Zim@43: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Veronica Gwaze

ON Tuesday, Zimbabwe will be celebrating 43 years of independence.

For the second time, the main national independence festivities will be held outside Harare, with this year’s celebrations scheduled for Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central.

The festivities are running under the theme “Zim@43: Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo”, which captures the country’s growth trajectory under the Second Republic. President Mnangagwa is expected to grace the celebrations.

The programme began on Thursday with the lighting of the Independence Flame by Minister Kazembe Kazembe in Harare. The flame then made its way to the host province by road on the same day. The children’s party will kick off the main celebrations on April 17, and pave the way for Independence Day on April 18. On the first day, the rustic town will reverberate with the music of Zimdancehall sensation Freeman, Voltz JT and Leo Magozz, among others. The youthful musicians will perform at the children’s party, which will be held at Pfura Stadium. At least 1 500 learners, who will be drawn from the country’s 10 provinces, are set to be mesmerised by the artistes.

The main celebrations will then take place at Mt Darwin High School on April 18, between 6am and 2.30pm.

Sungura virtuoso Alick “Baba Sharo” Macheso is expected to entertain the guests.

“At 3pm, on the same day (April 18), there will be an independence match between Highlanders and Dynamos at Mt Darwin High School,” said Mr George Chisoko, the director of media services in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.

“An independence musical concert at Pfura Stadium will follow at 6pm until 6am. It will be broadcast live on national television and 20 artistes are billed to perform.”

Some of the artistes who are set to perform at the high-profile gala are Mark Ngwazi, DT Bio Mudimba, Melody Mupindi, Selmor Mtukudzi, Holy Ten, Sandra Ndebele, Shumba Chief Hwenje, DJ Fantan, Leonard Zhakata, Mathias Mhere, Dhadza D, Jah Signal, Andy Muridzo and Suluman Chimbetu.

 Rare opportunity

Bindura South Member of Parliament and prominent farmer Remigio Matangira said hosting the national independence celebrations is a lifetime opportunity for the province.

He notes this is in line with the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.

With some prominent battles having been fought in the province, the legislator said it was fitting for the commemorations to be held in the province.

“The province is pregnant with history. It is going to be an emotional moment for many and hosting such an event is testimony that we have been remembered,” said Cde Matangira.

“It is also an opportunity to showcase the progress and development that we are doing in our province as we work to complement the Second Republic’s drive for an upper middle-income economy by 2030.”

Mt Darwin district war veterans’ chairperson Andrew Chikuhwa said hosting such celebrations is an opportunity to create a positive image for the province.

He also considers it a platform to lure investment and tourists to the farming and mining province.

“We have been waiting for this day. God has remembered us. We are a blessed province because this is where the first shots of the Second Chimurenga were fired and other major historical contributions took place here. It is a blessing that our President found it prudent to relive all those memories with us,” he said.

Residents in the host province are equally upbeat.

“This is a first for our province. I am finding it hard to believe that I will be watching some of my favourite stars in action, free of charge.  This is certainly going to be a memorable independence celebration for me,” said Tichaona Murinyu.

Rose Mashiri added: “It should be like this all the time. We all want to attend national events. I have, at times, travelled to Harare for these celebrations, but this time around, we are the hosts and I will certainly take my family with me.”

Bridging the generational gap

Decorated artiste Leonard “LKZee” Zhakata notes it is their role as senior artistes to bridge the gap between the old and younger generations through music.

“As artistes from the older generation, we should play our part and impart the sentimental meaning of such iconic events down to the younger generations. Fortunately, I witnessed both the pre- and post-independence eras. I feel obliged to share the history and journey,” said the veteran singer.

Having performed at a number of national events before, “Baba Chamu”, as Zhakata is also affectionately known by his legion of fans, said each year’s invitation comes with renewed excitement.

“Every time it feels like the first. I am excited that this year we will be in Mt Darwin for the first time and am getting ready to deliver a flawless performance.”

Afro-fusion singer Andy Muridzo reckons independence is relevant to all Zimbabweans, artistes included, hence, it is key for all to unite and speak with one voice.

The “Dherira” hitmaker is expected to play songs from his latest album “Zunza” and some yesteryear hits.

He notes such celebrations are key for the younger generation to understand history and how it has shaped present-day Zimbabwe.

“Independence does not stay behind us; it will always have a bearing in every other future event, which makes it key for us to understand as much about it because we are the future,” said Muridzo.

“Participation in such events helps the public understand and grapple with complex questions and dilemmas of the evolving society.

“ I feel honoured to perform at such an event. It goes a long way in self-growth, self-development, self-awareness and social relatedness.”

Selmor Mtukudzi promised a flawless performance.

Her playlist, she said, will comprise her own compositions and some of her late father Oliver Mtukudzi’s hits.

Selmor, who hails from Mashonaland Central, feels that it is an honour to perform on her home soil.

“It feels great to be booked to perform, especially at national events like this, and being a local kid, I feel this is a lifetime opportunity for me and the province,” she said.

“Independence means freedom, especially for our generation. At such events, we get to learn and understand more about our country. I am also happy that the programme involves kids; we need the continuity in terms of upholding the pride of the nation and having them at such events is good.”

Gospel diva Dorcas Moyo has tracks “Haakotsire” and “Tsamba” on her playlist for the concert as she feels they carry messages relevant to Zimbabwe and its economic transformation journey.

But her fans are also hoping that she will perform her latest song “Mhanza Haisekwe”, which features Macheso.

“It is an honour to perform at such an event; it means our works are being recognised. The celebrations teach us to uphold the value of independence. The younger generation needs to be able to trace this history.

“Having artistes on board is crucial because, during the liberation struggle, music played a huge role in motivating the comrades.

“We still have a role to play in cementing Government’s voice and breaking barriers within and beyond borders; people should come in numbers,” said Moyo.

Poet Stephen Kachigamba will also work his magic on stage.

He promised to unleash new poems, among them “Vari kumhepo” and “Tsvarakadenga”.

“I have never performed at a national event, and having to do it in my backyard is a blessing. I have prepared a good set, which will include two new pieces, ‘Vari kumhepo’ that acknowledges the sacrifice made by our ancestors, and ‘Tsvarakadenga’, a piece that praises our beautiful Zimbabwe.”