The 42nd Uhuru Musical Gala at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Monday night, which followed the Independence Cup final between Highlanders and Dynamos, lived up to its billing, event organisers have said.
The gala, which kicked off around 7pm, saw fans being treated to free music by the country’s top artistes.
Performers included Chase Skuza, Masotha and Sungura Masters, Agartha Murudzwa, Sulumani Chimbetu, Fantan, DJ Levels, Nicholas Zakaria , Roki and South Africans – Master KG and Zanda Zakuza.
Performing on home ground, Iyasa marked their territory.
During their performance, Nick Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, and Prophet Passion Java, joined them on stage and danced with the group.
At the end of the set, Passion Java interacted with the fans and gave them money.
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Thereafter, Master KG and Zanda Zakuza took to the stage.
People singing along to all the songs they belted out.
They performed hit songs Jerusalema, Limpopo and Uthando, which wowed the crowd and left many calling for more.
After their performance, Agartha Murudzwa took over and blessed the crowd with her gospel tunes.
She stunned many with her performance, as she was innovative and energetic, showing her versatility.
Her performance was different from most gospel acts that people have become accustomed to.
From there, it was time to take things a notch up with Banolila hit-maker Chase Skuza taking over.
He introduced himself with his yesteryear track Wathatha Imali yeCompany which the crowd sang along to.
It was a nostalgic moment for those who have been following the gala over the years when he performed Banolila.
Masotha and Sungura Masters joined him on stage and the dancers provoked the crowd to copy their dances, notably the Borrowdale dance.
They received a positive response from the crowd.
Thereafter, it was time for Dendera with Suluman Chimbetu.
He started off by performing his late father Simon’s song, Dzandipedza Mafuta, before playing his popular songs Sean Timba and Nyuchi.
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The level of concentration, command and dedication from his lead guitarist Crossbar should not go unnoticed as he showed that he has been in the game for quite a while.
From the Njiva dances, the axe-wielding Madlela Skhobokhobo, another crowd favourite, took to the stage.
With the rhumba beat at its peak, people had no option but to join the artiste in dance and imitate some of the dancers’ high-energy moves.
Roki took to the stage shortly before 10pm and, as promised, he rocked the stage with well-choreographed dances.
He also let people sing along to his hits, among them Chidzoka and Patati Patata.
Never one to disappoint, Sandra Ndebele brought her A-game.
Madzibaba Zakaria, who had a breakdown on his way to Bulawayo, fulfilled the show and gave a good account of himself.
