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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...

Takawira legacy honoured …victory galas needed too

By Sheldon Hakata I WRITE the story of the last musical gala, in the Midlands Province, just before the harmonised general elections because in their way the galas, held across the provinces helped ZANU PF emerge victorious in the polls. Chachacha was the venue of the...

The revival of ‘Masawu ku- Gombe’

By Fidelis Manyange THE song ‘Masawu kuGombe’ is not new, especially to those who were avid radio listeners during the early 1990s when it was receiving massive airplay on all radio stations. And the album received deserving remuneration and royalties. The song was composed and sung...

Flame Lily inspired by Chiwoniso …wants to keep the fire burning

By Benhilda Chademana THERE is an upcoming artiste in the country largely inspired by the late mbira maestro Chiwoniso Maraire. She is 22-year-old Leean Rukato.  Chiwoniso was the daughter of renowned mbira maestro and teacher Dumisani Maraire and her music albums, among them Ancient Voices, made her...

Tribute to Lokassa Ya M’Bongo

By Fidelis Manyange BACK in the late 1990s when I was at ZBC’s Radio 2, now Radio Zimbabwe, we used to jointly have a musical programme called Africa Yotinhira with the late Deans Patrick Mutume. Mutume was based at Montrose Studios, Bulawayo, while I was...

Music fighting drugs in Epworth

By Fidelis Manyange THERE is a gentleman in Epworth who usually moves around playing gospel music on his mobile speaker while selling CDs. The Alick Macheso look-alike is upcoming gospel artiste Evangelist Tichaona Matende who is also the founder member of Kingdom of God Evangelist...

Mokoomba’s cultural capital

THE recently held 21st edition of the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) continues to be topical in various circles.  Important about the awards ceremony is that they make both the nominated and winners feel that their work and input in the industry is valued.  However, it...

Nobuntu: An all-female a cappella group

ONE of the important aspects of celebrating International Day of the Girl-Child on October 11 is that it gives the much needed focus for the world to address challenges girls face and also to promote girls’ empowerment. Empowerment of girls comes in different forms, but...

Andy Muridzo talented…but women may be his downfall

By Fidelis Manyange ANDREW NDLOVU, known in music circles as Andy Muridzo, is one of the most talented young artistes in the country.  Besides possessing a fine voice, he plays several instruments, with the mbira being his best.  The Uzumba-born artiste rose to fame with his hit...

Spare a thought for the girl-child

Jackline’s Rescue  By Jones Abban  Published By Merck Foundation (2021) GIRL-CHILD marriages remain a cause for concern in various parts of Africa. Due to poverty, beliefs and traditions, many societies in Africa continue to abuse young girls and perceive them as brides who can be exchanged for money...

Of musicians and collaborations

By Fidelis Manyange WHEN musicians come together for collaborations, fans are united and the fan base grows. In this article, I will talk of collaborations involving serious artistes characterised by depth and skill. Nowadays, some musicians just wake up to collaborate without putting much thought into their projects, taking fans for granted. Little known names...

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