A combination of regional artistes thrills a horde of fans who were in South Africa to celebrate the life of the late Father Zimbabwe, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, through arts held at the Berea Charles Gorchel Park (Mtshangani Park) in Johannesburg over the weekend.
The annual Dr. Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo concert, which was held as part of festivities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his death, featured all Africans from the various content such as Nigerians, South Africans, Zimbabweans, and other nationalities.
The 7th edition of the concert was organized by South Africa-based Matabeleland Entertainment News.
The festival witnessed a mixture of both yesteryear and upcoming artistes which include Zinjaziyamluma, Mahlalela, Thabo Arts, Mehlokazulu, Dubia Masters, poet Bongani Ncube and Nkazimulo Afro Melodies who all performed at the show which was titled “I Am Because You Are” brought Bearea Park to life with electrifying performances for eight hours, which in turn kept the audiences on the groove.
Among the concert sponsors was Kingdom Blue Funerals Service, which granted Zimbabweans based in South Africa with funeral insurance. The sponsors honored Victoria Falls poet Obert Dube a Director’s Choice Award worth R5 000.
Dube said he was elated that his works were being appreciated internationally.
“Foremost, I give Glory to God, and I thank Kingdom Blue Services for having faith in my poetry. Winning an award where great poets performed means my poetry is still relevant. It gives me the delight to do more. The award will open more doors for me,” he said.
Mongezi Mpofu, the organizer, said he was excited that the annual event is now famous among Zimbabweans based in South Africa.
“Hundreds of Zimbabweans living in South Africa gathered and celebrated the festival with us. Some local business people and companies are now supporting this event,” he said.
From the list of personalities who graced the event were former Zipra commander Andrew Nyathi, businessman cum-Pastor Acts Aota, Kingdom Blue Service chief executive Brilliant Ncube, Mehluli Moyo from the Joshua Nkomo Cultural Movement and Nichole Ngwenya of the Joshua Nkomo Youth Movement.
