D-day for Njonda Power

Trust Khosa

REAL mentors are born and their products hardly disappoint.

One of these finest mentors and living legends is Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria, a humble man now in his late ‘60s.

He remains a conveyor belt of Zimbabwean music talent and today he unleashes one of his latest products.

This product comes in the form of Patrick Mupindu, who is navigating the same route travelled by his mentor.

Better known by the moniker Njonda Power, the 50-year-old is a bit special when it comes to mastering Madzibaba’s great philosophy.

A truck driver, with over three decades on the road, Njonda Power rubbed shoulders with Madzibaba when he briefly tried the trade.

A fine lead guitarist and God-fearing man, Njonda Power says he learnt all this from Madzibaba.

Tonight, he is billed to launch his second album titled ‘ZvaMwari Hazvipikiswe’ live on Radio Zimbabwe.

Recorded at Gart Studios, the album carries six tracks – Sabhuku, Zvipo, Fanika Iwewe, Rufu, Gore Rino and Ivhu ne Mari.

“I have always been Madzibaba Zakaria’s fan, having met him for the first time in the year 1999.

“When I met him in Gokwe, he was holding a show and we later worked together in the transport sector as truck drivers.

“He liked my vision when I told him I wanted to be a musician and he would invite me to his place of residence in Chitungwiza,” he said.

Njonda Power believes he won Madzaibaba’s heart due to his quality as a fast learner.

“It’s every teacher’s wish to have intelligent students who grasp concepts easily.

“This was one of my strengths when I visited Madzibaba for lessons and I later discovered he had a special calling for teaching his own people.

“I am proud to be his product and I will always try my best not to disappoint him.”

Asked why he decided to record music at 49,  Njonda Power said:

“I am a busy man who is always travelling but I have been writing and recording my songs hoping to unleash them in the fullness of time.

“I’m glad the time has come for me to shine and I hope to do my best and give fans their money.

“In music, it’s always nice to work with people who know the game and not chancers.

“In my case, I roped former Tongai Moyo guitarist Willard Loti, Madzibaba backing vocalist Godknows Lindirani and Utakataka Express founder Musaope Nkoma. on drums.

“Other instrumentalists who recorded with me on this project are Prince Kapatsa,  Denny Masili and Obert Gambiza,” he said.