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Allan Chimbetu pins revival on new album

News
AFTER living in his late elder brother Simon Chimbetu’s long shadow for much of his music career — and seemingly having been outpaced by his nephew Sulumani Chimbetu —Allan Chimbetu is hoping that his new album, The Covenant, scheduled for official launch on July 9, will help revive his waning fortunes.

AFTER living in his late elder brother Simon Chimbetu’s long shadow for much of his music career — and seemingly having been outpaced by his nephew Sulumani Chimbetu —Allan Chimbetu is hoping that his new album, The Covenant, scheduled for official launch on July 9, will help revive his waning fortunes.

BY CLAYTON MASEKESA

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The album, which is Chimbetu’s fourth offering, will be launched at Long Cheng Plaza in Harare where music superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, sungura kingpin Alick Macheso, contemporary musician Jah Prayzah as well as Peter Moyo and dancehall superstar Winky D are expected to entertain fans.

Despite having fallen on hard times, it appears the Orchestra Dendera Kings Central Committee band frontman still commands a lot of goodwill among fellow musicians who have thrown their weight behind his efforts.

The musician told NewsDay early this week that all was set for the album launch, which he described as a perfect opportunity to inject new life into his waning music career.

“We are ready for the launch and it will be nice to give something new to our fans who have been waiting for our new release for a very long time,” Chimbetu said.

Chimbetu, a top-notch lead and rhythm guitarist in his own right, was part of the enduring Chimbetu legacy popularised by his late brothers, Simon and Naison.

Chimbetu’s manager, Alois Chimbangu, said the band was geared for exciting times ahead.

“We have already acquired a new public address system that is on its way from the United Kingdom, alongside new regalia to bring a new look to the band,” he said.

Chimbetu, who had released three albums to date — Sony, Professor and Simukai — hit a new low last year when he resorted to repairing cellphones for a living.

He later appeared in court and was orderd by magistrate Audrey Tarugarira to pay a Harare man, Saston Mazhanga, $150 plus costs as replacement fee for the applicant’s cellphone which he damaged while repairing.

Chimbetu was born on February 12, 1972 in Chegutu. He is the last born in a family of eight.