Gogo Chihoro Returns with All-Night Cultural Dandaro After Mega Birthday Bash

Popular spirit medium and cultural personality Gogo Chihoro, whose real name is Memory Madamburi, is preparing to host another major traditional gathering following the success of her previous mbira event and colourful birthday celebration in Mt Darwin.

The forthcoming event, dubbed “Dandaro naGogo Chihoro,” will be held on September 25, 2026, at a venue along the Harare–Shamva Road.

Beginning at 6pm and continuing until the following morning, the gathering will combine traditional music, entertainment, culture and discussions on social and economic matters.

Popular musician Andy Muridzo will headline the entertainment programme alongside Texas Tekenya, Singue Simboti and Nerwande Mbira.

The programme is expected to extend beyond music, with discussions covering traditional practices, marriage, business, dealing with family disputes and ways of navigating problems affecting contemporary society.

Activities listed for the gathering include hucherwa hwepasi, discussions on marriage, business consultation, addressing family conflicts and finding solutions to various personal and social challenges.

The event marks another step in Gogo Chihoro’s growing effort to create spaces where Zimbabwean cultural practices can coexist with modern entertainment and conversations about everyday life.

She previously hosted a mbira-centred gathering that brought together traditional music followers and people interested in Zimbabwe’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Mbira music occupies an important place in Shona society, where it has historically been performed at family, community and spiritual gatherings.

Her forthcoming dandaro follows a colourful birthday celebration held at Kwa Memo in Mt Darwin on August 21.

The birthday bash attracted residents, followers, friends and entertainment enthusiasts from different parts of Zimbabwe. Freeman, Shinsoman, Guspy Warrior, Culture Love, Herman, Gidza Boy and other entertainers performed during the event.

A magician also entertained the crowd, adding variety to a programme that blended contemporary music, traditional culture and family entertainment.

Born in Mt Darwin before relocating to Harare, Gogo Chihoro chose to celebrate her birthday in her home district as a way of honouring her roots and drawing visitors to the area.

The widely attended celebration brought increased activity to the usually quiet community, creating business opportunities for food vendors, transport operators, accommodation providers and other local entrepreneurs.

Following the birthday celebration, Gogo Chihoro said she intended to continue organising cultural and entertainment programmes capable of promoting domestic tourism and supporting local talent.

The September dandaro appears to be part of that broader vision, although it will be held closer to Harare. By bringing together musicians, traditional performers and community members, the event is expected to provide a platform for cultural exchange while introducing traditional practices to younger audiences.

Zimbabwe’s traditional music and indigenous knowledge systems continue to face pressure from changing lifestyles and the growing influence of imported popular culture. Events such as Dandaro naGogo Chihoro can contribute to preserving local identity when they are conducted responsibly and with respect for participants.

Those interested in attending or making bookings can contact the organisers on +263 71 420 4235, +263 78 115 0770 or +263 77 793 4542.