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Talent Chimutambgi–Arts Reporter 

The big day is finally around the corner. Everyone is ready and Murambinda beckons for the 44th national Independence Celebrations. 

Musicians and dancers who are billed to perform at the Independence Celebrations Gala set for Murambinda on Thursday have all confirmed their readiness to thrill revellers. 

The musical gala will be held at Murambinda B High School as part of the Second Republic’s devolution thrust. 

This year’s celebrations will be running under the theme “Zim @ 44: Unity, Peace and Development Towards Vision 2030.”

In an interview yesterday, the acting deputy director of the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Hym Mureru said it was all systems go. 

Mr Mureru underlined the importance of the gala, saying it was the reincarnation of the liberation war night vigils known as the “pungwe” during the struggle. 

“During the liberation struggle, music and dance played a pivotal role in raising the morale of the freedom fighters and conscientising the public on the importance of independence through all-night vigils or pungwe. 

“Musicians such as Cdes Chinx Chingaira, Marko Sibanda, and Mukoma Ketai Muchawaya among others, churned out songs that motivated and emboldened freedom fighters to face the racist Rhodesian regime, culminating in the attainment of independence on 18 April 1980,” said Mr Mureru. 

Among other musicians who were known for raising moral and revolutionary zeal were Thomas Mapfumo and the late trio of Oliver Mtukudzi, Zexie Manatsa, and Mbuya Madhuve, among others.

Mr Mureru said the criteria used to select musicians were based on their ability to thrill the fans and their popularity to ensure that they appeal to all generations. 

“Artistes perform at the gala by invitation. We have a selection committee that invites them to perform depending on their availability and popularity which is the ability to excite the crowd, keeping them on their toes the whole night. We are also blending popular and upcoming artistes so that we have a top-notch event.” 

Mr Mureru said Buhera had a fertile history of the liberation struggle, and the programme for holding national celebrations was President Mnangagwa’s directive to ensure all provinces are included. 

“We have devolved and independence celebrations are rotating in all the country’s 10 provinces. Buhera was chosen this year because it had Dzapasi Assembly Point which was the largest for guerrillas during ceasefire in 1979 at the dawn of Independence.” 

“The main independence commemorations started in Bulawayo, moved to Mashonaland Central and this year are in Manicaland Province. Another province will host next year’s commemorations. 

“However, it is important to bear in mind that whilst the main independence celebrations will be held in Murambinda, festivities will be going on in various provinces and districts,” he said. 

As has become the norm when the country celebrates independence, the gala will bring together a collection of some of the country’s best musicians. 

Murambinda will be decorated with the national dress to celebrate the Zimbabwean identity. The national dress will be worn at the anniversary with people showcasing various unique designs as this will serve as a source of identity for the nation. 

First Lady Dr Amai Mnangagwa launched the national dress in 2021 which has become more relevant in various gatherings and national events. 

The initiative is part of the restoration of the African identity which was trashed by the European colonisers during the colonial era. 

Artistes lined up for the gala are Sandra Ndebele (Afro Pop), the Senior Lecturer Madzibaba Nicholas Zacharia, Shantel Sithole known for the Kanindo genre who will be performing for the first time, Mark Ngwazi will be closer to his home area Njanja, while Diana Samukange, Tambaoga, Simon Mutambi, Bigboy Motsi, and Tswai Tswai will also perform. 

Others include Zimdancehall duo Fantan, Andy Muridzo (Afro Fusion), Sulumani Chimbetu (Dendera), Chief Wenje (Chimurenga/Umvukela), Agatha Murudzwa (Gospel), Jah Master and DT Bio Mudimba. 

Seasoned Chimurenga musician and “Mai Welly” hitmaker Chief Wenje said he could not wait for the day and had upped everything, adding that people born after independence were the major beneficiaries of freedom being enjoyed today. 

Chief Hwenje said he is expected to bring Mai Welly and Welly to the gala. 

“Independence is a way of honouring and paying tribute to the sacrifice of those who brought liberty to us. We are the major beneficiaries of Independence since the ground was already laid by the gallant children of the soil. This time I’m bringing Welly his mother to perform Mai Welly,” said Chief Hwenje. 

 Seasoned dancer and musician Sandra Ndebele said the gala would accord her an opportunity to perform tracks from her new album titled “Juva” to be launched this year in October. 

“We are more than ready for the gala and we have a variety of new things, including dancing style and a new album that I will launch this year in October. ‘Juva’ means a dove which symbolises peace, this is relevant to the tranquillity that we are enjoying in the country,” said Ndebele. 

Kanindo dancer Shantel Sithole said it was an honour to be part of the line-up providing entertainment for such a big occasion. 

“This is my first time performing at independence celebrations. It is a great honour because the whole country will be watching and this is a chance to show our talen. 

“I’m sure, every artiste that has been invited wants to do their best because this is a very rare occasion. These are events that you live for as a musician,” said Sithole.