Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
As the Heroes Holidays approach, many people often overlook the significant role that musicians played in motivating freedom fighters.
The war of liberation was not only fought on the battlefields but also in the studios, where composers dedicated themselves to creating music with profound meaning.
One notable group that contributed to this cause was the renowned Harare Mambos.
A true nursery of talent, the group featured a remarkable line-up of stars, including the late Greenford Jangano, living legend Tanga wekwa Sando, Phillip Svosve, the late Chris Chabuka, Elisha Josam and Charles Jangano, Greenfield’s son.
Reflecting on Harare Mambo’s journey and role in shaping the Zimbabwean music landscape, Charles told this publication that it was a dream to work alongside his father.
“To be honest, I can’t thank God enough for the opportunity I had to work with my father. He used to lead one of the oldest jazz outfits in Zimbabwe, which made quite an impression back in the day.
“Of course, I was very young then, but he was leading a galaxy of stars who thoroughly enjoyed music,” recounted Charles.
“Some of the big names who went on to form their own groups included Tanga wekwa Sando, Jonathan Nyoni, Elisha Josam and Phillip Svosve, who went on to flourish on their own. I used to play keyboards, and that is the only job I have known since childhood.
“My father composed songs with substance, and one of his songs called ‘Mbuya Nehanda’ was a huge hit, as it ushered in freedom fighters during the independence movement. It was composed at a time when people were coming from war, and the spirit of victory could be strongly felt in that song.” Charles, who has been jamming with several groups since the disbanding of Harare Mambos, praised past musicians for their impact on the birth of Zimbabwean music.
“When my father assembled Harare Mambos, he made history as many guitarists came to learn the ropes from him. He was a genius who left an indelible mark while leading a cream of stars. Of course, there were only a few bands at that time due to challenges in securing instruments. After forming a large group, he ended up creating Harare Mambos A, B, and C. All these groups flourished, which stands as proof of my father’s mentorship,” he emphasised.
Charles, who has performed alongside Thomas Mapfumo and several other local groups, expressed his desire to collaborate with more artists.
“I am still making music, although my goal is to revive the jazz that was popularised by my father.
“Currently, I make cameo appearances at various live shows, including Jabavu Drive, Sub Sahara Jazz Tribe, and Kurai Makore. I also perform alongside Mannex (Emmanuel Motsi), and I truly enjoy what I’m doing at the moment,” he shared.
The keyboardist, who trained at the Zimbabwe College of Music in the late ‘70s alongside Manuel Bagorro, who used to run the Harare International Festival of the Arts, believes he still has much to offer the music industry.
“To be honest, I have seen it all and trained in music, which makes me somewhat unique.
“I am doing what I love the most; music is one of those things I cherish doing daily.
“In fact, music was the only thing I loved, which is why I pursued further studies in the USA.”
He continued: “Back in the US, I played with Mukanya since 2016 and toured with him to the UK for Zim Fest. My most memorable show with him was the 2018 gig at Glamis Showground in front of a crowd of 25 000.
“I still cherish that show as one of my best. We played for four hours non-stop, and we didn’t even feel it because the crowd was incredibly appreciative.”
Charles, who had a stint with his father in Victoria Falls, where they became the resident band at Elephant Hills since 1993, described his time in the resort town as one of the best moments he will always treasure.
“I can safely say Victoria Falls opened many doors for us, allowing us to perform alongside great artists like Hugh Masekela and Dorothy Masuka. Sharing the stage at Elephant Hills Hotel was a huge achievement for us,” recalled the crooner.
The jazz musician, who is set to launch his single titled “Zvichanaka,” featuring the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, emphasised that he had a good relationship with the departed legend. “Around 2013, I had the opportunity to perform alongside Tuku, and I will always cherish that moment as one of the best. I had known him from Highfield, where we lived together before he became popular. When he came to Dallas for a show, I booked a studio by faith before I could contact him, and he agreed to be part of the collaboration,” he stressed.
As Zimbabwe celebrates its heroes, Charles wants musicians of his father’s calibre to be honoured for their role in shaping the Zimbabwean music landscape.
