adminReckson Mandizvidza Entertainment Reporter
Decades after they first thrilled Zimbabwe and regional nations, an album compilation of several hits by the Epworth Theatrical Strutters was finally launched over the weekend in Strathaven. The Epworth Theatrical Strutters were a force to reckon with during the 1960s and some of their songs which did well and have been integrated in the album include “Mandinema”, “Hwahwa”, “Tave Munyika Itsva” and “Kudzidza Kwakanaka”.
The Strutters comprised of brothers, Nesbitt, Peter and Andrew Kanyowa as well as their cousins among them Herbert Simemeza who is the only surviving member of the group today. They were known for their soulful guitar music which was popular at the time.
Now the children of the band members decided to revive the memories of their fathers through the compilation and the subsequent launch of the album which happened close to four decades after the Strutters had last released a song.
Maureen Mafunga, daughter to the talented pianist Andrew Kanyowa who spearheaded the compilation project said it was all about the need to keep their fathers’ legacies alive as what they sang is still relevant to society today.
“The group Epworth Theatrical Strutters was comprised of people who were passionate about what they were doing and not much about money and so what they were after was to enlighten their fellow Africans about diverse issues from education to even alcohol abuse.
“Since they made their music from around 1948 to late 1960s, their music was only available on old vinyl records but we thought it would be right if we make some of the songs available on a single album thus the creation of the album here today.
“We want also the young generations to be aware of the messages which was being sent back then which makes a lot of sense even now, decades after being sung,” she said.
Renowned writer Joyce Jenje Makwenda, who helped the families with the compilations, stressed the need to document and keep family histories alive as they will also keep national histories alive.
“What the families have done here is very commendable.
“It is no secret that one day every one of us will pass on but what will the next generations say about us if we do not leave anything for them and as such it is important to keep family histories? Actually people should strive to have family archives as these archives create community history which in turn feeds into national history,” said the Zimbabwe Township Music author who has produced a documentary on the lives of some of Zimbabwe’s earliest recorded professional musicians.
Deputy Minister of Sport Arts and Culture Honourable Tabetha Kanengoni Malinga, who was the guest of honour at the launch, said artists should also aim to emulate the good deeds done by yesteryear artists such as the Strutters.
“At times people are fully appreciated when they are no longer there and that is really a pity because if someone does something great they should be appreciated but such is life.
“If we listen to the music of the Strutters, it is pregnant with messages and artists today could take a leaf from such and try to deliver music which is also productive,” said the guest of honour.
The event which was full of emotion saw the only surviving member of the crew, Herbert Simemeza going down memory lane by belting one of the group’s hits “Mandinema” which send many to ears as it rekindled many yesteryear events.
Proceeds from the sales of the album will be donated to some of the Epworth schools where the group first made their mark.
Online Reporter