Sundaymail Editor
Rest Mutore
THE local music scene boasts talented instrumentalists and vocalists who often thrive in the shadows of established band leaders.
Over the years, many have tried to break away and start solo careers, but very few have been successful.
Sungura king Alick Macheso currently stands as one of the few living instrumentalists who have successfully launched a solo career after breaking away from Khiama Boys.
However, talented guitarist Obert “Father Ten Years” Mangani, formerly with Njanja Express, hopes to join this select group.
Mangani is the latest to take this risky solo plunge, hinting at a new single, “Mark My Words”, which some interpret as a veiled critique of his former boss, Mark Ngwazi.
His situation mirrors the experiences of numerous others who have attempted solo careers.
The reasons for leaving an established band are varied — creative differences, power struggles or the simple desire for individual expression.
However, the path to solo success is often fraught with obstacles.
Many examples illustrate the difficulties of this transition. The now-defunct sungura outfit Extra Kwazvose, composed of former Alick Macheso band members Noel Nyazanda, Jonasi Kasamba, Obert Gomba and Franco Slomo, easily comes to mind.
Though their debut album was promising, the group ultimately faltered.
Nyazanda and Jonasi retraced their steps to Macheso’s Orchestra Mberikwazvo, while Slomo soldiered on, though with less prominence than when the ensemble was first unveiled.
Top rhythm guitarist Zakaria “Zaka Zaka” Zacharia’s ventures beyond Macheso, when he formed his Chilli Boys, also ended without success.
Ronnie Mudindo’s exit from Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo’s Utakataka Express and Willard “Willo” Loti’s departure — though after Dhewa’s death — also yielded unconvincing results.
In a chat with The Sunday Mail Entertainment in Kwekwe last year, Mudhindo said: “Tongai (Moyo) was a good boss; he paid us well and we were in good standing, contrary to what many believe.
“I left because I simply wanted to be my own man. However, the journey has been full of thorns. There are seasoned singers who go the extra mile to block rising musicians.”
Mangani acknowledges the risks involved, echoing the experiences of many who have failed to achieve a meaningful breakthrough. However, he expresses confidence in achieving success while highlighting the importance of his own timing and approach.
The aspiring singer’s focus is on individual growth, not solely on immediate success.
“I am aware of other guys who tried this before and failed. But I am very confident that I will make it. I am taking my time,” he said.
“I have hinted at a new single, yes, but I do not have any pressure to release it, because I know this will define my path. Everyone is ambitious in life, so I do not see anything that should stop us from trying something new.”
He boasts his refined ability to play the guitar and sing.
“I am not going to be deterred by stories of those who have tried and failed. Well, if that happens, I would have written a piece of history for myself,” he reckons.
“Why do we have to focus only on those who failed? There are top musicians in the country right now who were part of other groups. It does not necessarily mean that everyone who breaks away is going to fail.”
Innocent Mjintu has seemingly struggled to fully establish his brand since breaking away from Macheso, but he believes all is well for him.
“Personally, I would not say I failed because my fans are happy with what I do musically. I have released music that did well on radio charts. I have toured different parts of the country performing before good crowds.”
“I think I have done a lot. I carried on with Dembo’s legacy, I joined Macheso at one point and worked with Dembo’s sons as well. The secret behind all this is to know what you want to achieve at that particular time,” said Mjintu.
He argues that each field has people who are good in their unique way and at a different level.
“Do not expect everyone to be at the top. What is important is to appreciate the effort every musician is putting in. The problem is when guitarists decide to do their own things, people expect them to surpass their former bosses; that is not always the case,” he argued.
Success
Though the narrative frequently centres on failed ventures, there are examples of solo success among musicians who have departed from renowned groups.
Cephas Karushanga, System Tazvida and Alick Macheso, all from the Khiama Boys; Tobias Areketa, who left Thomas Mapfumo; Andy Brown, formerly with Illanga; John Chibadura and the Chimbetu Brothers, who left Sungura Boys, are just a few examples of musicians who transitioned successfully and established careers for themselves.
New generation musicians like Progress Chipfumo (formerly with Hohodza Band); Takura, who was part of Soul Afrika; Feli Nandi, who blossomed from Mbeu’s Mhodzi Tribe; and Baba Harare (now King David), a former Jah Prayzah’s Third Generation group member, have also found post-band success.
Others have even chosen to remain with their groups despite challenges, with Franco Slomo coming to mind.
The talented dancer, who has transformed himself into a complete musician, has remained with Extra Kwazvose.
“It is not easy to lead a band. You need to be resolute. For me, it was a dream to be my own man,” said Franco.
“So, when others decided to quit, I continued and I am still holding shows and recording new music.”
What is important, he notes, is to know what you want to achieve.
“It is not like we were all born to be at the top; what is important is to keep working hard. Who knows?”
“I have also noted that others do this to try their luck. I was not trying. Again, one has to understand the situation and be able to share the proceeds equally with band members, because greed has been the downfall for many of us,” argued Franco.
Veteran musician and producer Clive Mono Mukundu believes identity plays a significant role.
“Taking a look at those who left and succeeded, they developed a new identity that distinguished them from their previous band. The music industry, in general, is very kind to those who bring something new that was not previously available. Uniqueness sells,” said Mono.
“This contrasts sharply with those who left and attempted to imitate their former bosses, such as the so-called rebels who left Macheso’s band at the time.
”Another issue is a lack of business acumen, because the music industry is not only about talent, but like war, you win through strategy, and some lack strategy.”
Seasoned producer Jabulani Ndlovu of Truetone Studios believes there are several factors to consider when talking about the success or failure of a breakaway member’s solo career.
“Firstly, let us take note that there is a difference between a musician and a guitarist. A musician is someone who is complete, one who is capable of composing good songs, with good messages and a good melody.
“That person should also be able to play instruments and sing at the same time and be able to sing about issues that capture people’s day-to-day lives. I am talking about a genre like sungura. I believe those who break away and make it in the industry possess such qualities,” said Ndlovu.
He reckons being a good instrumentalist does not automatically qualify one to be a successful composer or band leader.
He also feels marketing plays an important role in guaranteeing the success of a musician.
“Nowadays, we have social media and one should be aggressive to take music to the people, and if you are a complete artiste, you will definitely make it.”
“When I say marketing is critical, I look at musicians who just come with a banger and disappear.
”In such instances, it is marketing that would have contributed to that short-lived success,” he said.
Charisma, he added, is equally important.
“Charisma is a quality that gives one charm, influence and appeal. And I believe one is born with such qualities; you cannot make a breakthrough if you do not possess that.
“We have situations where there is general consensus that a particular artiste is good but still fails to make a breakthrough. I have tried to advise artistes accordingly over the years.”
Online Reporter