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MARSHALL MUNHUMUMWE JNR, eldest son of the late Four Brothers frontman Marshall Munhumumwe, says his father was a loving and caring man who deliberately steered his children away from music and towards schoolwork.
A quarter-century after the musician’s death, Munhumumwe Jnr is the central voice in the family’s recollection of why none of the late star’s children followed him into music. His father died of a stroke on October 13, 2001, at the age of 49.
“My late father was a loving and caring man, but he wanted us to concentrate on our schoolwork,” said Munhumumwe Jnr.
The 53-year-old recalled that he and his siblings — two boys and two girls — had the chance to study up to Ordinary Level, but none pursued music.
Instead, he went into business.
“Of course, the four of us — two boys and two girls — had the opportunity to study up to Ordinary Level, but none of us pursued music. Our parents were strict, unlike modern-day parents, who are more flexible. After realising that music was not our calling, I ended up venturing into business. I used to run a butchery, and it was always my wish to prosper in business.”
He said he cherishes his father for providing them with shelter and seed money to start their own businesses but conceded that life changed after his death.
“It has not been easy without him. After all, our mother had died a year earlier, and you can imagine how difficult it was to lose both parents,” he explained.
Now a family man, Munhumumwe Jnr said it is too late for him to start learning music and expressed regret that he did not defy his father’s wishes.
“As for me, it is too late to start learning music. I wish I had been rebellious and defiant, but I could not challenge my father’s wishes.”
Asked how he intended to ensure that the family legacy lives on, Munhumumwe Jnr said: “To be honest, we do not have a solid plan. If everything goes accordingly, we might consider compiling some of his previous songs. If we had sponsors, we would consider holding a tribute show for him.”
On royalties from local collective management organisations, he was candid.
“That whole issue would require us to spend the entire day deliberating on it, to be honest. We receive the royalties once a year and we do not know how the calculations are made. As such, we are simply hustling to survive. However, life is unpredictable. Maybe one of his grandchildren will make us happy one day, which has always been my wish.”
Munhumumwe Jnr said he feels deeply affected when he sees children of other late artistes making strides in the music industry.
“I am always in touch with the children of other late musicians, including James Chomombe’s daughter, Tendai, and others. Family legacies should be taken seriously.”
He said he remains humbled by his late father’s loyal fans who continue to play his music. Munhumumwe left behind timeless hits such as “Vimbai”, “Mbereko Yakaramba”, “Matinetsa”, “Kumawere”, “Tauraya Rudzi Rwedu” and “Ndibvumbamireiwo”.
Jatiel Chebanga Machanja, a long-serving member of Munhumumwe’s team, also recalled the golden years.
From 1991 until 2001, Machanja served as a bouncer, cashier and eventually a sound engineer.
“Growing up with Marshall Munhumumwe Junior in the same ghetto of Chitungwiza, there was always a special connection between us back then,” recalled Machanja.
“Our friendship grew when I finished Ordinary Level in 1989 and even passed five subjects including Mathematics and English. Since I was fit then, I ended up being called to come and beef up security for Munhumumwe from 1991 to 2001 when he died on October 13.”
The band — comprising bassist Never Mutare, lead guitarist Frank Sibanda, keyboardist and rhythm guitarist Alec Chapaika and Munhumumwe himself — often performed at Rusununguko Beer Hall in Chitungwiza. Machanja said it was unfortunate that none of Munhumumwe’s children pursued music.
“Munhumumwe was a great music teacher, but none of his children had any interest in music,” Machanja said.
“It is quite unfortunate to note that it has now been 25 years since his death, but we appear to have forgotten him. He died in the same month as Tongai Moyo, who died on October 15, 2011 and is being honoured. As for Munhumumwe, no one in the family has followed in his footsteps. His eldest son, Marshall Munhumumwe Jnr, has always been business-minded. I am not sure about the others, including the girls.”
He added: “Of course, it is now too late for Marshall Junior to start learning music at 53, especially since we were born in the same year. At least, having him honoured posthumously or having a grandchild eager to build on the strong foundation left by Munhumumwe would make him smile in his grave. To make matters worse, all the original founding members of Four Brothers are now late.”
At one point, musician James Nyamande, who possessed a voice strikingly similar to Munhumumwe’s, tried to keep the sound alive but was unable to reach the same heights.
