THE Chimbetu family presented a united front over the weekend as they commemorated the 10th anniversary of the passing-on of dendera music genre pioneer, Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu, who died on August 14, 2005.
BY OWN CORRESPONDENT
The main gig which was held at Extra Mile in the capital saw Sulumani sharing the stage with Tryson, Allan, Douglas and Saiwe.
Two musicians who claim to be Simon Chimbetu’s sons — Chamu Boroma and Paddington Kamusakara — were also part of the commemorations.
The musicians performed the late Chopper’s songs, much to the delight of fans that thronged the venue.
Speaking at the gig, Sulumani praised Allan, who is the surviving sibling of Chopper, for keeping the family together.
“Allan is my surviving father. He taught me many things when we were growing up, among them how to pray. He always said I should pray for wisdom and I am grateful for his guidance,” Suluman said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Boroma, who is battling to be accepted into the Chimbetu family after claiming that he is the son of the late veteran singer, said he was pleased to be part of the commemorations.
“Suluman invited me to be part of the commemorations. He personally called me and I was impressed by the reception I got. He also asked me which songs I wanted to perform and it was a lifetime experience to share the stage with the whole of Chimbetu clan,” said the jovial Boroma.
However, Sulumani’s publicity manager Joel Nyamungoma said the commemoration gig was meant for everyone who sings dendera music.
“Though the late Simon Chimbetu pioneered the dendera genre, the Chimbetu family no longer has monopoly over the style of music. It has grown to be a national genre and we had to invite everyone who sings dendera, that is why Chamu and Paddington are here,” he said.
Prior to the commemorative gig, the Chimbetu family organised a dinner on Friday where a host of corporates, among them Alpha and Omega Dairies, Zimbabwe Amalgamated Housing Association and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, pledged to assist in refurbishing Simon Chimbetu School in Chegutu.
Maverick businessman Phillip Chiyangwa pledged a housing stand to be won in a raffle and funds realised from raffle tickets would be used at the school.
The late Chopper was an accomplished guitarist, vocalist and composer. He was the founding member of the Orchestra Dendera Kings band.
