Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment
Jiti music exponent Paddington Chiwashira says it would be hard for them to surpass the levels they set with “Manhanga Matete.”
Although the song’s fame did not translate into fortune, Chiwashira’s only consolation is that it propelled them to prominence—and they now want to build on its success.
Originally from Mutoko but raised in Chihota communal lands, Chiwashira assured jiti lovers that they will keep on churning out more hits.
“To be honest, that song was and is still something else,” Chiwashira told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
“It would be hard to surpass the levels we set with the song, but its popularity does not mean we made money out of it. For your information, it was played everywhere, but people did not know the real composer(s) of it.
“Of course, other versions came, but ours was the popular one.”
Chiwashira, who fronts the Rauya Dzimbahwe Group, revealed that they would not rest on their laurels despite the success that brought them rising prominence with “Manhanga Matete.”
“It would be unfair for people to call us one-hit wonders because we have equally good songs like Ulelenjani (also referred to as Vakomana vema Aqaua) and ‘Tendai Nyakurima,’ which also did well.
“In February this year, we released another album called ‘Toenderai,’ which is doing quite well.
“The title track ‘Tonderai’ and ‘Karikoga’ are doing quite well—quite amazingly for us.”
Chiwashira, who is passionate about African tradition, said they would not get carried away by fame without fortune.
“I know people like our music and style, but we are appealing to event organisers to invite us to perform at major functions.
“We are yet to perform at big corporate functions and national events like music galas, where we want to showcase our stuff.
“I can assure event organisers that we won’t disappoint them if they invite us,” Chiwashira boldly declared.
The 43-year-old bricklayer-turned-musician said he was dreaming of eking out a living through art.
“It has always been my dream to ensure that music sustains our lives, but if we are not getting shows to perform and showcase our talent, we risk dying poor.
“We got a lot of offers after we were invited to perform this year’s NAMAs, but we are still dreaming of going places and showcasing our talent to the masses,” he said.
He also conceded that they were open to constructive criticism for the growth of their brand.
“We welcome all comments from people because they make us stronger with each passing day.
“As a group, we are ready for partnership, although lack of marketing has been our biggest letdown. At the moment, we have WhatsApp and Facebook groups, where we are making inroads, but that will never be enough for us,” conceded Chiwashira, whose camp is itching for recognition.
Chiwashira is one of the musicians pursuing jiti alongside Braveman “Baba Harare” Chizvino, Kelvin “Weru” Fero, Baba Gweru, among others.
He believes the genre is here to stay, considering that it is deeply grounded in Shona tradition.
The fast-paced genre was also made popular by the late Paul Mpofu of the “Murambinda” fame. David Chiyangwa (Mr Bulk) made waves with “Mujinga Renomo” back in the day, while Freddy Manjalima, who gave us “Chikwama Chababa,” also among others.
Jiti, characterised by fast-paced rhythms, drums, and energetic dance, serves as a vital link between traditional Shona culture and modern popular music—and it still remains relevant.
It functions as a celebratory, social, and political tool, used in weddings to foster community identity.
Historically, it has also been used to boost morale during the liberation struggle.
Chiwashira is determined to leave his mark.
