Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Veteran musician and lecturer Jonah Moyo says resilience has made him a household name after giving sungura artistes the limelight.
The retired Great Zimbabwe University Music lecturer told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that he was the first artiste to record a sungura track in 1979, when it was deemed “rubbish” and “unconsumable”.
The “Solo na Mutsai” hit-maker, who is also the younger brother of Aaron Chiundura-Moyo, has recently signed off from his teaching profession, having received an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Creative and Performing Arts degree from Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) last year.
The seasoned musician, who has been in the industry for the past 50 years, firmly believes he has many untold stories that contributed to the rise of sungura.
“Just the other day, I was reflecting on my career and realised that I was the first sungura artiste to record a song that sold gold, titled ‘Deverangwena Zhimozhi,’ which I recorded in 1979,” he shared.
“It was the same year that I was mocked by Thomas Mapfumo, who claimed I was singing nonsense and rubbish. In fact, Mapfumo wanted me to join him and actually told my producer, Tony Ribett, that I was singing rubbish. At that time, he was supported by my brother Joshua, but that is now history, and we don’t dwell on the past anyway.”
The veteran singer, who has seen it all, claims he also helped the late Leonard Dembo in his formative years.
“There are some stories I would have kept to myself, but for your information, I have helped many household names gain prominence. One of the artistes I gladly assisted was Leonard Dembo, whom I helped in 1988. I toured many parts of the country with him as my supporting act, and I am very glad that I nurtured a legend in him,” recalled the veteran singer.
The Masvingo-based artiste, who recently accompanied his brother Aaron Chiundura-Moyo earlier this week as he received his Toyota Fortuner GD6 and US$50 000 cash from businessman Wicknell Chivayo, believes that family should come first.
“In my career, I have always had support, and one of them is my brother Aaron (Chiundura-Moyo), with whom I have always been united in my creative journey. It’s rare to have a brother like him because he just loves his craft, and that is why he continues to be an icon. Growing up, I looked up to him, and I am glad that he also supports me,” he stressed.
The legendary singer emphasised that respecting family will always remain priceless.
“In life, we need to respect one another, and in my case, I have always been a good friend to all my siblings. I have learned a lot from my brother (Aaron Chiundura-Moyo) from childhood up to now. It’s very rare for siblings in most families to bond as we do,” he pointed out.
After marking half a century in music, the Deverangwena Jazz Band artist wants to be remembered as someone who helped many people realise their potential. “I might be a pensioner by age, but I don’t regret my journey; I am grateful for what I did for my country as a musician. If I look at the number of people I’ve assisted up to now, I can only thank God for that and for this calling I have.”
The multi-instrumentalist, who left his job as a producer in South Africa to become a lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University, believes he has left footprints that will be cherished for years.
“For your information, I promoted several musicians to come and perform in South Africa. I brought artists like Nicholas Zakaria, the late Andy Brown, and Mitchell Jambo to South Africa when I was still a producer there. I did all this to uplift my brothers, and today I can safely say I have done something for my country,” he recalled.
As he reflects on the career path he has taken, the iconic singer genuinely believes that the sky is the limit.
