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up of “rebels” from Alick Macheso’s Orchestra Mberikwazvo.
The nimble-footed dancer, who commands a huge following at live shows, quit the Dendera Kings after being with the group for 30 months.
According to Slomo he leaves a happy man.
“For starters I didn’t have a contract with Suluman. It was just a gentlemen’s agreement that I left Macheso to join his group. As things stand I don’t owe him (Sulu) anything and that makes me a happy man,” he said.
Earlier in an interview with The Herald, Slomo denied reports linking him to the newly formed Orchestra Ndozvese.
“You see at the time I had not spoken to Suluman over the issue so I thought it was unwise for Sulu to know about it through the Press. However, the deal came later after you (The Herald) had contacted me,” he said.
Slomo’s critics have been quick to suggest he left Orchestra Dendera Kings beacause he could not cope with dendera music, which he denies.
“I gave my all when I was with the group including introducing some new dances, so for people to say I could not cope with dendera is totally unfounded,” he said.
Orchestra Ndozvese. comprises Slomo on vocals, Obert Gomba on drums, chanter and dancer Jonasi Kasamba as well as guitarist Noel Nyazanda. Controversial businessman and politician Tichaona Chapfika is managing the group.
Joe “Local” Nyamungoma, Suluman’s publicist, confirmed Slomo was a free man since he had no binding contractual agreement.
“Well, we do not owe each other anything and we are happy that he took that decision to move and start his own thing,” he said.
Asked if there was any contract with Slomo, Nyamungoma said Slomo joined the Orchestra Dendera Kings before the group had professionalised its operations.
“Slomo just came in before the band was transformed into a fully fledged company and for that reason there was no signing fees or contracts.
“He was more of a free agent. Remember when he (Slomo) joined us there was a lot of movement of band members in music circles and to have him was really an honour. As for the car he is free to take it,” Nyamungoma said.
The recent spate of resignations to hit the Orchestra Dendera Kings and Orchestra Mberikwazvo has raised concern over the future of Zimbabwean music. Some critics say its good for the sector while others say what goes around comes around.
The fact that the new Orchestra Ndozvese is made up of former Macheso band members means there is little difference in terms of what they have to offer.
Macheso broke away from the Khiama Boys to form Orchestra Mberikwazvo and no one should begrudge the likes of Kasamba, Gomba or Nyazanda for breaking away from Macheso.
Online Reporter