Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Progress Chipfumo, the renowned musician and leader of Sounds of Motherland, is currently recuperating in the United Kingdom after undergoing a knee surgery.
Believing that he may have been bewitched, Chipfumo’s situation has left his band, which rely entirely on him, in a state of uncertainty since he departed Harare during last year’s festive season for what was intended to be a short vacation.
His prolonged absence has sparked speculation about his status abroad, although he recently clarified the situation in an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“I am safe here in the United Kingdom, where I underwent surgery after my kneecap dislocated while I was in Zimbabwe,” he explained. “Initially, I thought it was a minor issue, but the injury has caused me significant discomfort since my arrival to visit colleagues.”
Chipfumo expressed disbelief over the severity of his condition, stating, “I suspect I was bewitched because I don’t understand how this problem arose.”
The talented lead guitarist and vocalist is still grappling with his injury, having collapsed on stage three times while performing in Zimbabwe.
“I was wearing a knee guard, yet the pain persisted, impacting my performances.
“For much of last year, I performed despite the pain, refusing to let it stifle my creativity.”
Despite the challenges he faces, Chipfumo remains committed to his fans.
“Home is always best, but I currently have no choice, but to undergo treatment for my knee.
“I often find myself questioning the cause of this injury, which continues to trouble me even after surgery. My hope is to recover fully so I can return home and resume live shows.”
Chipfumo reassured his fans of his plans to return, saying, “If all goes according to plan, I expect to be back home in the first week of August. I know my fans have missed me tremendously, but I ask for their patience as I focus on my recovery.”
With unwavering passion for his craft, Chipfumo looks forward to reuniting with his audience and sharing new music, confident that his journey toward healing will soon lead him back to the stage.
“I can only promise fans good music once I return home for a series of shows. Music is my life, and I can’t afford to ditch my fans for good. It’s always encouraging to perform before my kith and kin on home turf. I believe everything in life happens for a reason, and I still have faith in God that I will be healed,” he stressed.
Sounds of Motherland manager Junior Chipfumo confirmed his boss’ prolonged stay in the UK.
“We are always in touch with him, but I think he needs time for treatment according to what he told us.
“His health matters most, and we still have faith that he will be back home stronger and fitter. I also know that he is homesick, but he has a family in the UK where he is also receiving treatment,” said the manager.
“We can’t afford to take shortcuts since his condition is monitored by experts. He will be back home in August as he said, but we miss him a lot, and fans should be patient as he recovers.”
The manager revealed that he has given band members the green light to find other side hustles for survival.
“We can’t bar them from doing other tasks for survival because we all know the situation on the ground. I am sure we will regroup upon his return to Zimbabwe,” added the manager.
Sounds of Motherland’s long-serving member and drummer Simba Chinyani revealed it was hard to make ends meet.
“I don’t want to lie that all is well because right now we are struggling without shows.
“However, we have resolved to man up and try other things for survival. As you are aware, most bands in Zimbabwe are also struggling, but they have remained focused,” he stated.
Chinyani, who once doubled as Chipfumo’s manager, has vowed to remain loyal to his boss.
“I have been in this industry all my life, and I know how it is in showbiz. Of course, I could try my luck with other bands in Zimbabwe, but I can tell you there are no vacancies. After all, only a few musical bands are leading a better life, while the rest are struggling at the moment,” he said.
Chipfumo is one of Zimbabwe’s finest guitarists who passed through the Music Crossroads talent search programme.
He has been in this game for years and had a successful stint with the Hohodza Hot Band under Portia Gwanzura.
Chipfumo formed the Sounds of Motherland at the turn of the new millennium, and the gamble has paid off.
He boasts a rich catalogue of albums, including “Progress Report” (2000), “Let Them Know” (2002), “Ndinovatenda Nei” (2004), “Tsiurika” (2007), “Hold My Hand” (2013), “Progress Check” (2017) and “Hope” (released last year).
