Magical Manica voices
MUSIC has always been an integral part of Zimbabwe’s everyday living.
Before independence, songs were a form of orature in folklore and continued playing an instrumental role during the liberation struggle.
Music inspired the gallant sons and daughters of the soil to take up arms against the settler regime and also emboldened their fortitude on the battlefield. Sometimes subtle, songs disparaged the social injustices of colonialism while also sharpening the masses’ political consciousness.
Chimurenga music icon, Thomas Mapfumo, the late national hero, Dr Oliver Mtukudzi and the late liberation war singer, Dickson “Chinx” Chingaira led the way in making revolutionary music.
In the sovereign State born in 1980, music remained a staple for Zimbabweans. Compositions in the post-Uhuru epoch spoke of social transformation and sought nation-building.
Manicaland has produced its fare share of stellar musicians.
Mukoma Ketai Muchawaya who fronted Simba Brothers and Knowledge Kunenyati of Muzokomba Movers Band put their political orientation into music at independence.
Sam Mataure and Jethro Shasha made significant contributions as drummers. The positive impact of Bothwell Nyamhondera as a music producer was also felt.
The award-winning pair of Agatha is Murudzwa and Blessing Shumba is making a mark as gospel musicians.
Chiwoniso “Sister Chi” Maraire
Armed with the mbira — a traditional and spiritual thump piano — her music was inspirational. The instrument became her trademark, whose music helped thrust Zimbabwe and the African continent onto the international arena.
She collaborated with several artistes across the globe on various projects, culminating in her music featuring on soundtracks for movies and documentaries. Her velvety vocals graced the 1996 local films “Everyone’s Child” and “Tanyaradzwa”.
She premièred as a solo artiste by dropping the album “Ancient Voices” in 1998, which catapulted her to instant fame. “Timeless” (2004) and “Rebel Woman” (2008) were her other two albums.
From her calabash of hits, she churned out “Mai”, “Ivai Nesu”, “Nhemamusasa”, “Wandirasa”, “Tamari” and “In This Life”.
In recognition of her exploits, Radio France awarded her the coveted Decouverte Afrique accolade for her debut album, while she also got nominated in the 1999 Kora All-Africa Music Awards’ Best Female Vocals category.
“Ancient Voices” also made waves in Europe as it entered the World Music Charts thrice.
Chiwoniso died of pneumonia at the relatively young age of 37 on July 24, 2013. She was buried at her rural home in Chokohwa, Chimanimani.
Even in death, her music remains alive. It continues to be played on national radio stations and even beyond the borders.
Hosiah “Kwachu-kwachu” Chipanga
The maverick and seasoned musician famed for his hard-hitting lyrics which are rich in social commentary.
His songs mirror everyday occurrences in communities. His hit “Ndagaya”, released back in the day, later turned out to be “prophetic” for it foretold the astronomical price increases of goods and services.
Because his music satirises society by nudging its conscience into self-introspection, the “Vatsigiri Vangu” composer earned the moniker“Vapange Chipanga” for the self-appointed role of “the watchdog of society” he has, perhaps inadvertently, assumed through his compositions. And he cherishes the mantle with relish, regarding his band as “Vaparidzi VeShoko” (spreaders of the Word).
Peter “Cool Dude” Muparutsa
Fronting the Runn Family outfit, he led the band to success with hits such as “Hatichina Wekutamba Naye” – a eulogy to slain former Mozambican leader Samora Machel; “Ishe Komborerai”, “Gumbo Mumba”, “Maputseni” and “Moyo Muti”.
At the height of their success, the group shared the stage with international acts like Misty In Roots.
The trendsetting Fortune “WofMan” Muparutsa, touted as a game changer who pioneered the urban grooves genre, was also part of the Runn Family cast at one point.
Peter later morphed into a celebrated music producer and has had his fingerprints on studio musical projects for heavyweights such as Mapfumo, Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Nicholas Zakaria, Pied
PipLeonDembo, ers, ard John Chibadura (both late), Pengaudzoke and Ilanga.
The seasoned bassist described Manicaland’s music talent as unique and unrivalled.
“There is always something peculiarly pleasant about melodies from this province. It is purely original and different from the rest. Talk about the rich content, distinct style, lyrics, melody, and presentation. That originality has set Manicaland musicians apart from their peers,” he told The Weekender.
Assegai Crew
Bob Marley was absolutely right when he observed that “the beauty about music is that when it hits you, you feel no pain.”
This aptly captures the effect of the Mutare-made ensemble’s music on listeners. Its impact on the soul was felt like that of a short-stabbing spear, but inflicted no pain on the ear.
Assegai
Assegai Crew Crew fashioned their own kind of tune which blended a subgenre of reggae and pop music for a mellifluous fusion they called “Ragga Manyika”, sung predominantly in the Manyika dialect. The scorcher “Kanyama Karipi”, popularly known as “Mai Bhoyi”, topped the local music charts. With front man Stobbart Chidikano on lead vocals, their song “Adriver Mirai” was adopted for a tissue paper advert as a corporate endorsement.
The group’s albums “Zvese Mari” and “Nyarara” from which the hits “Wakuru Woye”, “Mapoto” and “Here Rudo” were plucked also went platinum.
Steve “Dhongi” Makoni
Armed with his acoustic guitar, he distinguished himself as a nasal-voiced one-man band. “Handiende”, “Sabhuku Nedhongi” and “Risati Ravira” are among some of the Rusape-based singer’s popular tracks.
Makoni showed his political consciousness on“Mambo Haagadzwe Nevatorwa”, a track which chastises regime change machinations by the Western capitals’ puppetry agents.
Charmine “ShaSha” Mapimbiro
The gifted fast-rising Dangamvura-bred songstress is the latest star to emerge and dazzle from the East, making huge waves on the international scene as the Amapiano queen.
She has already bagged meritorious gongs and got nominated for several prestigious others. As a musical jewel, she represents the future generation of artistes from the diamond-mining province.