The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
AT the dawn of independence in 1979, several assembly points were established throughout the country to accommodate freedom fighters returning from neighbouring countries where they were taking up arms against the oppressive Ian Smith regime.
The assembly points had been agreed on as part of the Lancaster House Agreement and were huge camps where thousands of freedom fighters were congregated.
The freedom fighters were to stay in the assembly points during the 1980 elections period, and until demobilisation or integration into the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).
Some of the prominent assembly points established during that period were Manyene in Chivhu, Dendera in Mutoko, Echo in Nyanga, Chipinda Pool in Chiredzi, Gwaai River in Matabeleland North and Seira in Mutoko.
Of all the assembly points established, Dzapasi turned out to be the biggest in terms of the number of returning comrades who assembled at the base.
During this period, slogans, songs and music that were sung and performed during the war of liberation, popularly known as the Second Chimurenga (1971–1979), were a pillar of hope.
Nicholas Zakaria
They provided strength and hope to the masses and the fighters.
“I can run out of superlatives to describe the role played by music in the liberation struggle. It carried us through. The comrades who were lagging behind and getting weary would be carried to the front and we would fight as a team,” said the late liberation war musician, Dickson “Chinx” Chingaira, in a hearty interview with The Manica Post in 2015.
He added that music motivated the masses of Zimbabwe to soldier on and fight the enemy and would always give them the strength and reason to go on.
“To us freedom fighters and the masses, music was a great motivator. It played a pivotal role that can be difficult to explain. It motivated us to go on in the wake of difficult and painful conditions. It carried us through. In those moments when we would grow weary, we would find ourselves singing in groups and we would get some courage and verve to go on.
Mark Ngwazi
“It would sooth our hearts especially when the enemy killed our loved ones. Zvaitinyaradza nekutipa rimwe simba rekuti tirwise muvengi. (Music would put us to a higher level of gallantry and motivate us and boost our morale to fight),” said the late Chingaira.
44 years later, music is back in Murambinda, Buhera District.
A galaxy of artistes drawn from across the country will today invade the district that houses an important liberation heritage site, Dzapasi, for a historic music gala.
Over 70 000 people who are expected to attend the fun-filled celebrations will have more than 12 hours of undiluted fun.
Artistes who are billed to perform include, Nicholas ‘Madzibaba’ Zakaria, who boasts of more than 30 years in the music industry, queen of kanindo, Shantel Sithole, dendera giant, Sulumani Chimbetu, a jewel from Binga, Bio ‘DT’ Mudimba, sungura giants, Mark Ngwazi and Simon Mutambi, chimurenga aces, Chief Hwenje and Tambaoga, Diana Samkange, Chillspot Family, Sandra Ndebele and Jah Master.
Some of Mutare-based artistes billed to perform include mbira outfit, Ntswai Ntswai, gifted vocalist and bassist, Simba Muchita and energetic gospel singer, Jairosi Mutambikwa.
On the gospel front, Mathias Mhere and Agatha Murudzwa will lead the pack.
The Independence Day celebrations will cater for all ages as there will also be a Children’s Party.
Over 70 visual and performing artistes from across the country who were camped in Mutare, are also set to provide entertainment in acts such as traditional dance. Musicians slated to perform at the celebrations have promised to put up sterling performances.
Chillspot Family has promised to put up a memorable gig. Said DJ Fantan who will be accompanied by Levels and Ribhe.
“We can’t wait to set Murambinda on fire. We will be there with a lot of energy. It is a special day on the country’s calendar, and we are urging people, especially youths to come out in their numbers as we celebrate this very important day. It is going to be fun.”
Simbarashe Muchita
Said Jah Master: “This is a great event, and we cannot afford to disappoint. We are ready to roar and leave a mark. We take this platform very seriously, and we are glad that we are part of the star-studied line-up. We will play a blend of our new and old hits. and we are coming with a live band.”
Simba Muchita said the event is an opportunity of a life time.
“It is a historic event that will forever linger in my heart as an artiste. We are grateful that the organisers accorded us an opportunity like this. I am going to make sure that people will enjoy to the fullest. I have realised that most people know some of my songs, thanks to national radio stations. It will be an opportunity for me to meet some of my fans physically which will be a great feeling,” he said.
This year’s celebrations will run under the theme: “Zim @44: Unity, Peace and Development towards Vision 2030.”
