Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IT has been three years since the beloved Zimbabwean musician Zex Manatsa passed away, yet the echoes of his remarkable contributions to music and culture continue to resonate deeply. Tonight, on Saturday, August 16, his son Tatenda Manatsa and other family members will honour Zex’s legacy with a commemorative concert titled The Manatsa Legacy at Sherwood Golf Club in Harare.
The event is more than just a tribute; it is a celebration of a life deeply woven into Zimbabwe’s historical and cultural fabric.
Zex Manatsa rose to prominence in the 1970s after forming the Green Arrows Band in Mhangura in 1968. His raw talent soon caught the attention of renowned South African saxophonist West Nkosi, who became the band’s producer in 1977. This collaboration led to the release of the album Chipo Chiroorwa, which propelled the band to national fame. Following its success, the group rebranded as the New Green Arrows and relocated to Harare, where their music played a pivotal role in entertaining and galvanising the masses during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
Tatenda highlighted one of his father’s groundbreaking achievements, noting that Chipo Chiroorwa was the first song by a Black Zimbabwean to sell over 25 000 copies, earning him a gold disc. He emphasised the significance of this milestone at a time when music served as both a form of expression and a powerful tool for social change.
Zex’s success continued into the 1980s, with hits such as Tea Hobvu, which sold an astonishing 120 000 copies within just three months of its release. This feat cemented his place in the annals of Zimbabwean music history. More than just a musician, Zex was a cultural ambassador. He famously shared the stage with reggae legend Bob Marley during Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations in 1980.
His music resonated with countless Zimbabweans, offering solace and inspiration during turbulent times. Tatenda shared that his father contributed immensely to the mobilisation of the masses during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle through his music.
He suffered persecution at the hands of the Rhodesian regime and was arrested and beaten many times owing to his political songs, a stark reminder of the personal cost of his art.
Zex was also known for his charismatic personality. His wedding to Stellah Katehwe at Rufaro Stadium in 1979 drew over 50 000 attendees, a testament to his immense popularity.
“Zex made history with his wedding at Rufaro Stadium. I missed
the wedding by a few months; I was born in December!” Tatenda reminisced with a touch of humour.
His influence extended into the world of sport, as he recorded several songs for Zimbabwe’s top football clubs, including Dynamos, CAPS United, and Highlanders, uniting fans across rival teams.
“He created four iconic songs for Zimbabwe’s top soccer teams, capturing the essence of the beautiful game,” Tatenda noted.
Tatenda, a musician himself, began his career at 18 and has been profoundly influenced by his father’s legacy. He has collaborated with various artists and is well known for his musical partnership with his wife, Selmor Mtukudzi-Manatsa, daughter of the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi.
Their debut album, Kudzoka Kwababa, released in 2011, was warmly received. Tatenda’s admiration for his father’s artistry is evident in his regular social media tributes, where he shares insights into Zex’s life and career under the hashtag #TheManatsaLegacy.
He emphasised how his father’s music not only entertained but became part of Zimbabwe’s cultural identity. For example, Zex Manatsa’s iconic song Mhepo Inovhuvhuta was the soundtrack for the popular 80s drama Mutiro Wafanza.
In 1994, Zex dedicated his life to Christ, becoming a pastor and inspiring many through his spiritual transformation.
“He dedicated himself to spreading the Gospel, holding crusades around the country with Archbishop Ezekiel Guti,” Tatenda recounted.
The Manatsa family is proud to celebrate Zex’s life and legacy. Tatenda, along with his siblings Ben, Sharon, and Freedom Manatsa, is committed to keeping their father’s spirit alive through music and storytelling.
“It is our duty to ensure that his story continues to inspire future generations,” he expressed.
The Manatsa Legacy concert promises to be a heartfelt celebration filled with music, memories, and reflections on Zex’s enduring impact on Zimbabwean culture. He is a liberation struggle hero in his own right — a legacy that resonates with the recently commemorated Heroes Day and the upcoming Defence Forces Day celebrations. The event will feature performances from Tatenda, Selmor, and other family members, all united in honouring the legacy of a man who not only entertained but inspired a nation.
— Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
