THAT music has long been a powerful tool for shaping communities, inspiring unity and propagating ideologies that connect people and ground them with the struggles or developments of the era is not new, it is historical. In the days of the liberation war in Zimbabwe, songs or music as an art form served as a vital instrument to communicate nationalist goals, rally support and educate communities about the reasons behind the fight for independence. The tunes, often performed during pungwes, became the voice of the people, conveying hopes, aspirations and the collective desire for liberation. It was a soft way of preaching the liberation gospel to a heterogeneous audience in a soft but sometimes emotive way that led to mass mobilisation. Today, that spirit endures as musicians continue to use music not only to celebrate progress but also to inspire development and patriotism.

THE name Joe “Local” Nyamungoma evokes different meanings for different people, particularly in showbiz. His newly released music project “Common Sense” has captured the attention of many music lovers. The three-track mini-album features the standout song “Mr Plan”, which is making waves on national radio. Beyond radio, it has become a staple among cross-border bus crews, who now include it as a regular feature on their playlists. What makes “Mr Plan” particularly intriguing is not only its captivating beat — delivered through varying yet carefully calculated tempos — but also its thought-provoking and satirical message. In the song, Nyamungoma raises a profound question on why the world’s brightest minds — engineers, medical doctors, artistes and others — fail to find a way to communicate back to the land of the living after departing this world? He humorously questions whether the afterlife is simply “so comfortable” that they forget the loved ones they left behind.

IN life, one should never burn bridges just because their fortunes have changed for the better. Being successful is no excuse to cut ties with those who helped you reach the top. Life can turn sour at any moment. Oftentimes, religious converts have a tendency to shun their traditional way of life. Some even go to the extent of labelling everyone — including parents, childhood friends and close family — as “sinners”. Jiti musician Baba Harare, born Braveman Chizvino, may have learnt this lesson the hard way. In 2024, he quit the genre that brought him fame and fortune to pursue gospel music. While he has always loved gospel, it was jiti that catapulted him to stardom. After leaving Jah Prayzah in 2017, Baba Harare had a false start as he explored reggae before finally turning the corner when he embraced jiti as his calling.

March heralds International Women’s Month, a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across all fields, and particularly in the music industry, where female artistes are not just participants, but trailblazers. Among them is Feli Nandi, a dynamic force whose recent album launch at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare showcased not only her immense talent, but also the power of women in music today. On a sultry Saturday night, the air pulsed with anticipation as fans gathered for one of the most sought-after events in town. Dressed in an exquisite cream dress and performing barefoot, Feli Nandi stepped onto the stage with an electrifying presence that captivated the audience. Her first 50-minute set was a stunning prelude to the unveiling of her highly anticipated second album, “Ndisiyei.”

Zimbabwean hip-hop artist Holy Ten has accused Uebert Angel, the country’s Ambassador-at-Large to Europe and the Americas, of inappropriate behavior and misconduct within his church. In an explosive interview on DJ Ollah 7’s podcast, Holy Ten detailed troubling allegations, claiming that Angel repeatedly asked him to find young women for his personal pleasure. Holy Ten further accused gospel musician Mudiwa Hood, a close associate of Angel, of bringing firearms and condoms into the church. The artist’s revelations paint a picture of significant disillusionment with Angel, who he once admired. “I was first inspired to pray by Uebert Angel. I used to watch his sermons. But for him to turn into someone who asks me to find ‘slay queens’ was the worst thing ever,” Holy Ten shared during the podcast. The rapper revealed his shock and disappointment, stating that what was once an inspiration had now turned into a source of distress.

As Zimbabwe approaches its 45th Independence Day on April 18, we reflect on a journey steeped in struggle and sacrifice. This hard-won freedom was not a gift; it was forged in the fires of conflict, where countless brave souls laid down their lives, while others emerged forever altered, bearing the physical and emotional scars of war. Amid the turmoil, music emerged as a lifeline—an essential force that fuelled the liberation struggle. It was more than mere entertainment; it became a rallying cry for cultural identity and resistance against colonial oppression. Traditional songs and vibrant rhythms united Zimbabweans, instilling a profound sense of pride and purpose as they fought for their land and rights. These powerful anthems served multiple roles: they mobilised support for the liberation movement, conveyed messages of hope, and acted as potent reminders of the fight for independence.

All is set for songstress, Feli Nandi’s second album launch tomorrow at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale. The album, titled “Ndisiyei”, is a testimony of the diva’s journey in the music industry. “Ndisiyei” has nine tracks, with the song “Vakaita Sewe” being a dedication to her friend’s son Tinaye Chibaya, an 11-year-old boy whose tragic death touched the hearts of thousands of people last year. Tinaye died due to head injuries sustained after he was dragged by a horse he was riding during a family outing during the Easter holiday. Yesterday Feli released visuals of “Muranda” a song from the album. Earlier this week, she teased her fans with photos that looked like she had just gotten married. It has turned out that the photos are from the video of “Muranda”.

“Dzimwe nzendo, taurai madzoka!” This phrase, a signature line from Mark Ngwazi’s hit song ‘Taurai Madzoka’, once resonated deeply with fans as the young sungura artist rose to prominence. At one point, Ngwazi’s rapid ascent led to bold comparisons with the undisputed king of sungura, Alick Macheso. The debate intensified in 2022 when the two musicians released albums just weeks apart. Macheso’s ‘Tinosvitswa Nashe’ album launch took place on June 10, 2022 while Ngwazi’s ‘Nharo neZvinenharo’ followed suit on June 25. While both albums were critically acclaimed, for Ngwazi, this marked a career breakthrough.

The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority participated in the prestigious Joburg International Film Festival in Gauteng where they promoted KZN as a premier filming destination. The Joburg Film Festival continues to be a beacon of creativity and collaboration, bringing together filmmakers from across the country and the world. Regarding the festival’s impact, Jackie Motsepe ,the Chief Operations Officer for the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority shared insights into the excitement surrounding the event. “The experience has been incredible. The energy is palpable, and it’s inspiring to see the enthusiasm from participants who are eager to learn and grow.” As an international festival, the event has drawn contributions from Nollywood, Canada, and Hollywood, alongside strong representation from South Africa. “It’s been amazing to have such a diverse mix of industry veterans and new talent.

In recent years, a noteworthy trend has emerged in the world of gospel music as artistes are not only captivating audiences with their powerful voices but are also sharing their life stories through memoirs and biographies. From Hollywood stars like Justin Bieber, who opened up about his struggles in “Just Getting Started,” to African luminaries such as South African gospel singer Rebecca Malope, who chronicled her life in “The Way I See It,” gospel musicians are using the written word as a platform to inspire and connect with fans on a deeper level. Joining this transformative movement is United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean gospel songstress, Eleana Makombe, who has just completed her debut book, “A Journey with God’s Imprint.”

Local visual artists, Virginia Chihota and Anthony Bumhira, are showcasing their collections in the US, enhancing their profiles on the international stage. The exhibition, titled “Hurukuro,” is taking place at No. 52 Walker Street in New York and features a diverse range of their artistic works. Curated by Augusto Arbizo and presented by James Cohan, “Hurukuro” offers a unique glimpse into the creative expressions of these talented artists. The event aims to celebrate their contributions to the art world and foster a deeper appreciation for their cultural narratives.