Storytelling, Spirit, and Song: Gog’ Bekezela Returns Home for Friday Live

By Kudakwashe Takundwa

14 August 2025

In the golden years of Amakhosi, Friday Live at Amakhosi was a cultural phenomenon live music production that became an unmissable fixture on ZBC, lighting up stages and living rooms across Zimbabwe.

It was more than just entertainment; it was a weekly cultural event that cemented Bulawayo’s reputation as a creative capital. Now, decades later, that heartbeat is thumping again. The Amakhosi Cultural Centre has revived the legendary series.

After electrifying headline shows from Ramsey Kay and Charles Mahlaba, supported by the likes of Sekunjalo MaAfrica Arts, Ezimnyama Dance Ensemble, Dr. Gasolo, Um’Africakazi, and Sunduza Dance Theatre, Week Three belongs to a son of Amakhosi, uGog’ Bekezela.

Once simply known as Bekezela, the singer-songwriter first birthed his hit song Bekezela at Amakhosi before it went on to capture audiences across Southern Africa.

He returns to the same stage transformed not only as a musician but as a traditional healer and cultural educator whose art is deeply rooted in indigenous African spirituality. He will be supported by dance company Iiszwe Sabatsha and Kwaito Boys.

“It obviously brings back memories and that nostalgia for my musical journey which was shaped and groomed here,” he said. “The return back to the home ground is much more significant as I am coming back to give back to the very institution that gave to me many years ago.”

For Bekezela, the show is also a message to the next generation of artists.

“Art is a calling, yingulo. Gobela ingulo yakho.” (Art is a calling. Follow your calling.)

For those who can’t gather under the Township Square lights, the performance will stream live on Amakhosi’s Facebook page and air on Skyz Metro FM, allowing audiences far and wide to share in this homecoming moment.