Zimpapers Logo

Marian Kunonga

Entertainment Reporters
All roads lead to the Borrowdale Race Course where musicians converge for the Independence Concert tonight. Alick Macheso, Suluman Chimbetu, Charles Charamba, Hope Masike, Edith Weutonga, Sniper Storm, Soul Jah Love, Leonard Zhakata, Mathias Mhere, Sandra Ndebele and Iyasa are some of the artistes expected to thrill fans during the celebrations which kicks off at 4pm today and is for free.

A lot is expected at the concert as the line-up is a mixed bag of renowned artists. One of the producers of the event, Marian Kunonga said they had picked artistes who were at their peak in their respective genres.

“This year’s celebrations are not going to be an all night long event so we only picked the best artistes whom we are sure will entertain the crowd. In this way we only picked the best in sungura, the best in dancehall and we also picked the best as far as gospel is concerned at the moment and we are sure there is going to be a lot of ‘jiving’ as we celebrate our independence,” explained Kunonga.

The independence celebrations for this year will not only be unique because of its venue but will also see comedians being the presenters for the day.
Doc Vikela and Uncle Sam will be some of the comedians on the line-up of presenters expected to keep the crowd on their feet as musicians take breaks.

Kunonga said the move to include comedians was in line with the theme “Jive For Independence”.

“We want the celebrations not only to be entertaining but we also want to see a lot of dancing thus the inclusion of comedians is to make sure the momentum set by musicians is kept alive,” she said.

Meanwhile, youths have been urged to come in their numbers to celebrate the country’s independence through music.

Speaking at a Press conference for the celebrations, Zimbabwe Youth Council chairperson, Ace Lumumba said the gains of independence were most enjoyed by the youths hence the need to come in their numbers to celebrate the country’s 34th anniversary.

“The youths are the major beneficiaries of independence and the freedom we enjoy today has come out of sacrifices; we are talking about jobs and empowerment,” he said.