adminFred Zindi Music
Suddenly it is December again! Indeed, time flies. With the blink of an eye, the curtain comes down on the year and 2013 is already on its back! It is now time to look back and reflect on the year 2013. A number of musicians I spoke to during the year thought that this was going to be a very trying year for people with triskaidekaphobia, also known as the fear of the number 13. While the few superstitious musicians afflicted with this problem vowed not to have a gig on any Friday the 13th, I am not sure how many of them stuck to that promise.
But why is 13 considered unlucky, anyway? Here are some of the reasons:
There were 13 people at the Last Supper. It’s said that Judas Iscariot — the one who betrayed Jesus — was the 13th man to take his place at the table;
Apollo 13 is the only unsuccessful moon mission (intended to get man on the moon, anyway) thus far. An oxygen tank exploded and the survival of the astronauts on board was pretty touch-and-go for several days, but they did all come home safely in the end; and
There was a mass arrest and execution of the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307.
All these events brought about the fear for the number 13. So those superstitious Zimbabwean musicians were justified in avoiding anything to do with the number 13 including the year 2013.
However, despite this fear, some events in the year were successful while others were disastrous as can be seen from the brief descriptions outlined below of what took place in 2013.
January
UMOJA auditions took place in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa bringing out talented Zimbabwean youngsters such Raymond Mu- pfumira Osborne Matenganzara, Mu- tsawashe Gudhlanga, Silent Nhendere, Florence Muteta and Tinotenda Ma- nyowa to compete on an international platform. They eventually went to showcase their talents in South Africa later in the year.
February
Nama Awards ceremony was this year held on February 16 at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo where Sulu- mani Chimbetu scooped three awards, taking home Outstanding Male Musician, Outstanding Album and the People’s Choice awards. Other musicians to receive awards included Hope Masike and Mokoomba.
March
On March 2, South African songstress Zahara alongside Oliver Mtukudzi, thrilled music fans at the Harare International Conference Centre. Supporting acts included Victor Kunonga, Alexio Kawara, Chiwoniso Maraire, Mokoomba, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana and Diana Samkange.
April
On April 12, a commemoration concert to remember the late Leonard Dembo, who died on April 9, 1996, was held at Jazz 105. The concert was graced by many artistes who included Dembo’s sons, Tendai and Morgan.
May
The annual Harare Festival of the Arts dubbed “What Next?” featured Ismael Lo, Tumi and The Volume, Edith weUtonga, Chi Nhai Pfumojena, Mokoomba, Winky D and Oliver Mtukudzi among others.
In the same month Alick Macheso experienced a mass exodus of his band members, Donald Gogo, Obert Gomba, Jonas Kasamba and Franco Slomo, who later went on to form the group Extra Kwazvose.
June
Alick Macheso’s misfortunes increased when he was injured during a concert in Guruve. He could not dance for a month and was walking using crutches.
Mokoomba, Zimbabwe’s greatest music export, embarked on a tour of Europe and Africa from June 15 until the end of August where they charmed international audiences. The countries in which performances were held included Morocco, Holland, France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Ireland, Belgium, Germany and Denmark.
July
The music fraternity was shocked to receive news of the death of mbira maestro Chiwoniso Maraire, who died at Chitungwiza Hospital and was buried at the Maraire village in Chakohwa near Mutare.
August
The Simon Chimbetu commemoration concert was held on August 25 at Harare Gardens in the same week that Angela Chimbetu, Simon’s widow, died.
Businessman-cum- musician Energy Mutodi went to court in a matter in which he was charged for allegedly defrauding desperate home seekers of close to US$2 million.
Mutodi is alleged to have defrauded over 1 500 home seekers through the National Housing Development Trust in Mutare.
