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Talent Bope Arts Reporter 

All is set for this year’s Heroes Gala which the organisers say is pre-recorded and broadcast tonight. 

Many musicians are billed to perform among them Roki, Alick Macheso, Leonard Zhakata, LMG Chimurenga Choir, Trevor Dongo, Sandra Ndebele, Agatha Murudzwa, Amos Mahendere, Selmor Mtukudzi, Tocky Vibes and Jah Signal.

The concert will run under double theme “Lest You Forget” and “We Remember, We Honour and We Salute our Heroes and Heroines.”

In an interview, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services acting director media services and executive producer of the show Farai Makubaza said the decision to pre-record the concert was inspired by Covid-19 containment regulations.

Makubaza said the concert was crucial in evoking the spirit of the revolution. 

“We took a deliberate decision and position that there would be no point of having a live performance in the absence of audiences. The concerts are normally meant for imbibers and revellers who come from all over the country to celebrate. As a result of Covid-19 restrictions it was not possible. We then decided to pre-record the show and then broadcast it tonight.

“Historically music and dance has been used to mobilise and motivate people in terms of galvanising them towards a great goal. If you look at rainmaking ceremonies, biras etc.

“Currently we are mobilising people to celebrate our heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for us to enjoy this independence,” said Makubaza.

He said the concert was an opportunity to spread the message of national vision.

“We remember our heroes and heroines through song and dance. What is also important to remember is President Mnangawa’s thrust and his Vision 2030 of attaining an Upper Middle Income Economy which is being propounded and pushed via the National Development Strategy 1,” said Makubaza.

“As we are celebrating, we are also cognisant of the obligation that we put our hands together to achieve Vision 2030.” 

Makubaza said they considered many issues in coming up with the list of the performing musicians. 

“In terms of the criteria we want this gala to have a national outlook so we looked at geographic and demographic aspect of the country’s ten provinces and made sure that they are well represented,” said Makubaza.

“We also looked at age demographics, so that all ages are catered for. On genres, we considered diversity, Chimurenga, pop culture, Mapostori and religious groups are all represented,” he said.

“We are also moving towards conscientising our people of the Covid-19 Delta Variant which has claimed many lives, encouraging people to mask up, practicing social distancing and all sorts of preventative measures and to get vaccinated. If we do not vaccinate we cannot achieve head immunity and this should be propagated through songs and dance,” said Makubaza.

Makubaza said the music sector is undergoing difficult times since the advent of Covid-19 and urged people to be vaccinated, insisting some musicians were vaccinated.

“The music sector is the most affected by the pandemic and most artists are aware of this and they are getting vaccinated, the likes of Macheso who confirmed that he was vaccinated with all his family members. If all the people are vaccinated this is the only way, we can open up the economy and booming industries,” he said. 

Sungura musician Alick Macheso said he was humbled to be part of the celebrations and implored people to comply with the Covid-19 guidelines.

“I feel very humbled to perform on such a very important day when we celebrate the selflessness of our brothers and sisters who died during the liberation struggle with the quest to see a free Zimbabwe,” said Macheso.

“It’s very sad that we lost our relatives during the war but at the same time we are celebrating,” he said. 

“I want to take this opportunity to encourage people out there to get vaccinated in order to reach the head immunity. This would enable us to even start live shows,” said Macheso.

Chimurenga musician Mai Happiness Sibanda was ready to deliver the liberation war message to the people of Zimbabwe.

“I’m fully loaded with a lot to showcase. My music carries a difference because it has a message and teachings, especially to those youngsters who did not experience the liberation struggle,” said Mai Sibanda.

Zora music Leonard Karikoga Zhakata said it was important to him to be part of such crucial National programmes

“These are crucial events which everyone should show respect for. I really appreciate that, to find myself associated with big National events, that an honour. Right now we are enjoying the fruits of the sacrifice of the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe,” said Zhakata.

Sandra Ndebele said the concert was a perfect opportunity for everyone to refresh as live shows were banned due to Covid-19.

“It’s an opportunity for us to refresh during this time of Covid-19 since the advent of this pandemic we never got an opportunity to meet physically but this one is a perfect opportunity to mingle though virtually but people will stay tuned as well as refreshing,” said Sandra.