It’s all systems go tonight as Chipinge hosts the 21st February Movement gala in honour of President Mugabe who turned 88 last month. Morale in Gaza, a sprawling town in Chipinge, reached fever pitch yesterday as thousands of people are geared for the musical extravaganza that boasts a stellar line-up of performers.

Alick Macheso, Nicholas Zakaria, Energy Mutodi, Peter Moyo, Chinx Chingaira, LMG Choir plus first timers like Winky D, Mad Spider and Jiggaz, the youthful musicians who are currently rocking the charts, are among the musician expected to delight music fans.

Business has been brisk here for the past week as many people thronged Chipinge ahead of the gala with some salons, restaurants, barbershops, dressmaking shops and even lodges failing to cope with customers who were preparing for what appears to be a memorable gig.

The few lodges that are found in the city centre have been fully booked right through the end of the gala on Sunday despite a slight fare increase.

Previously, bed and breakfast would cost you at least US$25 but with the influx of visitors, naturally the lodges hiked prices.

That some of Zimbabwe’s music icons will be sharing the stage in one night was enough to excite even those who had come here for other reasons other than the gala.

“I have come here for a funeral but I will embrace the opportunity to attend my first gala in honour of a man I consider to be great.

“I hope the venue will accommodate everyone who wants to come and celebrate a life well lived,” said Tito Chirawu who drove all the way from Mutare.

Another music fan Kenneth Ngoya who runs an Internet café said he would close shop early to go and dress up for the gala.

“I have been to the venue where there were rehearsals and from the look of things I think it’s a show not to be missed.

“I will knock off early to join my friends there,” he said.      

Others said they felt left out at the 21st February Movement celebrations held in Mutare and would want to be part of the gala.

Although musicians had not yet started trickling in at the time of going to press, it appears the gala will be a big party that will set Chipinge alight.

Elsewhere at the venue, the state-of-the-art stage had been mounted complete with a high powered PA system to ensure the show goes on.