Music stars to fete Buhera at Uhuru celebrations

Vladimir Dube

A star-studded line-up is set to entertain the public at this year’s 44th Independence Day celebrations to be held in Manicaland.

According to the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, preparations for the celebrations are progressing well, with a huge turnout expected.

Zimbabwe attained its independence on April 18, 1980 and celebrates the occasion annually.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail Society, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana said they were working round the clock to ensure a successful gala.

“The theme for this year’s celebrations to be held at Murambinda B Primary School will be ‘Zim@44: Unity, Peace and Development towards Vision 2030’,” he said.

Top artistes will take turns to entertain the multitudes expected for the music extravaganza.

Among the list is dendera crooner Suluman Chimbetu, Mark Ngwazi, Chief Hwenje, DJ Fantan, Shantel Sithole, Sandra Ndebele, Andy Muridzo, Agatha Murudzwa, BigBoy Motsi, Takura, Mathias Mhere, Bio Mudimba, Tambaoga, Diana Samkange, Jah Master and Nicholas Zacharia.

“We have selected 20 top-drawer performers for this event and also identified three local bands to give flavour to the event,” said Mr Mangwana.

He said the musicians are promising scintillating performances in honour of the gallant sons and daughters who fought for the country.

“It is going to be a night of song and dance as the people of Zimbabwe reflect on the sacrifices of sons and daughters who took up arms to fight the repressive regime of Ian Smith.

“Members of the public must expect the best mass displays by our children during the Children’s Party, as well as by the Zimbabwe National Army.

“The gala is significant in that it gives the people of Zimbabwe pride and joy to mark and celebrate 44 years of independence from colonial rule.

“It is indeed something to brag about as self-rule, dignity, sovereignty and freedom are what pushed our sons and daughters to wage the war of liberation,” he said.

He added that sports lovers will also have something to smile about at the celebrations.

“Let me assure the public of an entertaining soccer match pitting the country’s top teams, Dynamos and Highlanders, in the Independence Cup.

“The match comes at a time when the Premier Soccer League 2024 fixture kicked off to a thrilling encounter between the two teams last weekend,” said Mr Mangwana.

He urged the public never to tire in celebrating the attainment of independence and youths, he added, should always guard jealously the hard-won freedom.

“The commemorations come at a time when the Second Republic has attained milestones in infrastructural development in the mining, agriculture and manufacturing industry.”

Those not at the venue can follow proceedings on national television from 6pm to 6am.