Zimbabwe Music Today

By Dickson Bandera It was pomp and fan fare at Extra Mile Leisure Spot in Harare last week when the Chimbetu family comprising Suluman, Allan, Douglas, Saiwe and Tryson performed to a capacity crowd at the Simon Chimbetu Commemoration gig. Although there were rumours that some of the Chimbetus would boycott the commemorations due to alleged family disagreements,  this was watered down after all the Chimbetus turned out for the show.  Musicians from various genres, music promoters and fans also graced the show in remembrance of  the late legendary musician  whose discography is evidence that he was master of song.  Chimbetu's life was dedicated to serious music business for more than two decades and produced timeless music that will remain relevant in future generations.  He christened his type of sungura music “Dendera,” owing to the dominance of the booming bass guitar which sounds like the Dendera bird. Simon Chimbetu died on 14 August 2005 from injuries ...

By Dickson Bandera Gospel musician, Kenny Mushuku seem to have struck the right chords on his second album titled “Ane  N yasha,” which is receiving huge reception in the gospel music circles. The album, which was, recorded mixed and produced by Charles Ayibeki at Devine Records carries potential hits such as “Mazita,” “Rudo,” “Nguva” and “Open my eyes,”  and if the reception so far is anything to go by, then Mushuku is no longer far from the top. The album has so been on requests from the gospel music listeners while also getting air time on the local radio stations. Having worked with Revival Studios in his debut album in 2011, this time Mushuku engaged producer Charles Ayibeki of the newly found Divine Records located in Southerton, Harare. Ayibeki proved his mettle after producing Blessing Shumba’s Holy Psalms Volume 1 , Matheus Mhere’s, Nguva Yenyasha and Trymore Bande’s Zvamwari, albums which did well on the market. Mushuku last released an album in 2011 and according to...

By Dickson Bandera His climax came in 2012 when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant whilst undergoing his recruit training at Chikurubi Training Depot. A Recruit Constable being promoted? Yes, his case remains a historic one. During that year, he contributed immensely in the designing of the masterpiece 2012 Independence Day celebrations display diagram which saw every participant awarded a Memorandum of Good Work. In the same year, he was licensed as a Gymnastics Instructor by the Gymnastics Association of Zimbabwe. At the just ended 56th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo, he was part of the Display Team that left many fans craving for more. The Outpost  Correspondent, Dickson Bandera (DB) sat down with Sergeant Amigo Damiano (AD)  to reflect on his rosy gymnastics career and related issues. DB You were promoted to the rank of Sergeant whilst in Depot, how was this possible? AD It’s all because our organisation appreciates good work and at t...

By Dickson Bandera recently in Bulawayo  The magnificent performance staged by the Police Display Team at the official opening of the 56th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo last month prompted the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe, diplomats and government officials to rise on several occasions in cheer and awe as the police gymnasts put up a spectacular that left the entire stadium in hysterics.  It was like a movie episode unfolding in a cinema somewhere as the young energetic gymnasts clad in slim-fit outfits unpacked their 30-minute flawless act that encompassed comedy, martial arts, flexibility, balancing stances, national and strategic issues, all in one act.  From the time police gymnasts set up their stage, one could see they were bubbling with confidence, especially having failed to perform at the Independence Day celebrations due to the rains that pounced on that day.  Opening the show in a packed arena, the audience erupted in exciteme...

By Dickson Bandera In a historic development set to thrust Pastor Charles and Olivia Charamba into the ‘long overdue’ international spotlight, the renowned gospel couple recently sealed a marketing deal for their latest album WeNazareta,  with NEXT MUSIC, a Sony Entertainment affiliate, based in South Africa. The contract will see WeNazareta  being marketed across the world, through renowned music retailers hence capable of being found in any country and played on any radio station or online platforms. Although some critics have downsized the album, describing it as ‘substandard’ “too English” and a “bad experiment”, the unique experiment, on instrumental  and vocal layering   of this album may become a surprise magnum opus for the Gospel First Family. The NEXT deal is giant step towards commercial success, international branding and a shield against the most feared music piracy, the same opportunity that has catapulted many musicians to international stardom. Next M...

By Dickson Bandera In what promises to be a not-to-miss family fun explosion, finest musicians in Zimbabwe will be part of an assortment of exciting family fun activities that have been lined up for this year’s Commissioner General of Police Funfair to held on the 27 th  of this month. The star-studded cast of invited artistes includes Alick Macheso, Sulumani Chimbetu, Jah Prayzah, Sabastin Magacha, Fungisai Zvakavapano- Mashavave, Sandra Ndebele, Nicholas Zakaria, the Charambas, Snipper Storm and Police Band. The kids favourite clown, Ajigija, has been invited while police displays, horse races, jumping castles, among other activities will offer attendants a good value for their money. Entry tickets are selling at $3, for adults, $1 for kids, games and pony rides. Two vehicles, a single cab 4x2 Ford Ranger and a Toyota vitz, await to be collected, not to talk about other prizes. The grand raffle draw will see a variety of prizes that include motorcycle, generators, holidays trips ...