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Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Reporter
IN celebration of Zimbabwe @42, a gala was held at the Barbourfields Stadium on Monday evening where people were treated to free entertainment from a wide selection of artistes.

The gala kicked off at about 7pm after the Highlanders and Dynamos match where hosts, Highlanders emerged victorious.

Even schoolchildren attended the event as the born frees also joined in on celebrating the sacrifices that the liberation war heroes made as they put their lives on the line to ensure people accomplish democracy.

Performances came from a number of artistes who included Chase Skuza, Masotha and Sungura Masters, Agartha Murudzwa, Sulumani Chimbetu, Fantan, DJ Levels, Roki and South Africans Master KG and Zanda Zakuza.

Performing on home ground, Iyasa marked their territory. It was clear that they were at home. As they performed, Nick Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services and socialite — Passion Java joined them on stage and danced. At the end of the set, Java interacted with the crowds and gave them money.

Thereafter, Master KG and Zanda Zakuza took to the stage. They were major crowd pullers with people singing along to all of the songs that they churned out. They performed hit songs Jerusalema, Limpopo and Uthando which wowed the crowd and left many wanting more.

After their performance, 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 hyped up the crowd to copy their dances, notably the Borrowdale dance. They received a positive response from the crowds.

Thereafter, it was time for Dendera music with Sulumani Chimbetu. He started off by performing his late father — Simon’s song Dzandipedza Mafuta before playing his popular Sean Timba and Nyuchi songs. He got people to dance and sing along with him.

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 as he has had a stint with Zimbabwe Chachacha Kings and Simon Chimbetu.

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. 50 Du was a hit among revellers.

Roki took to the stage just shortly before 10pm and as promised that he would show the attendees flames, 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.

Despite the chilly weather, people braved it and kept themselves warm by dancing the night away.