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Lifeline for Tazvida’s brother

Life & Style
KING Tazvida, younger brother of the late popular and talented musician System Tazvida, who took over Chazezesa Challengers

KING Tazvida, younger brother of the late popular and talented musician System Tazvida, who took over Chazezesa Challengers, a band that was formed by his elder sibling recently received a boost from a Harare businessman who is now sponsoring the band.

Jairos Saunyama

The 25-year-old musician, who is currently on an outreach reviving Smoko Music, is now being assisted by Malvin Mutowamanja.

As part of the assistance, Mutowamanja bought a two-tonne truck that is being used by the band in their shows and he is providing accommodation to some of the Chazezesa Challengers Band members.

System died on February 4 1999 and his younger brothers, the late Peter and Isaac, tried unsuccessfully to fit into his shoes.

Isaac relocated to Mozambique in 2008 and since then there has been no heir to Tazvida’s fine smoko music.

Tazvida confirmed the development and said the assistance came at a time he was struggling to make ends meet.

“I confirm that the band is now being sponsored by a local businessman and we are really happy about it. The band was having a difficult time in securing transport and instruments, but that is now solved.

“The sponsor is also accommodating some of our band members and this means we are now focusing on our music.

“Mutowamanja is also going to fund our new album that is set to be released in February next year,” said Tazvida.

Mutowamanja said he is assisting the band to ensure that System Tazvida’s music lives forever.

“Smoko music is a beautiful genre and we cannot watch it collapsing.

So when I learnt that there is an heir to the music I thought it wise to chip in and assist the band.

“So far I have secured transport and instruments for them so that their work will be easy. I know it will be a tough road, but I will try my best to make sure that they reach the top. Currently, they are rehearsing for their new album and I am going to fund the project,” he said.

King, who is currently staying at his brother’s Chitungwiza house together with the late musician’s widow Barbara said he would do whatever it takes to revive System’s music.

King is not new to music. He was a guitarist for Shungu Boys, an amateur group that was led by Owen Soup, now a dancer with Bulawayo outfit Ndolwane Super Sounds.

Born in 1968, System rose to stardom in the 1990s. He was known as a unique sungura artiste and his music is still making waves across the country. Before going solo, Tazvida worked with different bands such as Khiama Boys, Sungura Boys and Mabhauwa Express.