malvernmugadzikwa
Dennis Chimanzi
CHIEF Hwenje, the musician who came up with the popular “ED Pfee” song, believes his son Wellington is destined for the stars.
Born Admire Sanyanga Sibanda, Chief Hwenje last week introduced his son to the multitudes of people who thronged the National Sports Stadium to witness the inauguration of President Mnangagwa.
Known in music circles as Hwenje Junior, Wellington won the hearts of many after dancing to “Mai Welly”, a popular song by his father.
An overnight sensation, Hwenje Jnr captivated the crowd in attendance and the millions who watched him perform live on national television and other online media platforms.
After the splendid performance, the 12-year-old was showered with gifts and was accorded an opportunity to meet and chat with President Mnangagwa.
A proud Chief Hwenje said he will do “whatever it takes” for his son to realise his dream of one day becoming a fully fledged musician.
“Wellington is multi-talented. He can sing, dance and play several musical instruments.
“I want to give him all the support he deserves so that he can fully maximise his God-given talents,” Chief Hwenje said.
A Grade Seven learner at Makomo Primary School in Zvishavane, Hwenje Jnr is set to release his debut album.
“I helped him record an album, which will be released later on, when he has finished writing his examinations. Wellington is also academically gifted,” added Chief Hwenje.
Hwenje Jnr told The Sunday Mail Society that he was inspired by his father to become a musician.
The youngster, who boasted he earned “good money” after performing during the inauguration, said he was destined to become a musician.
“My father earns a living out of music. He sometimes takes me to some of the live shows, where I always get showered with cash. I have no choice but to become a musician,” Hwenje Jnr said.
Chief Hwenje urged parents to give their children the opportunity to chase their dreams.
He bemoaned the fact that some late musicians did not teach their children the ropes, resulting in their legacies dying a natural death.
“We have had so many high-profile artistes who died and their legacies went down with them. There is need for musicians to groom and mentor their children,” said Chief Hwenje.
He saluted musicians Alick Macheso, Jah Prayzah and the late Tedious Matsito for introducing their children to music and encouraging them to pursue careers in the industry.
Chief Hwenje said local artistes must emulate what was done by the likes of Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, Enrique Iglesias, Bob Marley and Frank Sinatra.
The revered Chief Hwenje encouraged local musicians to purchase their own musical instruments to lure their children into music.
“One day, I visited this senior musician and I was shocked to discover that he does not even have a guitar of his own. The musician hires everything — from guitars to drums — and I wondered how his children would learn to play the instruments when they are not at home.”
X: @chimanzi_dennis
Online Reporter