IN Zimbabwe, music is arguably becoming both reminiscence and movement and in like manner, Harare’s Legends Night continues to evolve into a cultural institution.
NewsDay Life & Style journalist Tendai Sauta (ND) speaks with Tinotenda Masenda Bimha (TMB), InTotal Band manager and event organiser, about the vision, growth and global resonance of Ecobank Legends Night.
ND: Can you introduce yourself and explain your role in organising Legends Night?
TMB: My name is Tinotenda Masenda Bimha (Ms B).
I am the band manager for InTotal Band and the event organiser for Ecobank Legends Night.
ND: What inspired Legends Night and what vision drives it?
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TMB: Legends Night began in 2019 as a tribute to Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s music.
Over time, it evolved into a broader celebration of Zimbabwe’s legendary musicians — both living and departed.
The vision is to unite generations through authentic Zimbabwean sound while preserving and honouring our musical heritage.
ND: What marketing strategies are used and how has the audience responded?
TMB: We collaborated with radio stations, and worked with social media influencers, including Mai Lala and Nijo “Slick Pastor”.
Platforms like Zimcelebs and EarGround also amplified visibility, alongside our own InTotal Band and Legends Night social media pages.
Audience response has been strong, with high engagement both online and at the venue.
ND: How does Legends Night reflect the evolution of Zimbabwean music?
TMB: It tells Zimbabwe’s musical story live.
You hear the foundations laid by past legends, see growth through collaborations with artistes like the Cool Crooners and Jeys Marabini, and experience the future through modern production.
It reflects progress while honouring those who paved the way.
ND: How are featured legends selected?
TMB: It’s a complex process given the depth of Zimbabwe’s musical catalogue.
We build on previous editions, selecting songs not yet performed while ensuring a balanced representation of genres and eras to maintain flow and diversity.
ND: Who has emerged as the audience favourite?
TMB: It’s difficult to single out one act.
Most songs resonate strongly, with each performance finding its own audience connection across the venue.
ND: What is the significance of the event’s style and nostalgia?
TMB: The dress code is integral to storytelling.
It creates a time capsule that transports audiences to different eras.
It honours the intentional style of the original artistes and bridges generational gaps — allowing younger audiences to engage visually while older fans relive memories.
ND: What impact does Legends Night have on the music industry, especially for emerging artistes?
TMB: It sets a benchmark for excellence and provides exposure to established legends.
It demonstrates that sustainable careers can be built locally, offering organic mentorship through performance and production
quality.
ND: What are your views on music policy, copyright and royalties in Zimbabwe?
TMB: While copyright laws exist, more needs to be done to strengthen enforcement and ensure fair compensation, particularly for veteran musicians.
ND: What are your plans for the future?
TMB: Legends Night is a recurring event. We’ve hosted editions in Bulawayo, Masvingo and Kadoma, expanded regionally to Zambia and South Africa, and internationally to the UK and Northern Ireland.
We are now preparing for Legends Night Germany in collaboration with Moto Moto Festival in Cologne on July 25, 2026.
We aim to further expand into markets such as Poland and Australia.