PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe turns 90 today (February 21 2014) and as per tradition, the birthday will be celebrated through music and dance at a gala slated for Gwanzura Stadium, Harare, today.
The Gwanzura affair is being organised by the ZANU PF Harare Youth League while other provinces are set to host their own music showdowns with Marondera hosting a gala on Sunday.
ZANU PF National Secretary for Youth Affairs, Cde Absolom Sikhosana last week said the galas will be one of the many festivities lined up for the grand event.
He said this year’s galas will feature many artistes who have shown eagerness to be part of the festivities.
“We are definitely going to have a gala soon after the celebrations in Marondera and it is one of the major highlights of the festivities that we have lined up for the big day,” said Cde Sikhosana.
“We have a list of big names in the music industry and many others who will perform at the galas.”
Since its inception in 1986, the 21st February Movement has grown in both popularity and stature as it is not only about merry making, but educating the youths and emphasising the importance of good morals and hard work.
And music has been integral in the celebrations with different genres that include Chimurenga, Dendera, Urban grooves, Mbira, Sungura and Gospel offering entertainment.
Headlined by the theme, ‘Zim-ASSET: Growing the Economy for Youth Empowerment and Employment’, the 21st February Movement gala gives youths the opportunity to meet, interact and network through music and dance.
It has also been hailed for bringing people from various backgrounds together through music and dance in appreciating President Robert Mugabe’s renowned leadership qualities.
The 21st February Movement gala is an event that is held annually to celebrate President Mugabe’s life and it has managed to attract youths across Zimbabwe to celebrate the life and achievements of one of the most powerful nationalists in Africa in President Mugabe.
Not only will the gala be used as a platform to celebrate the life of President Mugabe, but it will also give an opportunity to upcoming artistes to network and be exposed to music lovers across the country.
Last year, the gala provided opportunities for new acts to perform for the first time to thousands of people.
Organisers of the gala introduced upcoming artistes such as Mathias Mhere, Selmor Mtukudzi and Freeman of the ‘Joina City’ fame to spice up the event.
The gala has been held in different venues around the country that include Harare, Chipinge and Glendale among others.
Free of charge, the event has managed to attract tens of thousands of people seeking to be entertained while they commemorate the life of President Mugabe.
Apart from celebrating the life of President Mugabe, this year’s 21st February Movement galas will be a celebration of President Mugabe’s resounding victory in the July 31 2013 harmonised elections.
Artistes expected to grace the event include Jah Prayzah, Alick Macheso, Sulumani Chimbetu, Jeys Marabini, Sandra Ndebele and Cde Chinx among others.