BONFACE Manyonganise, the MDC-T councillor for Ward 4, St Mary’s, Chitungwiza, has embarked on a mission to revive the legacy of the late John Chibadura through supporting the late musician’s band members.
Report by Jairos Saunyama
Manyonganise, who is the owner of the popular Ndanda Complex in Chitungwiza, has engaged former Tembo Brothers band members as resident musicians who will be playing every weekend — a move which he described as a way to keep Chibadura’s legacy alive.
“Chibadura left us good music and no one seems to be serious about taking over from where he left.
“So I decided to help those with potential — including his sons — to do something about the music. They have been playing at this complex since January and I am happy that people here like them,” he said.
The former men include lead guitarist Douglas Katsvairo, rhythm guitarist Lazurus Cassim — popularly known as Foromani — and vocalist Cephas Ndemera.
In an interview, Ndemera confirmed the new development.
“We are grateful for having someone who helps us musically. We have been performing here (Ndanda) for a time now and we are in the right track,” he said.
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Manyonganise is reportedly paying rentals for some of the band members.
Meanwhile the late Chibadura’s music is under siege as a number of artistes have risen claiming to be heirs of the beautiful genre.
Despite Manyonganise trying to unite and assist the band, it has emerged that both Douglas Katsvairo and Cephas Ndemera have their own bands operating as Tembo Brothers. Ndemera, who joined Chibadura in 1994 before Katsvairo came in 1996, could not deny that he is a copycat of Chibadura and is masquerading as the leader of Tembo Brothers.
“For the meantime, I am using the name Tembo Brothers during live performances, but I have a group called Chirangano Brothers and I will be using the name sometime this month when I am going to release my debut album,” he said.
Ndemera’s forthcoming album is titled Zvine Nguva and he is already sampling some of the songs at live shows.
On the other hand, Katsvairo, based in Bindura, openly claimed that he was the contracted Tembo Brothers frontman.
“I am the one who is using that name and everybody knows that. I have even recorded two albums using the name and whoever claims that name will be dreaming,” he said.
Chibadura Brothers, which comprises sons of the late, are also taking time to perform at the complex.
Other musicians who imitate Chibadura include Rodrick Chomudhara — who fronts for Afro Keys Banda — and Luck Tembo who heads a band called Masiye.
The siblings Simba, Knowledge and John recently lambasted all the musicians who are trying to gain mileage by trying to play their father’s music. John Chibadura — born John Nyamukoko — died on August 4 1999 after releasing more than 25 albums and since then his siblings have been struggling to keep his legacy alive.
