The Sunday Mail
Wallace Ruzvidzo
THE virtual music gala dubbed “Zim Oneness”, which was hosted by Zanu PF in the capital on Friday night to promote peace and unity among Zimbabweans, has been described as a roaring success.
The concert had a limited audience which strictly adhered to health guidelines on social distancing.
Proceedings were, however, followed by multitudes on television and social media platforms.
ZANU PF director of Information and Publicity Cde Tafadzwa Mugwadi said the gala sought to celebrate heroes of the liberation struggle.
“We are gathered here to belatedly celebrate and honour our heroes as we could not celebrate in the usual manner because of Covid-19,” he said.
“We could not even do our heroes gala, which is customary in terms of the way we do things as the revolutionary party.”
He said music and the creative arts industry played a critical role in enhancing freedom of expression in society.
Rhumba musician Juntal and his team perform at The ZimOneness Gala held at Harare International Conference Centre on Friday. — Pictures: Tawanda Mudimu
“If artistes can express themselves in the best possible manner like we are seeing here tonight, what does that tell you about our freedom? What does that tell you about our openness and oneness as a nation?” he said.
“We are promoting our artistes as it is part of our culture. A nation that does not respect or uphold its artistes is a dead nation, and we are not a dead nation; that is why we have provided this opportunity for them.”
Cde Mugwadi criticised Zimbabweans who continue to trash their country on social media instead of promoting love, peace and tolerance.
Staged abductions and false human rights abuse claims, he added, would soon be exposed.
“So now we have said let us use technology, let us use the Internet to reach to our people and celebrate together and shame our detractors who say Zimbabweans miss happiness, Zimbabweans are in a crisis, Zimbabweans are in a quandary, and that Zimbabwe is a closed society where people cannot express themselves,” he said.
The high-profile event was attended by a limited number of representatives from the ZANU PF Youth League, Women’s League, Central Committee and Politburo, among them Cde July Moyo, who is also the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, the party’s acting spokesperson, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, politburo members Cde Mike Bimha and Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi.
Some of the artistes that wowed the audience include Soul Jah Love, Diana Samkange, Poptain, Allanah, Sandra Ndebele, Progress Chipfumo, Vimbai Zimuto, Sulumani Chimbetu, Leonard Zhakata and Killer T.
