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David Mabvuramiti, but he is no longer interested in reviving the band since he is now a pastor with ZAOGA. So practically I am only the one left in the band,” said Gonora.
He said they agreed that if a band member leaves the group they were not allowed to use the name of the group.
“That is why when Paul Matavire left the group, he went on to form his own Hit Machine and the same can be said of Chamunorwa Nebeta, who formed his own Glare Express. Sadly, they are both late,” said Gonora.
He said he took over the reigns of Jairos Jiri Band from 1995 to 1998 during which period the group lost members through death.
“It was a star-studded group but deaths weakened us and now I am the only one left but I still have the interest to bring the band back in form,” said Gonora.
The veteran lead guitarist said he was in the process of teaming up with other talented disabled people to form a formidable band.
“I do not have adequate instruments but I would love to assemble a good band. We have many talented disabled people in the country and would love to rope in these people,” he said.
Gonora is visually impaired.
The Jairos Jiri Band stood as a beacon of what dis-abled people can when united. During its inception, the group was led by Matavire, who was a social worker, and had been left blind by glaucoma as a child. While Paul’s love songs earned him the nickname “Dr Love”, his songs were also known for their social commentary.
Matavire’s music gained popularity due to his humour, the use of rich and deep Shona lyrics, and his willingness to tread on what many regarded sensitive societal issues.
His songs touched on anything from religion to marital issues, but still retaining the humour that made it ever so popular. The hit song ‘’Dhiyabhorosi Nyoka’’ stirred controversy at its release by its reference to the biblical Eve, and women in general, as the root cause of every man’s troubles, while at the same time acknowledging the pivotal role women play in society. Matavire’’s music has remained popular even among the young in Zimbabwe years after his death.
When Matavire left the group, it was briefly led by Chamunorwa Nebeta. He then went on to form his own Glare Express.
Popularly known as JJB, the band grew in popularity during the late 80s, and even toured abroad. Their success was blighted by Matavire’s one-year incarceration on charges of raping a disbaled woman.
The band commemorated his 1991 release with the song “Back from College”, a song that narrated his experiences in jail.
Online Reporter