Zimpapers Logo

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Senior Arts Reporter

Despite the lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19, which has claimed many lives worldwide, artistes took time to celebrate Independence Day on social media.

Show promoters, musicians, disc jockeys designers and poets, among others, used digital platforms to perform and showcase their talents.

Radio stations, including Star FM, National FM, Radio Zimbabwe and Power FM, played songs that made an impact during past years.

The late Leonard Dembo’s all-time hit song “Chitekete” was voted number 1 on the Star FM hit list, while urban groovers Leonard Mapfumo and EXQ’s song, “Maidei” was on first position at Power FM.

Creatives entitled “Pabodzi Curators” had their 100 Zimbabwean greatest songs of all time which had the likes of Albert Nyathi’s “Senzenina”, Bhundu Boys’ “Jit Jive” and “Simbimbino”, “Jemedza” by the late James Chimombe, Leonard Zhakata’s “Mugove”, the late Oliver Mtukudzi’s “Neria” and “Tozeza Baba”, the late Simon Chimbetu’s “Samatenga” and “Mwana Wedangwe”

Thomas Mapfumo’s “Madhebura” and Jah Prayzah’s “Jerusarema” also made the list.

ZBCTV, in conjunction with show promoter Tinashe Mutarisi of Nash Paints, hosted a live session on Independence Eve which saw artists like Freeman, Jah Master, Bazooker, Ras Pompy, Kiky and Uncle Epatan sharing the stage.

ZBCTV continued to entertain its viewers by showing yesteryear popular dramas like Mukadota Family and Paraffin.

The show lived up to its billing as the artists observed social distancing and were wearing face masks, which showed they were aware of coronavirus, although some fans criticised them for sharing the same microphone, although they were sanitising it.

Contacted for comment, event organiser and business development manager of Nash Paints, Carmen Vlahakis, said the artists, who performed on the social media platform event were selected based on past relations with the firm.

“Zimdancehall chanter and producer Levels played a lead role in the selection as well,” she said.

“We have worked with Chillspot over the years. We provided transport for them to get to ZBC studios.

“We had a team which includes Simbarashe Chakare, Keen Mushapaidze, Butterphly and Benjamin Nyandoro and we came up together deciding on what to do for the fans during the lockdown and to celebrate Independence Day.”

Another group, ZimThrive Initiative, hosted a 24-hour virtual extravaganza dubbed “Zimbabwe @40”, which had musicians based in the Diaspora performing.

Some of the artists include King Alfred, Alfred Kainga, Garry Mapanzure, Gemma Griffiths and Dj Stavo, among others.

ZimThrive event organiser Mike Tashaya said the virtual extravaganza went as planned and was exciting.

“We have decided, regardless of global lockdowns, self-isolations, self-distancing and the menace of Covid-19 to still celebrate this milestone,” he said.

“It was 24 hours uninterrupted of performances one after the other. It was great to see the talent of Zimbabweans all over the world showcasing their skills and patriotism using the great platform we have created for Zimbabwe.”

Gospel musicians had to usher fans to merry Independence Day celebrations on social media in style as they too were not left out.

Janet Manyowa and Tinashe Magacha hosted a live event at their home where they performed their hit songs dedicated to Independence at the same time sending a message of hope.

On the comedy side, through their social media page, Shoko Festival where the action was taking place, organisers of the event dubbed “Bang Bang Comedy Game Show” hosted popular stand-up comedians Ray Vines and Kadem, who is popularly known as Captain Tito, who left fans in stitches as they shared jokes of current and yesteryear situations.

The comedians took part in the game show from the comfort of their homes.

Jamaican musicians who include, Nyanda from Brick and Lace group of “Love Is Wicked”, Rahon Marley, Anthony B and Wayne Wonder, among others, wished Zimbabwe a “Happy Independence Day”, on social media as they sent their love and kisses to their fans.