HARARE - Dub poet Albert Nyathi and Imbongi Arts will mark the 20th anniversary of the poem and song Senzeni Na at the Book Café on September 12 through a multi-lingual 90-minute musical production.
The musical production of the song written by Nyathi in 1993 following the assassination of South African nationalist Chris Hani, will feature artistes from different cultures, languages and dialects spoken in the country including Kalanga, Tonga, Venda, Xhosa, Shona, Sotho, Nambia, Ndebele and English.
The hit song, recorded and released two decades ago, featured Prudence Katomeni on lead vocals
Other artistes who participated on the song included Mathew “Mateo” Kaunda, Muzi Mangena, Albert Nyathi himself, the late Douglas Domingo (bass), Thomas Domingo (rhythm), and David Domingo (lead guitar), Moses Bhekizulu Kabubi (keyboards) and David Moyo (drums).
According to a statement released by Imbongi Arts, the main purpose of the 20th anniversary launch of “Senzeni Na” is to celebrate its longevity.
“The aim is to create national landmark events around the anniversary that result in dialogue and awareness around issues of cultural fragmentation, cultural diversity and the need to re-link our Zimbabwean communities, in this case through a cultural platform,” read part of the statement.
The commemoration of Senzeni Na will be done in line with the Unesco Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2005) of which Zimbabwe is signatory, and of the Constitution of Zimbabwe that enshrines rights of cultural diversity and expression.
Imbongi Arts added that the project is designed to bring people together and create a platform for appreciation of our cultural, social and linguistic diversity.
“The production is intended to tour the country’s different provinces over the next few years, with the launch and first performance at the Book Café,” said the statement.
The second launch of the Senzeni Na musical production will be done in Bulawayo at a date to be advised.
The production by Albert Nyathi and Imbongi Arts is supported by Pamberi Trust, Nhimbe Trust, Africalia, and the European Union.