Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
IN a remarkable turn of events that has thrilled nostalgic music lovers and intrigued a new generation of fans, one of Zimbabwe’s pioneering music legends, Pius Makokowe, has made a sensational return to the studio after a 40-year hiatus from recording.
At 70, Makokowe is defying both age and time and rekindling a flame that once illuminated the local musical landscape in the late 1960s and 1970s. A former member of the iconic Great Sounds and founding member of Acid Band, Makokowe is preparing to release a string of new singles, alongside re-releases of some of his timeless classics that once dominated the airwaves.
Makokowe rose to fame in 1969 with the release of the hit ‘Anopenga Anewaya’ and its popular flip-side track ‘Connie.
The record, despite going gold, brought him little financial rewards due to disputes over equipment ownership with the late Dominic Mandizha.His journey later took him abroad, where he briefly served as a backing vocalist for the legendary Thomas Mapfumo in the UK.
Upon his return to Zimbabwe in 1979, he joined Real Sounds, a band originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Now based in Dangamvura, Mutare, Makokowe is as vibrant and passionate about music as ever.
“I feel I still have the energy to play the guitar and compose music. I know many people wonder where I am and what I am up to.
“It has been an awesome journey. I feel very fit and I feel I still have a whole lot more to offer.
“I am confident that these new singles will be hits. Music is in my blood, in fact, it never left me. I spend much of my time writing songs and on the guitar.
“A guitar is my friend. I am sure by re-releasing the old songs, I will take fans down memory lane. It’s a beautiful feeling.”
As he prepares to re-release classics like ‘Wotopfuhwira Zvese Nembwa Dzavo’, ‘Mudiwa Wangu’, ‘Anopenga Anewaya’, and ‘Connie’, alongside fresh new music, fans, both old and new, can look forward to a powerful revival from one of Zimbabwe’s musical stalwarts.
