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Music and the liberation struggle

By Fidelis Manyange THE upcoming 44th  Independence Anniversary celebrations and musical gala are a throwback to the 1980 Independence Day celebrations and night vigils (pungwes) that characterised the liberation struggle. This year’s commemorations will be held under the theme, ‘Zim@44: Unity, Peace and Development Towards Vision...

Musician pens seven books

By Fidelis Manyange CHITUNGWIZA-based musician, known in music circles as Gaban Kufemamoto Chebani Chedondo Chegwenzi Chebundo Chemuti Chesango Jiridema Gift Chibwe, has penned seven English novels, produced two music albums and is on the verge of producing a movie.  Gaban’s music is about patriotism and social...

Musicians and their identities

By Fidelis Manyange BESIDES being known by their music genres most musicians have chosen to be identified by their hairstyles, dressing, dance routines or entrance to the stage.  John Chibadura was known for strumming his lead guitar as he embarked from his car en route to...

Sizwangendaba, the pride of the Nambya people 

By Fidelis Manyange  THE Nambya are an ethnic group based in the north-western parts of Zimbabwe, around the coal mining town of Hwange, surrounding areas of the Victoria Falls, Pandamatenga and Chobe.  Hwange Town and the Hwange National Park were named after the BaNambya King Sawanga...

Why artistes must familiarise themselves with copyright law 

By Fidelis Manyange  IN February, this year, YouTube reportedly pulled down Zimdancehall artiste Jah Signal’s ‘Sweetie’ video over a copyright violation claim by gospel kingpin Charles Charamba involving the track ‘Kana Vanhu Vangu’.  Jah Signal had asked for permission to record the song, but before this...

Secret behind Sulu’s dendera success story

By Fidelis Manyange A NUMBER of departed yesteryear music greats have bequeathed their legacy to children, some of whom have successfully followed in their illustrious fathers’ footsteps while others are still struggling to fit in the gigantic shoes. The musicians’ heirs who instantly come to mind...

Rolling with the dice …as band splits leave artistes in limbo

By Fidelis Manyange IN the past, we have had artistes who split after gaining fame together in various circles, be it music or acting. After those splits, some artistes rose to greater fame (and sometimes fortune) while others fell by the wayside (sometimes never to rise...

Musicians and their 2024 resolutions

By Fidelis Manyange MUSICIANS in Zimbabwe normally take a break from holding live shows in January.  This is the time they spend with their families as well as mixing and mingling with people on a social level.  This reporter managed to interact with various artistes who shared...

Empowering the community through arts

By Fidelis Manyange THE area within the boundaries of Murehwa and Chikwaka/Goromonzi has numerous undeclared heritage sites.  The mountainous area which lies between Shavanhohwe and Nyagui (Nyaguwe) rivers has outstanding features like Domborembudzi, Nyaungwe and Mavanze mountains, among others, which when viewed from the top, resemble...

Joseph Garakara breaks silence

By Fidelis Manyange THE man who made an impact in the music industry on both radio and television about two decades ago with his song ‘Idya Banana’ Joseph Garakara, the frontman of Mbama Express is still in the game. Garakara made waves on local ZTV on...

Remembering System Tazvida

By Fidelis Manyange AT this time of the year, the late Fanuel Nyasha ‘System’ Tazvida would have a tight schedule — he would be fully booked from September until New Year.  Tazvida, whose paternal surname was Mazhetese, was a social commentator par excellence. His music was social...

Tribute to Prof Mandishona

PRESIDENT EMMERSON MNANGAGWA recently granted a  State-assisted funeral to the late Professor Gibson Mandishona. The distinguished artiste, scientist and mathematician succumbed to a stroke at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.  He was 80. Born on February 2 1943 in Makwiro, Zvimba, Chegutu, Prof Mandishona was also a proficient...

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