Khuzani Mpungose Set to Attend King Mzilikazi Commemorations in Zimbabwe

South African Maskandi star Khuzani Mpungose, popularly known as Khuba, is expected to make his first trip to Zimbabwe when he attends this year’s King Mzilikazi commemorations in Matobo. The celebrated musician is scheduled to join thousands of people at Entumbane on September 4 and 5 for an event honouring King Mzilikazi kaMashobana, the founding monarch of the Ndebele nation. Khuzani’s expected appearance adds a major musical and cultural attraction to an event that continues to draw growing interest from Zimbabweans and people from across the region. His participation also carries cultural significance because of the historical and cultural connections shared by Ndebele communities in Zimbabwe and South Africa. For the iJele hitmaker, the visit will provide an opportunity to learn more about Ndebele history while connecting with people who share a common heritage.

Khuzani said he was honoured to receive the invitation to attend the commemorations and expressed excitement about visiting Zimbabwe for the first time. The Maskandi musician said he had learnt about King Mzilikazi through history and considered it a privilege to participate in an event dedicated to his legacy. He also said he wanted to gain a deeper understanding of Ndebele history, culture and traditions during his visit. His comments highlight the importance of cultural events that create opportunities for people from different countries to reconnect with shared historical roots. Khuzani’s participation is expected to attract his music followers while also contributing to the broader cultural programme planned for the commemorations.

The musician said he views the Ndebele people on both sides of the border as part of one broader community connected by history and culture. His visit comes at a time when there is growing interest in African history, identity and the preservation of cultural traditions. Khuzani said he was particularly interested in learning about the way of life of the Ndebele people in Zimbabwe and understanding how communities remain connected despite national borders. This perspective gives his participation a significance that extends beyond entertainment and music. His presence could help strengthen cultural links between South African and Zimbabwean communities while creating another platform for conversations about shared heritage.

Following the main commemorations, Khuzani is expected to headline an after-party at a local venue in Bulawayo on September 5. He will perform alongside Zimbabwean Maskandi musician Zwelihle Jele, seasoned poet Lerato Nwindi and Gwanda-based artiste Umfanomsuthu. The concert is expected to provide an entertainment component to the wider cultural programme while giving audiences an opportunity to experience music from both sides of the Zimbabwe-South Africa border. Khuzani’s established reputation in Maskandi is likely to generate considerable interest among music fans in Bulawayo and surrounding areas. Bringing established and emerging performers together also reflects the organisers’ intention to combine cultural education, historical reflection and contemporary entertainment.

Khuzani has previously used his music and public platform to connect with audiences around questions of culture, identity and community. His involvement in the King Mzilikazi commemorations provides another opportunity to place those themes within a historical setting. Cultural gatherings of this nature can help younger generations learn about historical figures through storytelling, music, performances and direct interaction with communities that preserve traditional knowledge. The involvement of a prominent South African musician could also help draw attention to the commemorations beyond Zimbabwe. His visit is therefore expected to contribute to the visibility of an event that seeks to preserve and celebrate the history of the Ndebele people.

The Mthwakazi kaMzilikazi Cultural Association, known as MMCA, said preparations for the commemorations were at an advanced stage as organisers work towards welcoming a much larger audience than last year. MMCA spokesperson Prince “Dr Gasolo” Ncube said the organisers were targeting approximately 20 000 attendees for this year’s event. Last year’s gathering reportedly attracted an estimated 10 000 people, making the projected increase a significant expansion for the organisers. The expected attendance reflects growing interest in King Mzilikazi’s legacy among local communities and people living in the diaspora. It also presents logistical challenges because organisers must plan for accommodation, transport, security, food, entertainment and other requirements associated with a large cultural gathering.

The 2026 programme has been expanded into a two-day cultural experience, with the organisers seeking to give different groups an opportunity to engage with Ndebele history and traditions. According to Dr Gasolo, the first day will focus on children through learning activities, storytelling and interactive programmes centred on Northern Ndebele history. The programme will also emphasise the enduring values of Ubuntu and the importance of passing cultural knowledge from one generation to the next. The main commemoration on September 5 will focus on the life and legacy of King Mzilikazi, including his leadership and contribution to the formation of the Ndebele nation. By including children in the programme, organisers are positioning the event as both a commemoration of the past and an educational experience for future generations.

King Mzilikazi remains an important historical figure in the history of the Ndebele people, and the annual commemorations provide an opportunity to reflect on his leadership and legacy. The organisers believe that a single day is insufficient to recognise the significance of his contribution, which influenced the development and identity of the Ndebele nation. Expanding the event allows participants to engage with history through a broader programme rather than limiting the occasion to a formal ceremony. The presence of visitors from neighbouring countries also creates opportunities for communities with shared historical connections to interact and celebrate their heritage. Khuzani’s expected attendance adds another layer to this regional connection because his music has a strong cultural identity and reaches audiences across southern Africa.

The organisers are also appealing to businesses and corporate organisations in Zimbabwe and the diaspora to support the event financially. With attendance expected to reach about 20 000 people, the cost of hosting the gathering is likely to increase significantly compared with previous years. Dr Gasolo said the association was seeking sponsorship and funding from corporates to help ensure the event can accommodate the expected crowds. The organisers also have a responsibility to provide food for attendees, making financial and logistical support particularly important. Their appeal demonstrates that large cultural events depend not only on community participation but also on partnerships with businesses and other stakeholders.

The MMCA expects visitors from Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania and other parts of Africa to attend the commemorations. This regional participation could strengthen the event’s position as a gathering focused on African history, identity and cultural connections rather than a celebration limited to one country. The growing involvement of people from the diaspora also suggests that interest in Ndebele heritage extends beyond communities living close to the historical sites associated with King Mzilikazi. Such gatherings can create spaces where cultural knowledge is shared and traditions are maintained through participation. The expected arrival of Khuzani from South Africa further reinforces the cross-border character of this year’s programme.

Khuzani Mpungose’s expected appearance at the King Mzilikazi commemorations promises to bring together music, history and culture in a way that reflects the shared heritage of communities across southern Africa. His first visit to Zimbabwe will give the Maskandi star an opportunity to learn more about Ndebele history while meeting thousands of people gathered to honour King Mzilikazi kaMashobana. The two-day programme, including activities for children and the main commemoration, is designed to preserve historical knowledge while encouraging wider participation in African cultural heritage. With organisers targeting about 20 000 attendees, the 2026 event is expected to be significantly larger than last year’s gathering. Khuzani’s participation, the regional audience and the expanded programme could make this year’s commemorations an important occasion for celebrating Ndebele history, strengthening cultural ties and connecting communities across borders.