Dendera musician Sulumani Chimbetu says he believes some people want to pull him down following a threat he received from a music fan on his Facebook fan page.
Chimbetu is not taking lightly the post in which the fan says the musician will be killed if he steps in Johannesburg, a threat apparently linked to the cross-over of three of Alick Machesos band members to his group.
Dancer Francis Slomo Dhaka, backing vocalist Elton Muropa and guitarist Noel Nyazanda recently joined Chimbetu from Macheso.
In the message the fan, subscribed to Facebook as Witness Ndlovu, orders Chimbetu to return the people that you took . . . or you will follow your father soon.
Chimbetus father Simon died six years ago. In the message Ndlovu goes on to warn Chimbetu not to travel or perform in Johannesburg because boys here have the guns and are waiting for you.
Chimbetu made a report at Mabelreign Police Station (case number RRB 1304429) and investigations are underway.
The musician however said he would not be put off by such threats although he is treating the matter seriously.
I know people may use Facebook to do all sorts of funny things using fake names but I am not taking the case lightly. You never know what the person who sent the message might be signalling. It is a warning enough to suggest something might be happening and I think I have to be careful, said Chimbetu.
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I was once mugged in South Africa and because of that experience I am treating the matter seriously. I have heard many of my fans saying a lot of people were not happy that I took Machesos band members but I feel I just acted professionally after losing some of my employees. I had to replace them.
Meanwhile Chimbetu thrilled audiences at Chinhoyi Stadium over the weekend at a show that also saw Josphat Somanje and King Shaddy performing.
His new-look group proved to be a cut above the rest as Franco displayed exciting antics that left many asking for more. Although the show started late, fans were patient and had to cheer the dendera musician when he came on stage.
The musician proved he can take dendera music to another level. Somanje and King Shaddy also played popular tracks to the delight of many.
One of the show organisers, Tawanda Chingara of Pandave Promotions, said they were delighted to host Chimbetu and would continue working with him.
