Murmures

Since Zimbabwe attained Independence on April 18, 1980, there are some musicians who have emerged strong and have been outstanding in their music careers in a way that has helped put Zimbabwe on the music map through their powerful, educative, entertaining and spiritual music.

Just like in the other spheres like fashion, politics, business and sport, among others, there have been hot debate as to who figures among the top 10 musicians who made a huge impact ever since the attainment of Independence.

While this debate is not conclusive, there are however A names that one cannot help mentioning whenever this fiery debate crops up.

Below are some of the musicians (alive and late) who did well – or still doing well – on Zimbabwe’s music scene:

Simon Chimbetu

The late talented musician, who was declared a provincial hero when he died, had an “ammunition” of albums that talked about a free Zimbabwe while at the same time reminding people of the long struggle that they experienced at the hands of the colonial government.

He was a patriot through and through as evidenced by his songs such as “Zimbabwe” and “Ndarangarira Gamba”.

The Dendera music founder also inspired many artistes especially those of his own blood.

Oliver Mtukudzi

Oliver Mtukudzi is one music giant who after Independence continued to make a mark just as he did during the pre-independence period.

The artiste – whose music touches on a plethora of issues affecting the Zimbabwean populace, has released more than 60 albums, has a string of awards and is also Unicef’s Goodwill Ambassador for women and children through his powerful music that is constructive, educative and inspirational.

He has become the brand ambassador of many companies and organisations while his Pakare Paye Arts Centre based in Norton, is one of such few arts centres in Zimbabwe owned by artistes and where young talent is groomed.

He is an international star and has shared the stage with some of the world’s biggest names. He was also one of the founding musicians of the SDC regional music grouping, Mahube that comprised the likes of Ringo, Steve Dyer, among other top African icons.

 Leonard Dembo

Otherwise known as “Musoro Wenyoka”, this gifted songwriter, lyricist and guitarist was a musician par excellence. He is largely credited for inspiring a generation of young sungura artistes who have been following in his music footsteps since Independence.

Dembo was a social critic, while he also promoted love and unity in the home. His lyrics were deep, his instruments infectious and catchy.

No wonder his song, “Chitekete”, was played at one of the Miss World pageants, a feat which no other Zimbabwean musician has achieved to date.

Stella Chiweshe

She might be based in Germany at the moment, but this granny of Zimbabwean music also played her role through popularising the mbira music in a stint that saw her having a whirlwind tour of the world playing the instrument that is at the heart of Zimbabwean music, tradition and culture.

Marshall Munhumumwe

This man was a wordsmith par excellence and he had his own way of stealing his way into the hearts of the listeners with his powerful ballads. He might be late, but Munhumumwe’s contribution to Zimbabwean music is still palpable and no one can deny the fact that he stood out tall among others.

Songs like “Pfimbi Yangu” and “Rwendo”, among others, were gems that made music in independent Zimbabwe interesting.

James Chimombe

Also a contemporary of Munhumumwe, the late Chimombe and his Huchi Band were a cut above the rest as they unleashed chart buster after chart buster. Songs like “Jemedza” and “Cecelia” together with others that made his big catalogue of hit songs were popular. One cannot talk of Zimbabwean music without mentioning his name. He was also a music lecturer at the Zimbabwe College of  Music.

Mechanic Manyeruke

He was in the same league with the likes of Jordan Chataika and he is credited as the great-dad of Zimbabwean gospel music.

He ruled the roost from the 1980s to the 1990s with his powerful music and songs like “Madhimoni”, “Josefa” and “Makorokoto” continue to be popular.

He is still performing and has assisted a number of young musicians at his Zengeza 5 home studio.

Leonard Zhakata

Who doesn’t remember how songs like “Mugove”, “Maruva Enyika” and “Nzombe Huru” among others, caused a big stir in the 1990s?

Zhakata is one of the finest musicians ever to emerge out of post-colonial Zimbabwe. He had his own way of doing things, together with his relative, the late Thomas Makion, although some people said he started off imitating Simon Chimbetu.

This is probably because of the fact that the two artistes at one time competed, releasing hit album after hit album respectively.

Alick Macheso

Sungura music ace, Macheso, also figures in this list as he has revolutionised the music genre in Zimbabwe and is also a household name and has inspired many other artistes.

He made a mark as bass guitarist and backing vocalist for Nicholas Zakaria’s Khiama Boys. When he went solo, the musician made a mark with his sungura hits and songs like “Mai Varubhi”, “Mundikumbuke”, “Madhawu”, “Charakupa” and “Madhuve” have had great impact over the years.

The Charambas

No one can take anything away from the first family of gospel music, The Charambas, who have put gospel music on the map with the spiritual music. They have been consistent with their gospel tunes and are still regarded as the best in their genre.

However, in this group, Shingisai Suluma, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Mercy Mutsvene and Ivy Kombo also deserve mention for their various contributions to the industry.The list, however, is endless.