During the 1980s Zimbabwe was awash with beautiful voices and faces. Television personalities who set Zimbabwe ablaze were Mike Munyati, Tsitsi Vera, Elvis Chimene, Musi Khumalo, Josh Makawa and Godfrey Majonga, to name but a few. Radio was being driven across our borders. We had the best presenters in Southern Africa. In the music industry, we had James Chimombe, Susan Mapfumo, Tobias Areketa, John Chibadura, Lovemore Majaivana and Solomon Skuza. These artists had beautiful voices which rocked the nation which was still gripped with the euphoria of independence. These people were extremely beautiful in many ways. The nation listened when they talked; the nation listened when they sang. No one could resist these mega stars.
Competition was intense in the music industry. The musicians I mentioned had legions of fans who loved their music as well as the artists. Among these megastars, I worked closely with are, Tobias Areketa, John Chibadura and James Chimombe. I followed these popular musicians in order to learn what made them tick.
James Chimombe was an immensely talented vocalist and guitarist who undoubtedly played a pivotal role in revolutionising Zimbabwean music in the post-independence era. His sweet voice still talks to us through his timeless hits like George Mudiwa, Mukuwasha, Zvaitika and Jemedza. James Chimombe liked me very much as a young brother who gave him his place when he was with me. Most of my meetings with him happened during lunch hours at the Ethnomusicology Centre where he was pursuing a diploma in music. We usually discussed problems in the music industry and how to counter them. He would also confide in me about problems he was experiencing with his workmates.
Many women liked James. He was very shy and soft spoken and knew what he wanted in life. He wanted to make people happy with his music. To this end he was continuously improving his vocals and guitar-playing skills. He had excellent public relations with his fans. His humility quickly transformed into amazing aggressiveness when he was performing in front of a big crowd. He was an entertainer par excellence. I never saw James smoking or drinking beer.
John Chibadura was a darling to his fans. Many fans including women followed him wherever he went to perform. He was a complete performer with everything he needed to make his fans happy; good looks, a seductive smile, a beautiful voice and exquisite dancing skills. He liked me a lot. I was a new comer to the music industry and I had serious financial difficulties. Sometimes, I could fail to find 5 cents for transport to Highfield where I stayed.
Most musicians would meet at Queens Hotel in Harare. Knowing my difficult situation, John Chibadura would buy me food and drink each time I met him at Queens hotel. Sometimes, he would send me to buy him some items. Upon my return, he would give me $20 or $30, which then was a lot of money which could last me a full month. Mukoma John Chibadura looked after me for a long time when I was trying to find my way in music. John had a heart to care for others. During my encounters with him, I never saw him smoking.
Another great musician I befriended was Tobias Areketa. Tobias Areketa was an extremely handsome man who made women scream for him when he was present. His fans loved him a lot and he also had natural love towards me, as a brother would love his young brother. I have fond memories of myself regularly carrying Mukoma Tobias’ satchel to Bonanza Hotel. There was a resident band at Bonanza which played Areketa’s music. He would sometimes join the band on stage to perform. We would move from one hotel to another. Tobias was the one who introduced me to Borrowdale suburbs. White ladies would invite him to parties twice or more per month. We would go together to these parties where he would introduce me to his white audience as his younger brother. During those days, coming from Western Triangle (Highfield) and crossing the floor to Borrowdale even on a visit was a great achievement. At first I was overawed but Tobias would calm my nerves by telling me that whites were just like us. Tobias would drink beer until cows came home but I never saw him smoking.
My musical journey was shaped by other artists who showed me the way to go. They helped me build confidence on and off the stage. After their assistance I went on to establish myself as a musician. I became a household name when I released the album Nesango.
My greatest problem was that I could not settle with one wife. I had been a runner for most charismatic musicians in Harare. These guys had taught me some tricks to use on women and I started implementing their ideas. I can single out Tobias Areketa. He was not handsome but “beautiful” and made women melt in his presence. I followed in his footsteps and those of my other brothers in the music industry and began chasing women. My friends treasured facial beauty and not beauty of the heart and I took to that too. I married a beautiful woman but I was never satisfied. I kept on hunting for beautiful women but there was none who could satisfy my imagination. I failed dismally in the ‘love arena’. All the women I fell in love with loved me dearly but I kept on searching. It was like chasing the wind.
I took time to reflect on my life and realised that I had failed to manage my love life. My children were scattered all over the place. I made a decision to stay alone to avoid more casualties. I was a serious pretender and selfish. I now spend most of my time planning how best I can look after my children: provide them food and send them to good schools. I made a bold decision to abstain from sexual activities and with God’s help I am managing.
As you carry out your work in arts, strive to teach yourself how to live a decent and honest life. Above all you must have fear of God. Copy only the good from your friends.