September
Two exciting events took place, starting with Jamaican reggae crooner Tony Rebel, who performed at the Aquatic Centre in Chitungwiza supported by local artistes who included Mic Inity, Freeman, Jiggaz, Guspy Warrior, Sniper Storm, Platinum Prince, Spiderman, Shinsoman, Ricky Fire, Killer T, Lady Squanda, Dadza D, Trevor Hall and King Labash on September 21.
This was followed by yet another exciting event on the 27th where a tribute concert was held in honour of superstar Oliver Mtukudzi as a mark of respect and affection to his great achievements.
With Hugh Masekela as guest of honour, the event was also graced by major artistes such as Stewart Sukuna from Mozambique, Eric Wainana and Suzanna Awiyo from Kenya, Judith Sephuma and Steve Dyer from South Africa and a host of local artistes who included Alexio Kawara, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Tehn Diamond, Junior Brown, Ammara Brown, Cynthia Mare, BaShupi, Jean Masters, Courtney Rusike and Munya Mataruse. They all did renditions of different Oliver Mtukudzi songs.
October
On October 9, controversial sexy dancer Beverley Sibanda launched her debut album “Tapinda” at the Private Lounge in Harare.
She was supported by South African singer Freddy Gwala and ex-Utakataka Express member, Shiga Shiga who both collaborated with her on the album.
In the same month, Duduzile Tracy Manhenga-Muparutsa spent two weeks in prison after she was found guilty of culpable homicide. She was later freed on bail pending appeal of her 18 months sentence.
This is also the month in which the National Arts and Culture Indaba took place at Stephen Margolis Plaza. The indaba, which was attended by prominent arts and culture personalities such as Oliver Mtukudzi and Cont Mhlanga, was held on October 30 and 31.
November
One of South Africa’s most decorated musicians, Ringo Madlingozi, came to Harare and shared the stage with superstar Oliver Mtukudzi at a concert held at Glamis Stadium on November 29.
Renowned music promoter Josh Hozheri said the show was a token of appreciation to Zimbabwean fans.
“Zimbabweans have been supportive by coming in their numbers to live shows by both local and international artistes. So the concert was organised to thank Zimbabweans for supporting the arts,” said Hozheri.
Jah Prayzah, Munya Mataruse and Wallace ”Winky D” Chirimuko were some of the supporting acts.
South African house group Mi Casa delighted fans at Old Georgians Club in November with an amazing performance on stage. This was their second visit to Harare after an earlier performance at the Harare International Festival of the Arts in May
December
Dendera music godfather Madzibaba Allan Chimbetu was on December 1 arrested and handcuffed at the Ximex Mall in Harare while trying to sell a mobile phone.
Allan, who had a feud earlier in the year with his son, Douglas, had joined Sulumani Chimbetu’s group after being kicked out of his band by his son.
He also seemed to struggle to make ends meet after being dragged to court for maintenance by the mother of his child early this year.
Zimbabwean dancehall sensation Emegy “Freeman” Chizanga’s fourth album, entitled “New Chapta”, was released on Friday, December 6.
Turbulence (born Sheldon Campbell on January 11, 1980), a Jamaican reggae artiste, performed at a concert dubbed “King of Dancehall” at the City Sports Centre in Harare.
Turbulence has released a number of albums including “I Believe”, “United, Notorious”, “Songs of Solomon”, “Triumphantly”, “Join Us”, “Blood Dem Out” and “Hail The King” .
On a parting note to all those who have enjoyed the year 2013’s musical events, let me give you my first warning!
You might think that now the festive season is upon us, it is now time to act stupid.
No it’s not! Yes, people like to be festive, but as you well know, every December and January, our hospitals are full to the limit with accident victims.
Do not become one of them! Inevitably, this often involves the consumption of copious quantities of alcohol including dangerous ones such as Zed and “Cranco” which in turn leads to impaired judgment and booze-inspired acts of bravado that all too often have tragic results.
Have a merry festive season and a prosperous New Year! Otherwise, the future of arts and culture in Zimbabwe is once again, bleak.
However, despite this sad end to the year 2013, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas!
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