DAITON SOMANJE was not just a music guru in the country, but a mentor to many musicians, both established and upcoming.
However, I noticed something disturbing after his untimely death at Parirenyatwa Hospital on Monday evening after succumbing to meningitis.
I had trouble in locating the house where mourners were gathered in the high density suburb of Dzivarasekwa 3, but I finally arrived after asking several people.
I was shocked when I arrived at number 391 Shingai Road, home to the late musical icon.
The few people present gave me the impression that I was at the wrong place.
Could this be the funeral of a legend or perhaps scores of people were already gathered in Marondera where Daiton came from?
But then news had filtered through, that in Marondera the situation was no different.
In fact journalists were having a hard time, being chased away for apparently ‘writing falsehoods’ that Daiton’s brother Josphat had earlier struggled to secure bus fare to go and visit his ailing brother at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
Whether the bus fare was there or not, is no longer an issue, but Daiton’s death became a matter of public interest.
In fact both in good and bad times the media has always been with Daiton and that is why it’s not difficult to chronicle his career.
Daiton Somanje began his music career in the 1990s when he formed Pengaudzoke with the help of his brother Josphat.
The two made a huge impact with their Pengaudzoke musical band.
They made hit songs like ‘Seiko Kuonda’, ‘Zvibate Pamhaka’ and later ‘Tsaona’ among others before splitting, apparently due to several differences.
The group was a force to reckon with during Zimbabwe’s Sungura golden age, the 1990s, especially when they toured growth points, rural and farm business centres.
Despite making their name during the era of the likes of Leonard Dembo, Leonard Zhakata, Simon Chimbetu, Khiama Boys, Ngwenya Brothers, Zimbabwe Cha-Cha-Cha Kings, Aaron Chakanyuka and Dendende Express among others, Pengaudzoke as a band was characterised by splits and reunions, ultimately losing its lustre.
On Wednesday afternoon in Dzivarasekwa 3 Patriot Arts spoke to Esther Masango, who was married to Daiton for the past seven years.
She said her husband was loving and caring.
“I was married to Daiton for seven years and he had relocated from Marondera,” she said.
“He was a good husband and always put his family first.”
Esther Masango was married by Daiton after he divorced with his first wife Annah Kezias who is now based in Mhondoro.
Faheem Somanje (27), first son to the late Daiton said his father’s death was a major blow to the family because he was polishing his musical talent.
He described his father as a hard working man who stood by his family even in the most difficult time.
The young upcoming Sungura musician, Faheem was of late part of the backing vocals in his father’s Pengaudzoke band.
“My father is my hero,” he said.
“I will live and honour his last words to me, that I must carry on with the band and take care of my brothers and sisters.”
The late Daiton’s manager, Aula Pilo, said Daiton’s death was a great loss.
“I have worked with Daiton from 1999,” he said.
“He was a hard worker who despite challenges he faced kept on soldiering on.
“Although at times he faced financial problems he made sure his band members had a plate of sadza on their tables.
“He would come last when payment time came.”
Precious Makwame aka ‘Wasu’, a dancer with Syndicate dancing group said she was shocked by the death of the musical icon.
She said Daiton was her mentor as she recorded her first album, Lori.
“He helped me a lot on my first album because as a dancer I had no experience in music, so he assisted me and will forever be grateful,” said Makwame.
Precious said she was disappointed by the absence of several musicians at the funeral whom Daiton used to mix and mingle with. “Zvinorwadza kuti vamwe vaimbi havapo pano,” she said.
“Nguva ino ndiyo yavanofanira kuonekedzana neumwe wavo.
“Pano zvinhu zvakaoma asi havapo.
“Tinoziva kuti vazhinji vanozouya nguva yekuchengetedza munhu asi ndinoda kukurudzira vaimbi kuti tibatane tisanyadzise sezviripano izvi.”
Sungura artist, Somandla ‘Mafia’ Ndebele who said he first met the late Daiton in 1993 was one prominent musician in Dzivarasekwa noticed by Patriot Arts.
“Ever since I met him (Daiton), we worked together perfectly such that I feel his death is a huge loss to us in the Sungura music industry.
“I am still shocked and there is nothing much I can say, but only pray for his soul to rest in peace.”
Denny Masili of Khiama Boys and Shepherd Chinyani were also among the few mourners in Dzivarasekwa.
Without delving into the personal life of Daiton, in the music industry, he remains one artist born at Dinota Farm, Beatrice in 1964 on Valentine’s Day who rose to fame and became a music legend in the country.
Farewell Daiton.