All roads lead to Chitungwiza

Fungisai Zvakavapano

ALL is set for the Musicians’ Widows Association gala to be held at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex on Saturday. The gig — which is the brainchild of Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu is aimed at raising funds for widows and families of departed musicians.

Topping the bill will be gospel music sensation Blessing Shumba, man of the moment Peter Moyo, Tryson Chimbetu, Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, Mahendere Brothers, Kireni Zulu, Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima, Pastor Haisa, Morgan and Tendai Dembo, Biggie Tembo Jnr, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Joyce Simeti and pole dancer Beverly Sibanda.

This galaxy of Zimbabwe’s finest musicians are set to captivate revellers at the show while at the same time showing their solidarity with families of the departed artistes by performing for a worthy cause. The interesting part about this show is that it brings an array of music genres from all the country’s corners on the same podium and that alone is a reflection of how far-flung the widows’ association is in terms of addressing issues affecting them.

“All is set for the gala and we are promising fireworks. There will be a lot of entertainment. “We are targeting to raise not less than US$25 000 and this will go towards assisting the widows in areas that include housing since some of them don’t have accommodation,” Benjamin Ganyiwa, the co-ordinator of the show, said.

Music fans should expect nothing short of fireworks when the artistes go on stage to showcase their artworks. For once, music fans will have an opportunity to sample different musical genres — all under one roof. It will be first time that Peter, Tryson, Blessing, Fungisai and Bev will be sharing the stage. And the beauty about this show is that all the musicians will be driven by the desire to make a difference in the widows’ lives.

While many will regard it as one of the many shows that promoters normally hold, Saturday’s gala is also a symbolic one, where secular and gospel musicians will working in solidarity but not for financial gain. Tryson, son to Esther, widow to the late Naison Chimbetu, expressed the need to support the widows. Culled from Herald

“Supporting widows is vital as they helped in shaping the careers of our great fathers, hence the gala comes as a commendable move,” he said. Although Esther, who is domiciled in South Africa, will not make it for the show, Angela Chimbetu, the widow to the late Simon will represent the family. Culled from Herald