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Trust Khosa
He is not ashamed of his past, dabbling in juju and magic to control the musical band Kasongo.
Today, he says openly that Juju use, concoctions, bed-hopping, and bullying defined him.
Born a natural dancer, choreographer, and phenomenal vocalist, he strongly believed in juju to assume leadership roles.
His obsession with power saw him consulting most sangomas in Chipinge back in the days. In the end, his musical career ended with repentance and turning to church.
In his chilling confession, all he wanted was power and more power. Added to that, he once became a sex maniac.
He would miss some of Kasongo Band’s opening minutes during live shows romping with various girls in the changing rooms.
The vocalist had a wide selection of girls during the group’s peak in 1979.
Sadly, most of his peers died of HIV and STIs as a result of their risky sexual behaviour.
In 1999, Knowledge Kunenyati had his “Damascene moment” after 20 years in the wilderness.
Now an elder at the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God (ZAOGA Forward in Faith), Kunenyati is not even ashamed to share graphic details of how they used to fight over sex workers.
At 66, he sees God’s grace who whisked him off from the showbiz hell.
His quest is to save future generations from falling into the same trap, which claimed many lives.
After burying many of his peers, Kunenyati has decided to serve God with distinction.
Most of his peers at Kasongo Band, assembled during the Ceasefire period (1979), have died.
He now feels empty as he takes us down memory lane.
Kunenyati created lasting memories at Kasongo with the likes of Ketai Muchawaya, Marko Sibanda, Fainos Mapurisa, Dhembo Kenyata, Jack Nyide, Rex Moto Moto, and Sam Chinyika among others.
“I saw and experienced quite a lot in music over the years,” said Kunenyati.
As he revisited their formative years in showbiz, Kunenyati recalled how fame destroyed most of his peers.
“Kasongo Band was one of the popular groups towards independence that commanded a lot of respect.
“Then the euphoria was high and we were all excited as we entered the “Promised Land” of Zimbabwe after the liberation struggle.
“We were young and all our mistakes were expected from us since we were very young.”
After garnering fame at the star-studded Kasongo Band, Kunenyati conceded it was difficult for most of his colleagues to handle fame.
“As a living legend, I would like to urge youngsters to desist from prostitution because it kills.
“Talking from my experience, we were reckless and bed-hopping but now it is very risky to do so.
“I used to consult sangomas in my quest for power but I have noted that it doesn’t pay in showbiz,” recalled the crooner.
Kunenyati, who became a “slave” of juju use, said the practice tore apart Kasongo Band.
“There was a time when everyone at Kasongo was obsessed with power and juju use.
“We worked together well on stage but behind the scenes we used juju to ensure that we assume our dominance, which is quite unfortunate,” said Kunenyati who started as a bouncer before leading the group.
After working with the group from 1979-89, Kunenyati went solo.
“After 10 years with the group, I decided to go solo and formed Muzokomba Movers named after my home area in Buhera.
“I recorded for about seven years but left my group with my young brother Edmore Kunenyati in 1995 to revive Kasongo.
“In 1999, I decided to give my life to Christ and joined ZAOGA where I’m an active member in Chitungwiza.”
Despite giving his life to Christ, Kunenyati is confident a musical comeback is possible.
He has joined a movement of legends who are keen to revive their careers led by Kireni Zulu.
“I have been keeping a low profile at home until I received a call from Kireni Zulu who shared his vision with me.
“He has formed a movement of yesteryear legends who were lying idle at home doing nothing and we are now rehearsing for new projects.
“I am glad that people of Kireni Zulu’s calibre have remembered us at a time when we thought we would never bounce back,” he said.
The Standard 3 school dropout, who has never stopped writing new songs, said he was ready to work with both the young and the elderly artistes.
“I have always wanted to help others because I also benefitted from those who started way back before we came into the game.
“This has made us the stars that we are today and we are determined to leave an impression.
“As legends, we should not be selfish as the young generations need our expertise,” he said.
As a fallback plan, Kunenyati runs a pirate taxi in Chitungwiza.
“I own a small car that I sometimes use as a taxi. As a man, you should find something to ensure that you generate money at home rather than being inactive.
“I can’t afford to relax at home and pretend everything is okay.”
He has anointed his son Knowledge Junior to take over to ensure the Kunenyati legacy is safe.
“My son is equally good; I have given him the green light to lead Muzokomba Movers.
“He can sing, dance, and write songs. He is a complete package and you will soon hear him.
“I am glad that God has done His wonders by surrounding me with progressive people who love me genuinely. I could have died had it not for his love,” he said.
Kunenyati was blessed with five children and 25 grandchildren.
Online Reporter