A virtually celebrated Independence Reggae icon Bob Marley performs at Rufaro Stadium during Zimbabwe’s first independence celebrations in 1980

Leroy Dzenga Features Writer
Those with memories of the day Zimbabwe was unshackled from white minority rule make it a point to include the colour that surrounded the celebratory event.

After a long war which cost lives on both sides and complex negotiations; Zimbabwe’s independence coincided with one of the best musical primes ever known to mankind.

Bob Marley, the godfather of all things reggae, was invited to perform and he came with a full band to serenade newly emancipated ears.

The inaugural independence celebrations on April 18, 1980, were oversubscribed to the point of crowd control methods being applied to ensure a degree of order.

It was a country learning how it feels to breathe; a bit of chaos was inevitable.

The crowds and celebrations were to become the most endearing characteristic of independence celebrations.

In years that followed, Independence, became a strong event on the country’s calendar.

Harare saw the bigger events of subsequent Independence celebrations being held at the National Sports Stadium.

Being the largest facility by way of capacity, the decision has always been within reason.

Events with a similar structure were to be replicated across the country albeit with different textures.

Some argue that independence celebrations in rural areas are many times more entertaining than those in urban areas.

My 2003 experience in Madziva tempts me to agree.

There was a sense of community that dominated the event which was more of a community party.

Beasts were slaughtered and cooked at the village centre.

Everyone got a share and the feasting was preceded with dust raising dances and yesteryear musical hits.

In towns and cities, musical performances and displays from uniformed forces were always the staple.

There was a point where national celebrations were preceded by musical galas.

During the urban grooves era, in the early 2000s, this gave a platform to digital artists who were emerging through the   ranks.

Names like Maskiri, Roki and Sniper Storm come to mind as some who contributed to these musical spectacles which were a continuation of the culture of employing music as a tool for celebrating self determination.

It would be futile to chronicle the history of independence galas without mentioning the late Cde Chinx.

A participant in the liberation war hero, Cde Chinx always showed a deep seated sentimental connection to the commemorations through his spirited performances.

On occasions those managing the event would beg him to end his sets.

These musical galas always provided talking points for people who would meet at the National Sports Stadium the following day for the grand ceremony.

Among the key highlights, the President would deliver a speech, giving clarity on gains the country has made since attaining independence.

In between the speech and other formal engagements were spectacular displays by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Zimbabwe Republic Police.

It would be followed by the Independence Cup football match, played between the leading clubs in the country at the time.

The last winners were Highlanders, who won it last year.

All these activities had become a given, until the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 decided to emerge.

The year 2020 will go down in history as a year where all known systems were disrupted.

Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations, which for the first time had been earmarked for Bulawayo, have to be observed through an alternative approach.

This is due to the fact that Covid-19 has made it risky for people to gather, due to the infectious nature of the virus that causes                                                                                         it.

In the absence of a medicinal response, countries, including Zimbabwe have had to resort to non-pharmaceutical methods in curbing its spread.

Zimbabwe instituted a lockdown for 21 days, this meant it was impossible for the nucleated gatherings that signify independence commemorations to be mounted this year.

Maybe if a solution emerges, they can be held belatedly, but as it stands everyone has to remain indoors and maintain social distancing.

President Mnangagwa will today talk to the nation, as is tradition, as his address will be televised. His spokesperson, Mr George Charamba, recently shared the information with reporters.

“The President will make a televised address to the nation on Independence Day in respect to the efforts to contain Covid-19. The address will be broadcast from State House so he will reach Zimbabweans through television and other media platforms,” said Mr Charamba.

Artists too have decided to prove their creative mettle by setting up a digital gala for fans who would have been seeing them perform.

Gemma Griffiths, Albert Kainga, Garry Mapanzure, Munashe Chirisa, Dj Stavo, Kwaye, Sylent Nqo and a group of other artists have decided to host a 24 hours musical concert through Facebook live.

This is being streamed for Zimbabweans across the globe to celebrate the milestone through song and dance, as is tradition.

“We have decided that regardless of global lockdowns, self isolation and social distancing and the menace of Covid-19 to still celebrate this milestone,” read part of the notice put by the artist collective.

For 24 hours, starting at Zimbabwe`s midnight we have put together a variety of activities from music performances, Dj sets, comedy sets, poetry among other activities to celebrate.”

Covid-19 has forced the world indoors.

It is business unusual and as the country comes of age, it is a pity it is impossible to celebrate in a way people have been accustomed to.

But if it is consolation, there are some elements of our celebrations which have remained resilient thanks to technology.

These include the President’s address and a music show.

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