pregnancies.
As festivities kick in, there are some who are throwing caution to the wind when it comes to coronavirus prevention measures, thereby slowing the fight against the pandemic.
It is, therefore, incumbent for every responsible citizen to play their part in nation-building.
Inotambika mughetto.
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