The 21st February Celebrations gala scheduled for Chipinge Primary School this Saturday will have a mix of new and old timers in the performers’ line-up. The gala, which will be held in Chipinge for the

first time since its inception, is aimed at inculcating young Zimbabweans with the principles and patriotism of its patron, Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mugabe, who turned 88 on February 21.

While thousands are expected to attend the music extravaganza, millions are set to follow proceedings on ZBCTV on which the gala will be broadcast live.

Youthful and exciting musicians among them Madd Spider, Jiggaz, Jusa Mupostori, Born Free Crew and Wallace Chirumiko, popularly known as Winky D.

Madd Spider made a huge splash on the music scene when he delighted dancehall fans at the Mavado concert held in Harare in January. The young and talented chanter is expected to repeat his sterling act when he takes to the stage.

Also not to be outdone will be Jiggaz, the singer who has mentored Madd Spider to become the artiste that he is today.

Nama award winner Blessing Shumba is another debutante at the gala. Shumba and Mercy Mutsvene are expected to lead the gala on a gospel note. Mutsvene’s music is  enjoyed by many people who often get lifted spiritually.

To spice up the line-up will be veterans Alick “Extrabasso” Macheso, Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria, Freddy “Kapfupi” Manjalima and Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo.

Rhumba star Energy Mutodi and his Real Sounds of Africa make a welcome return to the gala following their good showing in Mt Darwin.

Dendera musician Sulumani Chimbetu promised an explosive act adding that he was going to sample new songs taken off his forthcoming and still to be titled album.

“To those who don’t know Sulu that well, this is the chance to do so. We are also going to give music lovers a taste of some of our new songs like ‘Njiva’, ‘Sona’ and ‘Young Man’,” he said.

Jah Prayzah of “Gochi Gochi” fame will partner with Kapfupi on stage to do their duet titled “Zimbabwe Madamburo”.

“We are going to stage a memorable performance and people should look forward to our duet with Jah Prayzah called ‘Zimbabwe Madamburo’.

“Apart from that, people should expect fireworks from the likes of Mai Nga, Marabha and Bhonjisi, who will be doing their thing alongside Kapfupi on stage,” said Samuel Manjalima, the manager of Orchestra Ndozvo, Kapfupi’s band.

Moses Rwizi, who has over the years become almost a permanent feature at galas, promised to add variety to the bash with his kanindo vibes.

“This is going to be our eighth appearance at national musical galas and we are going to unleash songs from our albums ‘Valembe’, ‘Africa Yotinhira’, ‘Jakawiri AWK’, ‘Ndatenda Hangu’ and ‘Tsika Mwana Tsika’ in helping the nation celebrate President Mugabe’s birthday,” Rwizi said.

National gala organiser Retired Major Anyway Mutambudzi said they decided to introduce cash prizes for the best performers in order to stimulate competition.

“We have introduced a competition to encourage competitiveness among artistes. There will be first, second and third prizes for the Best Act.

“We are encouraging the public to send their SMSs to a number we will announce soon to select the bands of their choice.

“There will also be prizes for people who will make the correct predictions. These people will win prizes that include a night for two at the A’Zambezi Hotel in Victoria Falls plus US$300 and a night for two at Ancient City Lodge in Masvingo as well as US$200 cash for second prize,” Major Mutambudzi said.