Dr Love’s legacy lives on

Sebastian Mbata, Thomas Mukanya Mapfumo’s drummer? How about Tinei Chikupo? Simangaliso Tutani? David Mankaba of the Bhundu Boys? Biggie Tembo of the same group? Johnny Papas of the “Papa Has got a Brand New Bag” fame? The list is endless.
We also have a musician-cum-comedian in the name of Safirio Madzikatire of the Mukadota Family fame, William Mhlanga, who was Oliver Mtukudzi’s drummer and brother to Louis Mhlanga, Shepherd Munyama of the Khiama Boys, Solomon Skuza, James Chimombe, Flavian Nyathi, John Nyathi, James Chimombe, Simon Chimbetu, John Chibadura, Ephat Mujuru, Dumisani Maraire, father to Chiwoniso, Jonah Sithole, Ernest Jacko, Ashton Sugar Chiweshe, Robson Banda, Jordan Chataika, Chris Matema, Susan Mapfumo, George Pada, Leonard Dembo, Tinei Chikupo, Ndux Malax, Manu Kambani and Brian Sibalo.
These are the names of just a few well-known musicians. The list is long and might take up the whole column if I were to mention everyone.
Others have remained obscure in this column as they were regarded mainly as backstage artistes who supplied labour to the main artistes.
It is time music organisations organised a memorial service for all these fallen heroes. Death, like birth, must be a tremendous event. Those who pretend that dying is like strolling into the next room always leave me unconvinced, as the sanctity of life here on earth is precious.
So a remembrance service for all these musicians is in order. I am therefore calling upon record companies, Zimura, Zimbabwe Union of Musicians and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to get together and look into the possibility of organising this day.
Talking about dead musicians, if you have forgotten the music and adventures of Dr Love, aka Paul Matavire, who died six years ago, then there is no need to read on.
Born in Rutenga, in the Mwenezi area in 1963, Paul Matavire, lead singer with the Jairos Jiri Band, developed glaucoma at the age of six, which threatened his failing eyesight. A year later he was totally blind.
Undaunted, Paul taught himself to play drums, keyboards and the guitar in 1982.
On completion of his secondary schooling Paul joined the Jairos Jiri Association, an organisation looking after disabled people, as a social worker. He was so impressed by the Jairos Jiri Band which was based in Bulawayo where Paul was working that one day he asked if he could become a member. His wish was granted.
When his parents heard that Paul had abandoned social work to follow this risky career, they protested. Paul continued as a musician and in no time at all he released two controversial hits “Tanga Wandida” and “Dhiabhorosi Nyoka”. These songs dominated the radio airwaves throughout the country for almost a year, thus winning Paul the title “Dr Love” as he wooed the hearts of many women through his deep Shona lyrics.
Matavire’s music gained popularity due to his humour, the use of rich and deep Shona lyrics, and his willingness to tread on what many regarded as sensitive societal issues.
His songs touched on anything from religion to marital issues, but still retaining the humour that made them ever so popular. His hit song “Dhiyabhorosi Nyoka” not only stirred controversy at its release by its reference to the biblical Eve, and women in general, as the root cause of every man’s troubles, while at the same time acknowledging the pivotal role women play in society. Surprisingly, Matavire’s music has remained popular even among the young in Zimbabwe years after his death.
He is also remembered for his willingness to experiment with the Shona language in his songs, coining phrases that have remained part of everyday conversation among the Shona-speaking people in the country.
Later, other hits such as “Ma U”, released in 1988, established Paul as one of Zimbabwe’s top commentators on social issues. As if commenting on topical issues was not sufficient, Paul found himself in trouble in 1990 when he was alleged to have raped a visually handicapped woman from Jairos Jiri Association.
All evidence led to the fact that Paul had indeed raped as the victim had torn a piece of Paul shirt and kept it as evidence despite his denials. Before the court had reached its verdict on the matter, Paul had released a record entitled “Joke of the Year” in which he pleaded innocence on the matter. This brought about even more controversy regarding the case. As Paul argued: “If one has a talent, it must be stretched to the limit.” He certainly did.
Paul with his entourage of 27 musicians travelled to Europe in 1989 where they were reported to have had successful performances. A proposed 1990 European tour was cancelled due to the court case, but Paul continued with concerts within Zimbabwe including being a supporting act for international artistes.
He later served a one-year prison term after being convicted of rape. On release in 1991, Matavire released a single entitled “Back from College” which was a recapitulation of his prison experiences. His last release in 2003 was “Zimbe Remoto”. He died in 2005.
Matavire was also known for leading a simple life. Semi-retired before his death, he balanced music with tending goats and cattle in Rutenga where he moved after 2000 when he was allocated a farm by the Zimbabwe Government.
Just like his music, however, Matavire had his own fair share of controversies. At the time of his death, there were media reports of him having ejected a commercial farmer and taken over the farm, including the livestock, during Zimbabwe’s “Land Reform Programme”. For most Zimbabweans, however, Matavire is fondly remembered for his music more than anything else.
l Fred Zindi is a professor at the University of Zimbabwe. He may be contacted via e-mail: [email protected]