Published by the government of Zimbabwe
17 April 2009
Harare — It will be an entertainment galore tomorrow at the Uhuru celebrations at the National Sports Stadium when sungura giant Alick Macheso, Sulumani "Sulu" Chimbetu and urban groover Alexio Kawara currently riding high with his hit track "Shaina" take people through the paces at this year's unique celebrations.
Dubbed the mother of all shows, the trio is expected to thrill the crowds with their musical collection they have built over the years.
There is no doubt that young Sulu will take people down memory lane when he belts out his late father's oldies like Hoko, One Way and Ndarangarira gamba that resonate well with the independence celebrations.
Minister of Local Government, Urban and Rural Development Ignatius Chombo said the independence committee chose the three because they command a large crowd and also cater for different age groups.
"There will be a lot of entertainment at this year's celebrations with Macheso and Chimbetu billed to perform at this important and unique event as the country celebrates its 29th independence. Kawara has been chosen to cater for the young at heart that will attend the celebrations," he said.
Minister Chombo said the police band, which has become popular at major state functions will also be part of the entertainment lineup. He said the artists had already confirmed their participation with some already carrying rehearsals at the giant stadium.
"The public address systems at the venue are ready and we have requested the police to provide extra security," Minister Chombo said.
He urged Zimbabweans to come to this year's celebrations which he said were unique not only in that they come at the backdrop of the inclusive government but they also come after the country received good rains after six years of successive droughts.
"We have so much to celebrate this year which include the new economic situation and the new political dispensation among others," he said.
This year's celebrations are unique in that musicians will get to thrill fans at the main event rather than the usual trend where musicians get to perform at Independence galas held to commemorate the life of the late heroes.
Elsewhere in the country some joints and promoters have organised a number of shows to mark Independence commemorations.
With the hosting of national galas having become a matter of conjecture in recent times, artistes have however vowed to mark this historic, first Independence commemoration under the Inclusive Government -- by hosting their own mini-galas, if you may like to call them.
The Igwee, Tongai Moyo will set Budiriro alight tonight when he plays at Lashers in the suburb before moving to Ruwa where he will stage another show tomorrow night. He will be supported by Ngosimbi Crew, a show organised by Ugovale Promotions.
High-octane sungura ace Alick Macheso sets the tone tonight with a pungwe at Pamuzinda Highway Ex-Scape where Leeroy "Kamusena" Lunga supports him to thrill audiences.
On Independence Day, Cheso Power's chikopokopo lands at Zimunhu Bar in Epworth for an all-night musical explosion and this time, talented Afro-rock star Progress Chipfumo of Tsiurika fame, supports him.
Macheso winds up his foray with a major bash at Colour Purple in Willowvale where Venus Crew also join him.
Music promoter-turned musician Karen Madhake of Venus Promotions said: "The gigs are noteworthy considering that they were one way through which the artistes join hands with the nation in paying homage to the enormous contribution that freedom fighters played in liberating the nation."
The first couple of gospel music, Pastor Charles and Amai Olivia Charamba said they wouldn't be running parallel with state celebration functions lined up across the country and have instead pencilled their show for Sunday at Terry Hall in Beitbridge.
"We have chosen to host our show on Sunday because we don't want to run parallel with state celebration functions.
"So after people have attended the state functions, we then entertain them with this performance," he said.
Frontran Promotions are behind the Charamba's outing. It's a homecoming gig for the Prince of Sungura First Farai who thrills his Karoi fans at As You Like It tonight.
"This is my first show in Karoi in as close to two years and since the people there are always the first to sample my new songs, they should look forward to my new compositions such as Ceasefire from my forthcoming album," he said.
Tomorrow, the artiste heads to Kariba for another performance at Z View Hotel before entertaining patrons at Chirundu Motel. Takesure Muronzi of Pasivanhu Stars supports him during the three shows.
Tonight and tomorrow, Vhengere Stadium in Rusape reverberates to the anointing vibes of more than five gospel groups, with talented musician Peter Anthony Masuka and his True Vision Gospel Singers, leading the pack.
Masuka will use the platform to sample his hits Tariro whose video is currently showing on Prime Gospel Show and Ezomgido and Ichokwadi off his latest album of the same title.
"Let's unite because Independence is for us all as Zimbabweans," said Masuka.
Father Mamombe, James Zokuzo of the AFM Vhengere Choral Group, Rufaro Maganga, and UMC Vabvuwi Rusape will support him. Tonight, Progress Chipfumo graces Club M5 in Westlea, where he will take revellers through the pace of some of his songs from his album, Tsiurika.
Tomorrow, the same venue plays host to rhumba outfit BV Labien Musica while Explosion Dance Group takes charge on Sunday. Sulumani Chimbetu plays at Pamview in Willowvale tonight.
Baltimore Mudepu invades his home Bindura with an Independence treat for revellers at Tendai Hall in Chipadze on Independence Day. The likes of Dino Mudondo, Simbarashe Chibadura among others, alternate with him on stage.
Allan Chimbetu invades Wadzanayi Gardens in Shamva tonight. Tomorrow, he takes his act to Chakonda Bar at Bushu Growth Point near Shamva.
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