Bulawayo, a city often celebrated for its elite artistic talent, has traditionally seen its thespians garner louder applause than its musicians. This phenomenon is largely attributed to the challenging environment professional musicians face, with the city frequently criticized for insufficient support. Despite this prevailing sentiment and a common audience complaint about the quality of stage work from young performers, a recent event at the Bulawayo Theatre on October 11 defied expectations and set an unprecedented benchmark for the city's performing arts.

The evening belonged to Mzoe 7, whose highly anticipated one-man show followed a series of delightful offerings as part of Saimon Mambazo Phiri's “50 Dates at the Theatre.” As Mzoe 7 stepped onto the stage barefoot, adorned in feathers and cowhides, some in the audience might have harbored skepticism, questioning whether their investment would yield the desired experience. However, what unfolded was a barnstorming performance that masterfully showcased the many facets of Mzoe 7 – the musician, the fashion enthusiast, the actor, and the unapologetically African cultural buff. This singular exhibition pushed creative boundaries, establishing a new, elevated threshold for future performers in the City of Kings.

Mzoe 7 himself described the elaborate undertaking as a painstaking production rather than just a performance. He emphasized the meticulous attention paid to every detail, from costumes and elaborate designs to complementary colors and lights synchronized with the dancers. This 'total theatre' approach, which seamlessly blended music, dance, and drama, served as a profound nod to his biggest influence, Nigerian music legend Fela Kuti, whom Mzoe credits for setting an exemplary standard on stage. Beyond Kuti, Mzoe's performance also channeled the spirits of other iconic artists like Bob Marley and Oliver Mtukudzi, while incorporating contemporary influences such as Diamond Platnumz, particularly in presentation and fashion. He expressed a deep Afro-centric inspiration, aiming to infuse a 'new-school twist' into the legacies of those he admired, including local icon Sandra Ndebele, whose intense discipline in stage performance greatly impacted him.

The journey to this groundbreaking show was physically, financially, and mentally demanding. Mzoe 7 undertook a strict regime, losing 20kg in the weeks leading up to the event. Preparation involved four gruelling weeks of rehearsals with three distinct groups of performers: a band, dancers, and a choir. Rehearsals were meticulously structured, initially conducted separately at Sabela and Oasis Studios, before being combined. Mzoe found himself stretched thin, managing different groups at different locations before bringing them together for the final production. The financial burden was significant, though Sabela Studios offered free space through Mambazo. Moreover, Mzoe ensured the entire crew was mentally fit, well-fed, hydrated, and transported, recognizing the collective effort required for such a large-scale event.

The meticulous coordination extended to the behind-the-scenes technical crew, who were as crucial as the on-stage performers. They underwent extensive practice to master cues, such as dropping screens precisely and activating fog machines at the right moments, ensuring seamless execution throughout the hour-long exhibition. This collaborative synergy was vital for the production's success.

Adding a deeply personal and poignant layer to the performance, Mzoe 7 opened the show with the soulful and jazzy tune 'Kunzima Sometimes.' This unexpected musical direction, featuring guitar and vocals atypical of his usual style, was a heartfelt dedication to two recently departed mentors: Desire Moyoxide and Babongile Sikhonjwa. Moyoxide was slated to celebrate his birthday at the show, and Sikhonjwa had been a featured artist on Mzoe's song 'Umjolo.' This tribute not only demonstrated Mzoe's artistic growth and willingness to surprise his audience but also reflected the profound emotions he felt during a difficult period for the city, transforming a celebration of his craft into a powerful act of remembrance and resilience.