Mubaira Erupts in Ecstacy as Defence Forces Gala Blends Music, Patriotism and Community Spirit
By Desire Tshuma
Mhondoro Mbaira – MUBAIRA in Mhondoro was transformed into a hive of activity on the Tuesday night as thousands of people gathered at Chemhanza Grounds for a spectacular Defence Forces Gala that brought together music, culture, patriotism and community celebration.
The gala, held on August 11 as part of the 2026 Defence Forces commemorations, attracted a strong line-up of Zimbabwean musicians and several dignitaries, giving residents of Mhondoro-Mubaira an opportunity to celebrate the national occasion closer to home.
Among the dignitaries who attended was Honourable Cham Chiwanza, the Member of Parliament for Mhondoro-Mubaira, who has continued to support development and community initiatives in his constituency.
His presence was significant as the gala brought a major national celebration directly to the people of his constituency, while also providing an opportunity for him to interact with residents outside the usual parliamentary and political engagements.
Also in attendance was Nick Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, whose ministry has been central to the coordination and publicity of national commemorations and related programmes.
The presence of senior Government officials and the constituency’s elected representative underlined the national importance attached to the Defence Forces celebrations and the decision to take the gala to Mhondoro.
The entertainment line-up lived up to expectations, with some of Zimbabwe’s most popular musicians taking turns to entertain the massive crowd.
Jiti star Baba Harare, sungura musicians Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo, Mark Ngwazi, Romeo Gasa, Clement Magwaza, Bio Mudimba and Simon Mutambi were among the performers who brought the venue to life.
Traditional and contemporary sounds were also well represented, with Sasha Amadhuve and Andy Muridzo showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich musical heritage.
Gospel artistes Dorcas Moyo and Agatha Murudzwa, together with LMG Choir, added a spiritual dimension to the celebrations, while Zimdancehall star Jah Master and contemporary musician Mzoe 7 provided entertainment for the younger generation.
Another notable performer was Atenda Chinx, daughter of the late liberation war hero and musician Cde Dickson Chingaira, popularly known as Cde Chinx.
Her appearance carried particular historical significance, linking Zimbabwe’s contemporary music scene with the country’s liberation history.
The wide-ranging line-up ensured that people of different generations and musical tastes were catered for, with sungura, jiti, gospel, mbira, Zimdancehall and contemporary music all taking centre stage.
For the people of Mhondoro-Mubaira, however, the gala represented more than a night of entertainment.
It demonstrated the Government’s efforts to decentralise major national celebrations and take them to communities outside the country’s major cities.
The event also presented an economic opportunity for local traders, vendors, transport operators and other businesses as thousands of people descended on Mubaira for the celebrations.
The Heroes and Defence Forces commemorations are an important part of Zimbabwe’s national calendar, providing an opportunity to honour the country’s liberation heroes while recognising the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and peace.
The gala therefore provided a relaxed but significant platform through which communities could participate in the national commemorations.
With the music continuing into the night and the crowd singing along to familiar hits, Chemhanza Grounds became the centre of attention in Mashonaland West.
For Hon Chiwanza, his continued engagement with constituency activities was once again visible as residents gathered for an event that brought national celebrations directly to their doorstep.
And for Mubaira, Tuesday night’s spectacle will remain a memorable occasion — a night when national leaders, community members and Zimbabwe’s music stars converged to celebrate the country’s Defence Forces, culture and patriotic spirit.
