Sibling rivalry: Scale tilts inTindo Ngwazi’s favour
SUNGURA musician Tendai “Tindo” Ngwazi is living his dream life.
For many years, he tried but dismally failed to achieve his long-cherished dream of producing songs that would propel him to national stardom. Playing second fiddle to his elder brother Mark, who belted one hit after the other, Tindo received national attention, albeit for the wrong reasons.
In an emotion-filled interview with The Sunday Mail Society last year, Mark revealed that his younger brother had influenced his band members to leave him when he was in the process of recording a new album. Basing on what Mark said and how Tindo responded, it was clear there was a bitter sibling warfare pitting the two brothers.
In 2023, the music gods finally smiled on Tindo, with his track “Musatipedzera Nguva”, which features Tryson
Chimbetu, being adjudged Song of the Year by Radio Zimbabwe listeners. In addition to pocketing US$2 000 in prize money, Tindo silenced critics who had described him as lacking talent.
Despite the documented rivalry, the Ngwazi siblings have seemingly smoked the peace pipe.
In separate interviews recently, the brothers said the feuding was now water under the bridge.
“Mark was one of the first people to congratulate me when my work was adjudged the best song. Mark has also promised to work with me on an upcoming project,” said Tindo.
Tindo accused some of the fans of fanning a “non-existent” sibling rivalry.
“Music followers have a habit of speculating and creating imaginary squabbles. Mark, just like me, will release an album this year and the speculators will naturally go into overdrive,” Tindo said.
Mark, on the other hand, confirmed the existence of rivalry in the past but refused to dwell much on the subject.
“Bad things happened between us in the past but this is now water under the bridge.
“He is my blood brother and all we can do is to work together and support each other,” Mark said.
The brothers’ antagonism dates back to 2018, when the two worked together on the album “Charger yeTsono”.
Mark claims Tindo went behind his back and recorded the album without his consent. He further claims his younger brother seized the musical instruments and influenced band members to desert him.
Mark had to start afresh and in 2020, he released the song “Taurai Madzoka”, which many fans perceive to be an unveiled attack on Tindo.
Below are some of the nastiest sibling rivalries in local music:
Ammara and Chengeto Brown
Celebrated songstress Ammara Brown recently claimed she had cut ties with some of her family members, including sister Chengeto.
She admitted her relationship with Chengeto had broken down completely.
Ammara also revealed that their late father, Andy Brown, left a lot of issues unresolved, which had continued to haunt them even after his death. The celebrity daughters, who both command a huge following, are not on talking terms and do not even attend each other’s shows.
“My relationship with Chengeto is non-existent. I really wish I could open up more about it, but I wish her well in life,” Ammara said in an interview with Star FM.
Mahendere brothers
Popular gospel musicians and brothers Amos and Michael Mahendere allegedly do not see eye-to-eye. Amos recently accused Michael of hijacking his idea of establishing a recording studio and a gospel radio station.
“I feel that my younger brother is out to destroy and discredit my efforts,” Amos was on record saying.
The talented brothers are products of the famed family gospel music group, the Mahendere Brothers. They are now pursuing solo careers.
Chimbetu cousins
The rivalry between Sulu and Tryson Chimbetu
is well-documented.
Apart from not sharing the stage, the cousins also organise separate gigs to commemorate the life of Simon Chimbetu — Sulu’s biological father and brother of Tryson’s father, Naison.
Tongai Moyo’s sons
The late sungura maestro Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo’s sons Peter and Obert Tongai Jnr are infamous for their rivalry.
Dhewa succumbed to cancer on October 15, 2011.
In the past, the brothers were not on talking terms.
The relationship between the two is, however, seemingly on the mend.
They shared the stage at the “Big Five Sungura Night” music show, where they produced a spectacular performance.
The brothers even visited each other at home.