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“I am shocked at the number of bookings my manager is getting. People still want my services. I am just an ordinary elderly man who should be spending time in the village in Chiundura. I want to rest, but with all these bookings, I cannot call it retirement at all.”
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FOR over 60 years, he has been singing and dancing for the Lord.
His remarkable journey began in the 1960s, an era when American popstar Elvis Presley ruled the global music scene.
With more than 60 songs to his name, Baba Machanic Manyeruke continues to inspire many through his prolific music career.
His acoustic guitar has been his first love for over six decades — a bond that has only grown stronger with time.
Last weekend, he celebrated his 83rd birthday surrounded by family and friends, radiating vitality far beyond his years.
At the recent Heroes and Defence Forces Gala in Hwedza, Mashonaland East province, he outperformed many artistes nearly 60 years his junior.
Despite being a proud and energetic octogenarian, he shows no signs of slowing down. Without doubt, Baba Manyeruke is a true icon — a living testament to the power of longevity and God’s grace.
While many of his peers have since met the Maker, this revered praise and worship guru is still going strong.
Retirement U-turn
With his music still in high demand, there are no signs of him hanging up the microphone.
Following his stellar performance in Hwedza, his booking agent is once again inundated with requests for church conferences, year-end parties and exclusive dinners.
In his birthday message, Manyeruke officially walked back his retirement plans.
“In life, they say a good dancer should know when to leave the stage, but my case is something else,” he chuckled after a recent church performance in Ruwa.
“I am shocked at the number of bookings my manager is getting. People still want my services.
“I am just an ordinary elderly man who should be spending time in the village in Chiundura. I want to rest, but with all these bookings, I cannot call it retirement at all.”
Having lost many of his peers, Manyeruke feels deeply loved and grateful.
“I cannot say I have lived this long by luck. God has a special reason for giving me this gift of long life.
“The only way I can return the favour is by continuing His ministry. I am still in the game — and not going anywhere when it comes to live shows.”
Diet/herbs
Though deeply spiritual, Manyeruke believes prayer alone is not enough for longevity.
“I have always watched my lifestyle, especially as I have grown older,” he explained.
“I gave up meat and fatty foods like margarine. Too much fat clogs the system and leads to dangerous illnesses. I also take herbs when I visit my rural home — some are bark from the mupfuti tree found in the jungle where I come from.”
He learnt about these herbs from his late father.
“My father was a herbalist who treated many people in the rural areas. He showed me herbs that boost and cleanse the immune system. When he died in 1957, he took his secrets with him.
“We do not even know where he got them. I now believe the Shona saying, ‘Munhu anoenda nezvinhu zvake (A person departs with their knowledge)’.”
In addition to herbs, Manyeruke credits exercise for his vitality.
“I have stayed fit through jogging, walking and weightlifting. I have always loved keeping fit. I used to run marathons and still keep some of the medals in my house.”
Rural life
Now based in the rural areas, Manyeruke remains humble.
“I am a favourite person in my community, but I have always wanted a simple life. People wanted me to be a village head, but I refused — I do not want the pressure. I also did not want to expose my ignorance. I dropped out in Standard Six and cannot speak English for long hours.”
He applies the same principle at church.
“I am content with what I have. I have never been power-hungry. More responsibilities can be taxing and drain the soul.”
Taming Guspy Warrior
As he turns 83, Manyeruke beams with pride over his son, Zimdancehall star Guspy Warrior (Emmanuel Manyeruke), who has embraced rural life.
“My son has changed completely. He has built a home in the rural areas and is now a farmer with cattle and goats, some of which I gave him.
“He is doing things on his own, without my supervision,” he said.
He laughs off past rumours of a fallout.
“You would be shocked by his conduct today. He has mastered both urban and rural life. I see the hand of the Lord in everything he does.”
Married to Helena, Manyeruke is proud of his seven children.
“I have four boys and three girls — a blessing on its own. Only Guspy and Alexander are into music.”
He fondly recalls his international tours.
“I have travelled overseas countless times — London, Austria, Germany and the United States of America — all by God’s grace.”
As he celebrates this milestone, Manyeruke hopes to be remembered for the good deeds God has done in his life.
Having started singing in the 1960s and still going strong, he remains a pillar of gospel music.
“We laid the foundation for this genre, alongside pioneers like Jordan Chataika and Freedom Sengwayo. It is evolving and that is wonderful.”
His wish as he turns 83?
“To create good memories and help others — even as a centenarian.”
