Music galas return as elections beckon

By Sindiso Dube | Jul. 23, 2023

Music galas that were a hit at the turn of the millennium when Jonathan Moyo was Information and publicity minister.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government has reignited music galas as their campaign tool to shape the masses' thinking, music critics have said.

Music galas that were a hit at the turn of the millennium when Jonathan Moyo was Information and publicity minister.

During that time, the government also introduced a 75% local content policy on all radio stations leading to the rise of new urban music genres and artistes.

The galas were halted at some point, but this year has seen the return of the music jamborees where party lovers enjoy music and dance for free.

The latest gala was scheduled to be held in Glendale, Mashonaland Central to commemorate the life of national hero and the late vice president Joseph Msika.

Andy Muridzo, Jah Signal, IYASA, Sulumani Chimbetu, Madlela Skhobokhobo, Romeo Gasa, MaNine, Selmor Mtukudzi, Bethany Pasinawako, Madiz and many more were lined up to perform.

On July 1, Zanu PF held a music gala in Matabeleland South which was meant to celebrate the life of the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo.

The gala was held in the evening after a Zanu PF elections campaign rally in Bulilima during the day.

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Music critic and academic Fred Zindi said the galas were meant to shape people’s thinking and lure voters to Zanu PF.

“In the 1980s Zimbabwe music galas were purely for entertainment purposes as the people were still filled with independence euphoria,” he said.

“There was even a budget set aside for these galas, at the turn of the millennium the government felt that there was no justification in continuing with these galas as they now provided free entertainment for different political movements.

“They considered this a waste of government money. Returning the galas is a re-think on the part of the government as they have realised the importance and value of such in shaping the people's thinking.”

Zindi said the Mnangagwa government understands how music controls the masses minds.

“Come August 23, exactly one month from now, the people of Zimbabwe will be at the polls again and It is well-known that music can move or remove governments and, for good reason, music artistes are called upon to perform at large political party rallies to attract and influence the masses,” he said.

“Music is sometimes used as a political weapon, and the government knows that.”

Plot Mhako echoed Zindi's sentiments.

“I think the return of the galas is welcome for the artistes, who get a chance to perform and earn from the opportunity,” Mhako said.

“They are also good for the communities where they get hosted since most of the places rarely get entertainment let alone a chance to see their favorite artistes.

“However, one cannot separate the connection between the events and the ruling party which has been the situation since inception of the galas.

“The timing of the return is also convenient for the ongoing election campaigns so there is no coincidence there.”