TODAY marks exactly 14 years after the death of legendary sungura musician Fanuel Tazvida (known as System Tazvida).
Report by Tatenda Kunaka
The musician died on February 4, 1999 and his younger brothers, the late Peter and Isaac tried unsuccessfully to fit into his shoes. Even one of his band members Leroy “Kamusena” Lunga is still finding it hard to keep smoko music (as Tazvida called his type of music) alive. The nation lost a talented artiste.
Tazvida died when he was 31-years-old, but he did not fully enjoy the fruits of his work because his music reached its peak after his death.
However, his wife Barbra is still enjoying the fruits of her husband’s sweat because his music still makes a huge impact on the airwaves.
NewsDay spent some time with Barbra and she shared her experiences with the late musician and also spoke about the 14 years without him.
“Last year, we held a show to commemorate his death, but we have not been able to do so this year. However, I value every effort that many stakeholders in the music industry are making to keep his music alive,” Barbra said.
“It is unfortunate that some broadcasters are failing to pay royalties for the music they play on air, but I am optimistic the opening up of airwaves will bring a change to the current scenario and ensure that musicians get the best from royalties. Tazvida’s family has to benefit from the intellectual property that he left for us.”
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She also said her husband’s music had no takers.
“I have stood with his brothers and others that want to fill the gap that he left. It is good to see how he inspired many musicians.
Unfortunately, his fans are still waiting for someone who can convincingly take over from where he left.” Tazvida died after a long illness.
Born in 1968, Tazvida rose to stardom in the 1990s.
He was known as a unique sungura artiste and his music is still making waves across the country. Some of his popular songs include Anodyiwa Haataure, Mushandi Ndimambo, Bhebhi Rakanaka, Mabhauwa and Vaforomani, among others.
Before going solo, Tazvida worked with different bands such as Khiama Boys, Sungura Boys and Mabhauwa Express before he formed Chazesesa Challengers.
Tazvida created his market in the music industry by tapping into his rural background, therefore, made music for his kind of people.
