Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SUNGURA musician Simon Mutambi has bemoaned what he describes as a growing culture of disrespect among some artists from the younger generation.
The Cobra Kings frontman believes humility, discipline and respect for pioneers of sungura are essential for any musician hoping to build a lasting career. He also accused some fans of fueling unnecessary social media rivalries that only serve to divide the sungura fraternity.
Mutambi opened up ahead of the launch of his 14th album, ‘Muchandinzwa’, which is set to be unveiled in Harare on July 30.
“The reason I get along well with sungura torchbearers like living legend Alick Macheso, and many others is because I respect them,” Mutambi told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub. I don’t have time to pick fights for the sake of relevance. Instead, I would rather learn from my elders.There is nothing wrong with learning from the best. At one point Baba Sharo (Macheso) even gave me a bass guitar as a gift during one of my album launches, and that alone speaks volumes about the mutual respect we have for each other.”
He said unnecessary feuds were detrimental to the growth of the creative sector.
“I have followed trends over the years, and picking up fights with elders is a recipe for disaster. They have seen it all and it is up to us as musicians to learn from them, remain authentic and focus on our careers. “Creating beef with established superstars may attract temporary attention but it does little to build a meaningful career.
“I won’t mention the names of those engaging in such behaviour,” he said.
Over the past few years, some social media users have fueled comparisons between Mark Ngwazi and Macheso, a debate that many industry players have dismissed as unnecessary.
While some of Ngwazi’s supporters and members of his inner circle have continued to push the comparisons, Macheso’s camp has largely ignored the debate. “We can only save and grow our genre through unity, creativity and mutual respect.
“I was groomed from family level and later received professional training through talent search programmes such as Music Crossroads.
“Those experiences shaped both my character and my career.”
Mutambi, who made history as the first sungura artist to perform at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) in 2008, said performing before diverse audiences gave him confidence and broadened his outlook.
“I have heard HIFA is being revived this year after an eight-year hiatus, and that is good news for all of us. I was groomed by the best in terms of etiquette and the fundamentals of show business, and I continue to apply those lessons in my career.
“As we launch this 14th album, we want the world to know that we are truly talented.”
Away from music, the Cobra Kings frontman is also a hairstylist and farmer.
He encouraged fellow musicians to establish alternative sources of income to cushion themselves during difficult times. “I always urge fellow artists to have a fallback plan. It does not create a good image when musicians struggle to make ends meet. “The Covid-19 lockdown taught us that talent alone is not enough.
“Every artist should invest in another business to secure their future.”
