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Entertainment Reporter
Long-serving Orchestra Dendera Kings band members will tonight be honoured for their contribution to the genre at a show at Odyssey Nightclub in Kadoma. Most of the band members have been with the group for much longer than their leader Sulumani “Sulu” Chimbetu, who took stewardship after the death of his father and founder of dendera music Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu.
Among the loyal instrumentalists are former band manager and lead guitarist Knowledge Nkoma, bass guitarist Moffat “Mofela” Nyamupindu and rhythm guitarist Vivien “Veve” Ndlovu.
Nyamupindu was due for another long-serving award in the United Kingdom recently but the trip was aborted when the band’s visas were revoked after the cancellation of the tour organiser’s promotion licence.
Another member who worked for many years with Chopper before Sulu took over is dancer Wayne “Musoro” Kembo.
However, Wayne’s allegiance to Orchestra Dendera Kings slackened when he temporarily left for a stint with Tryson Chimbetu’s Marxist Brothers.
It remains to be seen if the organisers ignore Wayne’s Prodigal Son tendencies and reward him. In a similar situation is guitarist Solo Makore, who worked with Chopper for sometime before going it alone when he formed the now-defunct Fogo Fire. Makore left Orchestra Dendera Kings before Chopper’s death and made a rebound last year.
Organiser of the show Cosy Rules said he was impressed with some of the Orchestra Dendera Kings band members’ contribution to the growth of dendera music and the industry at large.
“I have been following dendera music for many years and I am happy with the effort put by some of Orchestra Dendera Kings band members to the genre. These long-serving members have been loyal to the band through thick and thin and they deserve special recognition,” said Cosy.
“While in other bands some members became big-headed when younger leaders took over, Orchestra Dendera Kings has been exemplary.
“The likes of Moffat and Veve are far much older than Sulu but they have humbled themselves under his reign. The band has been strong although some waves shook it just after Simon’s death. We are talking of a strong band today because these guys have been loyal and consistent.”
However, Cosy could not reveal the form of rewards to be given out.
He said prior revelation of the rewards would steal excitement from the show but urged fans to come for a night of big surprises.
Orchestra Dendera Kings publicist Joe “Local” Nyamungoma applauded Cosy for his gesture.
“Morale is the most important thing at any workplace. Cosy’s move will obviously boost morale in our camp.
“We very are grateful because the band will not be the same after these awards. The recognition will strengthen the recipients of the awards and inspire younger members in the group to remain focused on our vision.”
Meanwhile, Orchestra Dendera Kings returns to Harare tomorrow for a show in their stronghold in Highfield. The show is penned for
Mushandirapamwe Hotel and Sulu will share the stage with Jah Prayzah.
The popular “Batai Munhu” combination is looking forward to more joint shows during the festive season and fans should expect nothing short of fireworks in Highfield.
Online Reporter