Online Reporter
Daimon Phiri
ON September 3, Chase Skuza turns 65. From his home village of Ntoli under Chief Manguba in Bulilima District, Plumtree, the voice that taught generations of Zimbabweans to love, reflect and respect is back with a brand-new album, his 37th.
Born Nicholas Sikhuza in Ntoli Village, Bulilima District, then Southern Rhodesia, Chase Skuza emerged from a family deeply rooted in music. He was one of three musical brothers: Solomon Skuza, a war veteran and sungura legend best remembered for timeless hits such as Love and Scandals and Banolila (1981), and Khumbulani Skuza, the quieter brother who helped sustain the family’s musical heritage as a founding member and lead vocalist of Tukuye Super Sounds, renowned for songs including ISantana, Imenya Zami and Intethelelo.
Chase Skuza, affectionately known as “The Gentleman of Song”, rose from singing in church choirs in Ntoli to performing before packed stadiums in Harare, carrying the identity and pride of Bulilima onto the national stage.
“A man without a home village is a song without a chorus,” he used to say.
Today, his legacy is being carried forward by a new generation. Lwazi Skuza, the son of Chase’s brother, and Thawulo Skuza, the son of his younger brother who is now based in South Africa, are helping to keep the family’s musical tradition alive.
The Skuza name is not fading. It is growing stronger with each generation.
Chase was never defined by a single hit song. He built a catalogue. Over the years, he gifted Zimbabweans enduring classics such as Bathu Bakhithi (“Our People”), Abalalanga (“They Did not Sleep”), Imvuselelo (“Revival”), Umuzi Wami with Kwejani Band (“My Home”), and Sebevumelene (“They Have Agreed”).
This September, under T.K Studio, Chase Skuza releases his 37th album, Inhlonipho (“Respect”).
Inhlonipho, comprising 10 tracks, delivers a musical fusion that only Chase Skuza could create. It blends mbaqanga, reflecting both South African and Bulilima influences; gospel, rooted in his upbringing as a church boy from Ntoli; traditional sounds honouring Chief Manguba and the elders; reggae, carrying messages of peace; and Afro-disco for the dance floor.
“In this time of division, we need Inhlonipho. Respect for elders. Respect for culture. Respect for each other. That is Chase,” said a family spokesperson.
In an era often dominated by noise and fleeting trends, Chase Skuza continues to offer music rich in meaning and reflection. In a time marked by division, he promotes respect. While many artistes pursue publicity, Chase built a reputation founded on character and consistency.
He never fought on stage. He never disrespected his fans. He arrived dressed in a suit, performed in Shona, Ndebele, English, Nambya and Kalanga, and left audiences with a sense of shared humanity.
That is why taxi drivers still play his music.
That is why brides still walk down the aisle to his songs and their timeless messages.
Sixty-five years. Thirty-seven albums. One village. One message.
From Ntoli under Chief Manguba to homes across Zimbabwe, Chase Skuza continues to remind people of who they are and where they come from.
As Zimbabwe celebrates his 65th birthday on September 3 and awaits the release of Inhlonipho in mid-September, his career stands as a reminder of the enduring power of music, culture and identity.
A nation that forgets its musicians risks forgetting part of its soul.
Happy 65th Birthday, Baba. Inhlonipho kuwe. Respect to you.
*The author, Daimon Phiri, is an author and music commentator with more than 20 000 published articles. He documents the heroes of music.
