malvernmugadzikwa
Dennis Chimanzi
FREDDY “KAPFUPI” MANJALIMA’S tale in the cutthroat arts industry is oxymoronically both inspiring and disheartening.
This is one man who rose from nothing to make something out of his life.
However, although he initially achieved success, he has since somehow dropped back to the bottom.
Kapfupi is largely credited for turning street theatre into one of the most sought-after entertainment forms at the turn of the millennium.
Supported by an equally talented set of actors that featured in productions like “Magariro” — which included characters such as Charles “Marabha” Merisi, Jeffery “Aphiri” Chikwesere and Mai Trouble — the artiste achieved critical acclaim.
He inspired and impressed across the generational divide. So powerful was his act that even the national broadcaster offered his group a prime time viewing slot around 2000.
Soon after that, the comedian ventured into music.
His debut album, “Uchakanga Waya” (2005), set the music charts ablaze, in the process confirming Kapfupi’s versatility as an artiste.
He followed up the project with another brilliant effort, “Mai Nga” (2010).
At his peak, he rubbed shoulders and shared the stage with music greats, among them Alick “Baba Sharo” Macheso and the late Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo.
Along the way, he became the main act, with the then-rising artistes like Jah Prayzah and Simon Mutambi, as well as Motswana singer Slizer, curtain-raising for him.
He also got the opportunity to fly to the United Kingdom on a tour.
To cap it off, he even won an accolade in the Song of the Year category of the National Arts Merit Awards in 2010.
However, his career took a sudden knock around 2015.
Around that time, he failed to release his scheduled album due to financial constraints.
This was shocking, considering the comedian-cum-musician had been on a purple patch.
Some critics argue Kapfupi, like some of his fellow artistes, lacked financial discipline, while others say the acrimonious split with founding members of the group Magariro led to his demise.
In the past decade, the “Uchakanga Waya” singer has not dropped any meaningful project — be it music or drama.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Entertainment on the sidelines of Mutambi’s recent album launch in Waterfalls, Kapfupi blamed his misfortune on witchcraft and sabotage by “haters”.
“Witchcraft is real; it has destroyed my life. I have close friends and relatives who do not want me to succeed. They are working hard to destroy me using juju,” said Kapfupi.
The musician added that he needs deliverance from evil spirits so that he can revive his troubled career.
In the past, he has been involved in mysterious car accidents.
Last year, Kapfupi and his wife, Mai Nga, were spotted at the shrine of a famous Harare-based traditional healer.
“Even if I am to get financial assistance today, I doubt that will help much in reviving my career. I first need to be cleansed of evil spirits that are haunting me,” he said.
“My son Clive is also struggling in the music industry, and I believe it is because of the same spell that is affecting me. Anyone who is willing to assist can get in touch with me.
“I need to act so that my son does not suffer like me. He is now five years into the music industry, yet he has nothing to show for it. There is certainly something wrong with our family.”
He took us down memory lane.
“To be honest, some years before 2010, I was at the peak of my career. Several musicians would come to me seeking financial assistance and career advice, and I helped them.
“However, I never knew that a couple of years later I would become destitute. Simon Mutambi is one of the people I assisted, and he can attest to that,” added a dejected Kapfupi.
“I am currently facing serious financial challenges and struggling to look after my family. I made a big sacrifice to attend this launch because I have a long history with Mutambi. I could have bought his new album like my fellow musicians did, but I cannot do so because I am broke.”
Other musicians who attended the launch included Mark Ngwazi, Peter Moyo, Macheso’s manager and publicist Tich Makahamadze, Tindo Ngwazi and Tedious Muchapedza Matsito Jnr.
Before Mutambi became a musician, he was a barber in Beatrice, some 40 kilometres or so from the capital city.
The sungura singer acknowledged Kapfupi’s assistance in his rise.
“He (Kapfupi) identified me when he was having one of his live shows in Beatrice. He offered me a chance to play the guitar. After that, he promised to introduce me to the other big names in the industry,” recounted Mutambi.
He was later introduced to Nicholas Zacharia, who further mentored him.
“I would not be here today if it was not for Kapfupi. He identified me from the grassroots. Back then, I did not have anything, but he still assisted me. I hope God will help him rediscover himself,” added Mutambi.
“I do not have much to offer, but with the little that I have, I will assist my big brother in all ways possible.”
Kapfupi is one of the many artistes who have been gifted cars by businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
“I want to thank Sir Wicknell for the precious gift. I no longer had a car. I was using public transport and walked for shorter distances. It was so embarrassing for a popular figure like me.”
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter