Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Chronicle Correspondent
HARD WORK is not for the faint-hearted.
This is one line of thought that has kept Ishmael Muvingi on track. The renowned performance artiste recalls how, at the tender age of 10, as a learner at Robert Tredgold, his teacher told him to wise up and make a name in the arts industry.
In those years at primary school, Muvingi’s star shone brightly in drama, dancing, and singing and no one doubted his abilities. Outside class, he found himself taking the role of a jester as his classmates gathered to hear him pull out one joyful banter after the other.
He was a master at it.
Like any boy at that age, he had dreams bigger than seeing himself on stage, entertaining multitudes. Blindly and so innocently, he did not see the bigger picture. His world’s view showed him a futuristic sight bigger than what his teacher envisioned.
Muvingi also had dreams to have a white-collar job. Back then, in the 1980s and 90s, a career in the arts was not attractive. It was frowned upon by society.
Years later, life would take its twists and turns and Muvingi found himself on stage, doing what he knew best while he was at school.
His primary school teacher’s advice rang back in his mind. He had to fasten his belt and drive the long road to stardom in the “dog eat dog” showbiz industry.
The seasoned actor, director, dancer, choreographer and now musician has a thing or two to share about how to survive and adapt in the ever-changing arts industry.
Much like Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom, Muvingi’s journey as an entertainer was crude yet worthy uphill ride.
Starting as an ambitious stage actor, from Emakhandeni suburb in Bulawayo. Now at the age of 44, he shows signs of a man who has ripened up and polished his craft.
The culmination of his maturity is visible in his latest offing to the music library. Last month, on one of the summer’s cold nights, Muvingi presented his new brand as a musician when he launched his debut album, “Mix Masala” at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo.
It had been years since he went into the studio to record. Having monikered himself “Litshe”, this is his time to shine.
The album title is bespeaking. So apt to his lifestyle as a multi-talented performer in that it is a mix of genres.
A listening session reveals how the seasoned musician, actor and choreographer has used his exposure and experience to pull out an all-embracing musical piece.
“The name Litshe is a nickname which dates back to my school days when I used to play rugby. I guess my head was big and strong as a boulder,” he said, as he prepared to share his story with Chronicle Showbiz.
“The journey started way back in 1994. It has been a long, winding yet life-changing course. I have recorded 12 singles and an extended play project, titled Mari consisting of four tracks. I formed my music band in 2016 called Band with No Name, but now I have decided to go solo and share my music with the world and also grow my brand Litshe. My debut album is titled Mix Masala and it comprises eight tracks of different genres.”
A rush read to the song title in the Mix Masala album tells of how Muvingi sought to bring music lovers under his umbrella. The music compilation has Vavengi, Omalukazana, Redemption, Mayihlalela, Shungu, Thula Sana, Remember and Rudo.
His upbringing in the cosmopolitan city of Bulawayo affected his talent.
“My music speaks to everyone. I sing to entertain, educate and inform society. One finds that in the songs I touch on the very pertinent aspects that make us whole as a society.”
Muvingi said since its release, his latest musical project is trending. Music lovers of all ages, even those abroad, want a copy of the album.
Aside from his flirtation with the mic, Muvingi is a senior member of the world-acclaimed Umkhathi Theatre Works.
He has worked with Siyaya Arts, Iyasa, Sadalala Amajekete. To top the list, Muvingi has had stints on the world’s biggest theatre stages in the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States. While theatre has been his mainstay, he juggles television drama.
After doing theatre and TV and cinema, the diverse artiste is not shy to say his fame was reborn in music.
“This is where I find fulfilment. Even if I am involved in other projects, I see this journey as a musician as a calling that I took time to respond to. It was all about God’s time.
“As an artiste, one has to find a home and not be limited to trying new things. I must admit that it was not easy. I learned that loyalty counts as much as the availability of opportunities. One has to take the risks,” said the musician.
Muvingi toured with Umkhathi in 2004 when the ensemble attended the Aberdeen International youth festival in Scotland. In 2006 he was on a voyage with Siyaya Arts and it was for a good nine years going all over the greater part of Europe and Asia. Of his greatest moments on stage, Muvingi recalls performances at the Womad festival, Glastonbury and the Edinburgh Fringe.
Muvingi’s star shone brighter as he aged. He is a recipient of as many awards in the local arts scene. His cabinet, multi-talented performer’s trophy cabinet boasts of a gong from the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) and one from the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards.
Going down memory lane, local television viewers will recall Muvingi’s husky voice in local TV dramas like Insuku zokucina and Ezakomkhakha.
True to his somewhat down-to-earth character, Muvingi does not mince his words when he gives thanks to arts gurus Matesu Dube the Umkhathi director and Raisedon Baya of Intwasa Arts Festival.
“What is a man without his brother and sisters in the hustle? The artiste that you call Ishmael Muvingi and Litshe is a product of many people that include Raisedon Baya, Matesu Dube, Simon Mambazo Phiri, Innocent Dube, the late Clever Chimwanza and not forgetting all the women who made it worthwhile to groom and uplift me in the industry. Without them, I do not think the world would have known of my talents,” said Muvingi.
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