Celebrating the Unsung Heroes in Zim Music

I am proud to be Zimbabwean, everywhere I go I fly the Zim flag high, I am not ashamed to be Zimbabwean. I have a lot of respect for those who fought for me to have the freedom and peace of mind. Yes we not a perfect nation but regardless I have the utmost respect for all who sacrificeed their lives for the freedom I now have, the freedom to write, express my thoughts and share my passion with all of you.

On top of the liberation heroes and heroines we also have those who have given their all to ensure the arts industry, the music industry to be specific grows to the level it is today. Many Zimbos have their favourite genre and artist but there are those usually overlooked people who have done a ton load of work behind the scenes, who have greatly contributed to the growth of the local music industry. Today on this article will be honoring those heroes and heroines who have been instrumental.

When we finally create a hall of fame for those who have contributed greatly to the music industry these ten legends should be present:

Patson Chimbodza (Chipaz) 

This guy has founded one of the most iconic music promotion companies in Zimbabwe in 2004. Since then Chipaz has hosted countless shows, if you are a concert person you have definitely been to a show organised by Chipaz. His name is synonymous with shows in Zimbabwe, just his endorsement is enough to make a show successful. The company is still going strong, it still commands a lot of trust from Concert goers. You will have a hard time finding an artist who hasn't worked with Chipaz in Zim. An absolute super promoter and hero. 

Clive Monomukundu

Mono as he is affectionately known is widely revered and loved. Whenever people want to talk about music he is among the first name on the list, he has been a session guitarist and producer for hundreds of quality productions. Since I fell in love with local music in the late nineties am yet to listen to a poor Mono production, guys nails it all the times. He has been part or instrumental in creating many big names in the music industry whether as a session guitarist or producer. Some of the artists he has worked with include, Mai Shingisai Suluma (My all time favourite gospel artist), Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, Mbeu & The Mhodzi Tribe, Hope Masike, Mahendere Brothers...just to mention a few. 

Debbie Metcalfe

Oliver Mtukudzi is regarded as one of the finest artists in Zim, it all started when he met Debbie Metcalfe, she transformed his image, he took Tuku from being one of the good local artists into a globally recognised icon. When we are talking about what a manager is supposed to do, Debbie is the standard, make your artist the biggest brand tgey can be. She is definitely a heroine in the industry. 

Nkululeko Innocent Dube

Founder of the iconic Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (IYASA) has played a big part in changing the social narrative for artists all over. IYASA is now widely recognised and celebrated and that is all down to his efforts and leadership. One thing I respect about IYASA is how they have achieved so much success without shunning their culture, the way the dress, the dances, the songs they perform all conform to the Ndebele Culture. Its amazing to behold. Nkululeko and his school are definitely heroes. 

Jonah Sithole

We cannot ever talk about Zimbabwean music without mentioning the importance and influence of Chimurenga music, my favourite genre. The face of the sound is undoubtedly Dr Thomas Mapfumo but one less talked about half of that genre was the insanely talented guitarist Jonah Sithole. Without him Chimurenga music would have never be as we know it today, his legendary mbira guitar changed the whole music industry, its still being used today by many artists today, it's beautiful to listen to and is part of the now distinctly Zim sound. Jonah was so revered and respected that even after he and Mukanya went separate ways, most promoters would request that he would come to perform with Mukanya for the big shows. It was not real Chimurenga without him on the guitar. An absolute baller and hero. The gold standard for every guitarist in Zim. 

Ephraim Joe

Sungura is the most celebrated genre in Zim, it has the largest following. Ephraim Joe and his Sungura Boys band pioneered the genre, they were inspired by Kanindo, their impact was so great that the genre started to be called by their band name Sungura. On top of that they also gave a platform to several artists who themselves went on to be icons and legends namely; John "Mr Chitungwiza" Chibadura, System Tazvida, Simon "Chopper" Chimbetu & Naison "Dr Nero" Chimbetu, Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, Tineyi Chikupo, Mitchell Jambo... I don't think there is more I can say to prove how influential these guys were, 100% heroes. 

Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria

After leaving Sungura Boys Madzibaba continued pushing his own sound and after some band name changes he landed on the name Khiama Boys which became as iconic as they come. He carried on that love for nurturing talent and has Khiama Boys has been very instrumental in Sungura music for years, it's now a brand on its own. They again helped System Tazvida in establishing his own name as he joined the band after he passed through Sungura Boys and after the hit jam Mabhauwa the stage was set for system. Also Khiama Boys nurtured the most explosive, extremely influential and one who is easily regarded by many as Zim's greatest ever artist Alick Macheso. Madzibaba is affectionately known as the lecturer for his teaching and nurturing skills. He is a true hero. 

Take Fizzo

Tatenda Jenami was the beating heart of the most exciting period of  urban sound in Zimbabwe; the Urban Grooves era. As a relatively young person, this era had more influence in my music life than any other period, I am extremely attached to the works of this era and will be till my departure from this earth. Take Fizzo as he is affectionately known produced an insane amount of classics, you get to wonder whether the guy even slept during those Chamhembe Days, his studio was dropping classics day in day out. He also went on to play a big part in the establishment of Hip Hop in the country with the outfit Few Kings alongside Tehn Diamond and Jnr Brown. An absolute hero.

Bothwell Nyamhondera

The golden age of Sungura would not have been possible without the expertise of this man. He is a sound engineer and producer par excellence. He has been part of countless timeless projects over the years. He is also behind the recent revival of Sungura music that we are currently experiencing, proving that class is permanent. An absolute legend and hero.

Ndumiso Dube

Ndumiso is one of the best radio presenters we have in the country. I religiously follow his Sungura Wednesday show on Star FM, that is where I get to experience the current state of Sungura music. He is usually the first whenever a new single or album is released, the Sungura artist have a lot of respect for him. He is one of those deejays who has played a vital role in this recent revival of Sungura. Despite Sungura being labelled by others as a genre of the good old days Ndumiso has managed to make it appealing to the younger generation, that is why his chants constantly trend on Tik Tok despite him not even having an account.

So those are the ten heroes that I believe deserves honor and respect for the amazing work they have done for the music industry in Zim. 

Feel free to share more heroes that you feel need to be recognised and applauded for their work.

Proud_Zimbo