By Anyway Makumanhenga (Mbire)
Chidodo, Mbire District was on a high on Thursday as thousands turned out in numbers for an open-air after-party at G Wagon Sports Bar, the official host venue. The event capped off a whole day of celebrations marking Mozambique Independence and turned the border town into the heart of a cross-border cultural festival, with music, unity, community giveaways, and a fierce sing-along challenge taking centre stage.
G Wagon Sports Bar set up an open-air stage right in the heart of Chidodo, and from the first beat it was clear this was more than just a show. It was a homecoming. Zimbabwean artist Pax Gomo headlined the night, sampling tracks from his new album to a packed crowd. His performance had the air thick with energy, but it was his message and his music that struck a chord with many.
“I was born here that is why I had to return here,” Pax Gomo told the crowd. “I am not selling all these t-shirts, I want to give them for free,” he added, holding up a bunch of shirts branded with his band name and tossing them into the excited audience. For the artist, the night was also about giving back and building bridges. “It is also my pleasure to share stage with these Zambian artists and it brings unity as neighbors,” he said.
The crowd erupted when Pax performed his popular song Munana wangu chiuya. That moment sparked the night’s biggest highlight: a sing-along challenge and competition around the track. Fans battled it out on the open-air stage to see who knew every word, with cheers, laughter, and free Pax Gomo t-shirts going to the loudest and most passionate voices.
Pax shared the stage with Zambian acts Alifatiq and Gas G, turning Chidodo into a meeting point for Southern African sound. Alifatiq, who also runs a recording studio in Zambia, gave fans a night to remember as he performed his hit songs Kalipo and Hule. The crowd followed lyric by lyric, singing every line back to him and turning the open-air stage into a massive chorus. “As a recording studio, I am trying my level best to engage Zimbabwean artists to record with me,” Alifatiq said after his set, praising the reception he received in Chidodo.
Zambian artist Gas G also delivered an overwhelming performance that had the crowd chanting for more. His stage presence and energy matched the night’s cross-border spirit, and he quickly became one of the most talked-about acts of the evening.
Minister Challenge Chatima also blessed the ceremony with an amazing performance, adding a touch of official goodwill to the festivities and reminding the crowd that government stands with culture and community.
The voice of the community was also heard. Resident Mr Kinos Chatima spoke on the deep ties that bind Chidodo to Mozambique. “The relationship we have with Mozambique is so strong. We always do traditional events together, heroes celebrations, funerals, and even our graveyards are on the Mozambican side,” Mr Chatima said.
Adding traditional authority to the night, Mr Obious Chidodo, the village head, gave his remarks and praised the event for bringing people together. He also highlighted the excitement around Munana wangu chiuya, noting how the sing-along competition had youth, elders, and visitors all participating as one Chidodo family.
From independence commemorations by day to an open-air after-party by night, Chidodo in Mbire District showed how borders can fade when people come together. The G Wagon Sports Bar event closed with cheers, new album tracks still ringing in the air, winners of the sing-along challenge holding their prizes, and a community leaving with free Pax Gomo t-shirts as souvenirs of a night that felt very much like home. Chidodo did not just host a show. It proved why Mbire District is becoming one of Zimbabwe’s most vibrant cultural border hubs.