Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Arts Reporter
“Dzimwe nzendo, taurai madzoka!”
This phrase, a signature line from Mark Ngwazi’s hit song ‘Taurai Madzoka’, once resonated deeply with fans as the young sungura artist rose to prominence.
At one point, Ngwazi’s rapid ascent led to bold comparisons with the undisputed king of sungura, Alick Macheso. The debate intensified in 2022 when the two musicians released albums just weeks apart.
Macheso’s ‘Tinosvitswa Nashe’ album launch took place on June 10, 2022 while Ngwazi’s ‘Nharo neZvinenharo’ followed suit on June 25.
While both albums were critically acclaimed, for Ngwazi, this marked a career breakthrough.
For decades, Macheso has ruled the sungura scene largely unchallenged, particularly after the tragic passing of his longtime rival, Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo, in 2011.
Since then, no artist has truly posed a serious threat to his dominance until Ngwazi’s emergence.
Some fans saw Ngwazi as a fresh competitor, while others dismissed him as just another hopeful trying to dethrone the king.
The alleged feud?
While both artists have publicly denied any bad blood, industry insiders and fans have often speculated about an unspoken rivalry.
Ngwazi’s rise was seen as a challenge to Macheso’s throne, sparking debates on social media and among sungura lovers.
Macheso, known for his humility and mentorship, remained diplomatic about the comparisons. As for Macheso’s publicist, Tichaona Makahamadze, said they will never be swayed by comparisons.
“As for being compared to various artists again muwonero wavo asi hazvifi zvakatichinja zvatiri, ticharamba tiri band revanhu kusvika nariinhi,” he said.
Asked about how Macheso has managed to withstand pressure from comparison of other artsists, Makahamadze said there is always pressure especially being such a big branch and looking foward to grow even bigger as well as getting worldwide recognition.
“The way we handle the pressure depend on the type and time of pressure so we take each challenge as it comes.
“When we feel the heat. We do our best to maintain the standard we always believe in Musikanavanhu, Yahwe varikumusoro kudenga,” he said.
Makahamadze on allegations that Macheso was probably at his weakest, he said: “Munhu wese ane kodzero nemaonero nemafungiro ake uye the perspective they refer to as “weakest” from our end , each show we play tinenge tiine full crowd, full house.
“We have more than five dozen songs that can be released even all at once but we time our things and only do it when it really is necessary and deemed fit. Right now our fans varikunakirwa na Hunhu hwakashata and as soon as we get the indication kuti yave kupera muto we drop the next in line.”
Makahamadze said it is a new strategy, “a change in how we do this and as you know some people are resistant to change and will quickly black mail us kuti tatadza, just wait and see.”
Even in an interview yesterday, Ngwazi continued to downplay the perceived rivalry.
“I don’t do music for competition. Chedu kuita basa, then mafans vanemaonerewo avo akasiyana (Our duty is to make music, and it’s up to fans to interpret it in their own way).
“What I can only do is to thank all those who support me, keep that spirit alive so we can achieve our goals,” he said.
The Reality: A Battle for Relevance?
Despite the denials, the industry tells a different story. Macheso remains a household name with an unwavering fan base, while Ngwazi’s star, once seen as a major threat, has somewhat dimmed.
Some critics argue that Ngwazi, while talented, has struggled to maintain the same momentum that initially fueled the comparisons.
Meanwhile, Macheso, even at what some call his “weakest,” continues to dominate the sungura landscape. His unmatched stage presence, deep lyrical content, and distinctive bass-playing style set him apart from his would-be competitors.
While Ngwazi’s efforts are commendable, he still has a long way to go before he can truly stand toe-to-toe with the legendary Baba Sharo.
The question remains: Will he rise to the occasion and cement his place in sungura history, or will he fade into the background like many before him?
One thing is certain sungura fans will always have something to debate.
A genre in crisis?
Perhaps the rivalry debate is a distraction from a bigger issue: the perceived decline of sungura itself.
Renowned music producer and arts critic Clive “Mono” Mukundu believes modern sungura has lost its authenticity, with copycats dominating the scene.
“Sungura’s death is a suicide, not a homicide. Sungura artists are the ones killing sungura.
“The biggest threat to its growth and survival is a lack of diversity. Most artists are busy imitating Alick Machest,” he said.
Mono recalls that during sungura’s peak, there was a variety of distinct sounds John Chibadura, Leonard Dembo, Pengaudzoke, and the unique Dendera and Zora styles.
“But these days, everyone sounds the same,” he added.
Creative entrepreneur and digital creator, Plot Mhako disputed that sungura was dying, but largely stagnated.
“Macheso’s dominance cements his legendary status while highlighting the absence of equally consistent successors.
“Mark Ngwazi and others bring fresh energy but still struggle to establish a unique sound and match Macheso’s influence,” he said.
“Artists like DT Bio Mudimba have introduced refreshing elements, yet the genre needs more structured support, innovation, and fresh talent to stay vibrant.
“Fans and the media also have a big role in embracing and promoting emerging sungura artists.”
