Zimpapers Logo

Tafadzwa Zimoyo : Lifestyle Writer

With Zimbabwe’s 36th Independence Day celebrations just around the corner, the nation is bracing for another day to remember the liberation of the country from colonial rule.The world over, celebrities, artistes, politicians, human rights activists and people in general come together to commemorate such days when their countries hoisted the freedom flags and became autonomous from the rule of foreign powers.In Zimbabwe, musicians, poets, fashionistas, dancers and other celebrities use this time to use their influence in helping the nation celebrate this momentous day.

Some tracks by the likes of the late Simon Chimbetu, his son Suluman, Mbira Dzenharira, Pastor Charles Charamba, The Born Free Crew, among others, have always resonated with messages that speak about the importance of this day.

When the late reggae music legend, Bob Marley visited Zimbabwe, in 1980, he did a song about the country showing the importance of Independence.

This is the time that the people are brought together in song and dance, deriving people from all walks of life, to celebrate what is meant by Independence. Below is what artistes had to say about Independence Day, liberation war heroes and plans for the day:

*******

As a young Zimbabwean who has made a mark in music and business, I always cherish the sacrifices that liberation struggle fighters made for us to be a free Zimbabwe. Not least, my own father took part in the heroic liberation struggle and was declared a provincial hero when he died in August 2005, a befitting send-off for one of the most conscious and patriotic public figures of our time.

Zimbabwe won its Independence on April 18, 1980 — two years before I was born in the small town of Chegutu. It is because of independence that we are now able to exploit our resources and benefit ourselves.

Sulumani Chimbetu, musician

**********************

I salute the President RG Mugabe. We say Happy Birthday to Zimbabwe. Education is the key. I am going to lake with my family.

Phatisani Sibanda

Phatisani Sibanda, Star FM radio personality

***********************

I salute all the heroes that fought for our independence. I salute Cde Chinx Chingaira for showing the power of arts in any situation. His role in the liberation struggle proves the power of arts in mobilisation, the fight for independence, peace building and social cohesion.

It’s amazing how he equally fought the war through music. To me Independence Day means the freedom to peacefully exist, the liberty to dream, express and progress. I am planning to have a dance event to commemorate Independence under the banner “Breakin’ Free” as a reminder to young people to cherish the hard-won independence and celebrate through dance.

Plot Mhako, Jibilika Founder Member, Arts Promoter

*************************

I say happy 36th birthday Zimbabwe. My role model is the late Mai Victoria Fikile Chitepo. She was persistent and consistent in all her performance of duties both at home and country. I also salute President Mugabe. He has never looked back despite all the challenges that the country has faced. He is unwavering in all what he do. I am happy of the independence because to me it means being able to approach and discuss issues with whoever I want. The plans for the holiday include going to resort places and enjoy myself, celebrating our freedom although I am not in Zimbabwe.

Leah Mumbwandarika, UK-based designer and business personnel

***************************

Independence resembles freedom and sacrifice. I say ‘thank you’ to everyone who took arms to get this country liberated. We are planning to eat, drink and be merry and thanking God for the good life in Zimbabwe

Joe Njagu, film-maker and director

Joe Njagu

****************************

As we celebrate Zimbabwe @36 it’s time to reflect as a nation, especially us the youths, on what we can do to carry the vision of war heroes like Cde Tongogara, Cde Chitepo and Cde Mugabe. I want to urge other young people to cherish our hard-won Independence and respect the values and principles that brought this nation into life for political freedom. In my opinion narrating the history of Zimbabwe without mentioning Cde Josiah Tongogara who inspires me everyday won’t be enough. I salute Cde R G Mugabe as he has fought very hard creating policies that benefits the youths through indigenisation and economic empowerment. As for plans for the Independence, we plan to have a small bash with close friends here in China. We say happy birthday Zimbabwe.

Joseph Matangira Muwombi, Entrepreneur and Chinese based music promoter

*************************

I will spend time with my family in Domboshava Caves, admiring the beauty of Zimbabwe. I am so excited about Independence Day. The colonial regime was ruthless and unfair to us black people who only wanted freedom, dignity and social justice. The liberators who fought for us should be honoured in a great way. We are now free and we are happy Zimbabweans

Mercy Mushaninga, modelling guru and agency executive

**************************

I am now based in South Africa but still we celebrate Zimbabwe’s Independence each year. Plans for the celebration include toasting to our war heroes with a dinner. I am proud that from my clan we had a gallant son Evaristo Grey Mwatse aka Cde Grey Mapondera. He remained unbowed despite tremendous outward oppression. He is an unsung hero. I say rest in peace and I salute all the sons and daughters of the soil for liberating us. To me independence means literally gaining autonomous power from the colonial masters.

Evangelista Mwaste, South Africa-based actress, television and radio personality

Evangelista M0watse

***********************

I thank heroes and heroines who were courageous enough to fight hard and tirelessly for us to be were we are today. The likes of our President Mugabe, Joshua Nkomo, Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi among others. To me this day means celebrating the freedom to associate and freedom of speech. As a musician I am free in the sense that I am able to choose to express myself through choosing to follow God. I am going to be with my family.

Sebastian Magacha — Gospel musician

****************

Independence Day to me is the natural state of mankind, all men born equal in the eyes of our God. I love my President for standing up against the white world. My plans will include spending the day with fellow Zimbabweans at the stadium before a mini braai.

Trish Carmen, designer

******************

Independence means that I can be able to crack jokes and poke fun at any person without intimidation in my profession. My plans unfortunately is work, work, work and long live Zimbabwe.

Doc Vikela, comedian

Doc Vikela

****************