By Fidelis Manyange
ZIMBABWEANS are now familiar with national musical fiestas such as ‘Independence’, ‘Heroes Splush’, ‘Mzee Bira’ and ‘Umdhala Wethu’ galas.
The last two were held in memory of former vice presidents Cde Simon Muzenda and Cde Joshua Nkomo respectively.
For his part, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on record as proclaiming that galas be held at every Presidential campaign rally to entertain would-be voters as well as honour the gallant heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle.
Like guerillas who used music and dance at all-night gatherings (pungwes) to educate the masses about the objectives of the armed struggle, our musicians do so in commemoration of both the First and Second Chimurengas.
On April 18, millions of Zimbabweans will be entertained by yet another gala which is set to feature some of the country’s top musicians as we celebrate 44 years of ‘uhuru’ (freedom).
But it is important to note these musical galas are not simply there to entertain the people, but to educate them as well. While, on the one hand, the older generation are reminded about the sacrifices made in the fight against colonialism, the ‘born-frees’, get to understand how the freedom they are enjoying today came about.
Since music plays a pivotal role in the promotion of good morals, youths are also educated on issues on the dangers of drug abuse and the need to live in harmony despite our diversity.
This year’s stellar line-up line-up includes sungura maestro Alick Macheso, Mark Ngwazi, Sulumani Chimbetu, Andy Muridzo, Chief Hwenje, Nicholas Zakaria, Jah Master, DJ Fantan, Shantelle Sithole, Sandra Ndebele and Diana Samkange, among others.
Artistes such as the late Cde Chinx, Last Chiyangwa aka Tambaoga, Sister Flame, LMG Choir and Andy Brown, among others, regularly lit up independence and other galas, igniting a patriotic spirit among the people through their music. Today we have young musicians such as Admire Sibanda aka Chief Hwenje, Gaban Kufemamoto, Sandra Ndebele and Chase Skuza, among others, who are carrying forward the torch.
The galas also provide a godsent opportunity for both seasoned and upcoming artistes to showcase their talents before bumper crowds, not to mention millions of television viewers at home and watering holes.
No wonder, we have witnessed little-known artistes earning national recognition and receiving massive radio airplay after virtuoso performances at galas. In most cases, upcoming artistes from the host province get a one-in-a-million chance to share the stage and exchange notes with prominent artistes like Alick Macheso, Nicholas Zakaria, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave and Majahodwa Ndlovu aka Jeys Marabini, among others.
More often than not, national galas serve as the spawning ground for future collaborations.
At the same time, local folk are granted the rare chance to experience a glut of live dusk-to-dawn performances by the crème de la crème of Zimbabwe’s music fraternity, some of whom they only get to listen to on radio or watch on television. Not only do they get to mix and mingle with celebrity names, but also with the political and civic leaders and discuss pertinent issues amid music, food and drinks.
National galas are also a boon for local businesses as demand for food, drinks, clothes, not to mention artifacts, soars.
The who’s who of Zimbabwe’s electronic media will also be descending on Buhera this week. No doubt among them will be Thabani Gambiza, Kanyemba Bhonzo, Elsie Mojapelo, Godfrey Gweje, Season ‘Chikara’ Ndundu and Lionel Mkandla, who keep local radio listeners on their toes seven days a week with their lively broadcasts.
As the galas are broadcast live on ZTV, even those at home get to join in the celebrations from the comfort of their lounges. Galas also transcend boundaries, thereby cementing regional ties. A case in point being the historical Chimoio Gala of September 2004, held in honour of the victims of the Chimoio Massacre. No visas were required for the thousands of Zimbabweans who crossed the border into neighbouring Mozambique for the event.
Galas will remain an important feature of our calendar and for this reason they should be staged in even the remotest parts, for instance, to the San (Bushmen) of Makhulela area in Bulilima, Plumtree.
This will provide an excellent platform for budding aristes like Tjabhudha and Makhulela Sounds. Imagine, too, the unbridled joy of the Nambya if a gala was to be held in Jambezi. The same applies to the Doma people in Kanyemba, never mind the Tonga, one of whose sons is none other than Bio D. T. Mudimba of ‘Kujatajata’ fame.
In short, national galas by whatever name — Heroes Splush, bira, etc — are an ideal platform for the cross-pollination of cultures and the promotion of national unity.
