TOP sungura acts — Nicholas Zacharia, Allan Chimbetu, Andy Muridzo and Ngosimbi Crew — closed ranks with Jiti-Kanindo musician Takesure Muronzi and dancehall queen, Lady Squanda, to set alight Katiyo Business Centre in Uzumba at the weekend in honour of nine teenagers murdered by the Rhodesian armed forces in 1979. BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA
The musicians performed before thousands of entertainment-starved villagers and the event saw a number of young artistes from Murewa and Mutoko showcasing their talent before the ecstatic crowd.
The show, which was free of charge, attracted villagers from as far as Zaranyika, Nhakiwa and Mashambanhaka, including women with babies strapped on their backs, partaking of the fun-filled night.
Muronzi and Muridzo put up scintillating performances, while Lady Squanda struck the right chord with the youths who were among the revellers.
Uzumba legislator Simbaneuta Mudarikwa said the event was meant to celebrate the lives of the girls who were massacred for their participation in the liberation struggle.
“This musical gala has drawn thousands of people, yes, the bottom line is that tonight we are singing and dancing but some people are indeed missing. They are missing in action because of their dedication during the struggle. They were slaughtered by the white forces on their way from feeding the comrades in a nearby base,” he said.
“Despite the torture, they refused to give information to the enemy on the whereabouts of the freedom fighters. We are commemorating the lives of these girls.”
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The nine girls — Rose Dzemwa, Jecha Chasakara, Loveness Dera, Mazviita Mandaza, Chipo Chimwaza, Rumbidzai Magora, Taurai Zhanda, Gladys Chenje and Sophia Nyakabangwe — were murdered on March 9, 1979 in what became known as the Katiyo Base Massacre.
The music gala was attended by Zanu PF provincial chairperson Benard Makokove and national youth league chairperson Kudzai Chipanga among others.
