Mat North teacher-cum-musician releases album promoting cultural restoration

George Gumbo, a Victoria Falls-based teacher and sungura musician, has launched a new album advocating for the restoration of culture and moral values to combat societal issues like drug abuse and crime.

Inspired by the late Christopher Shoko of Kwejani Band, Gumbo who hails from Hwange highlights the role of music in shaping society and calls for it to be recognised as a profession rather than a fall back option.

Titled “Ikumo”, his 2024 album aims to inspire positive action among citizens.
“I’m trying to make people realise that, as much as we expect good things to happen, we should put more effort into revisiting our culture. This will help our youth avoid societal ills like drugs,” Gumbo explained.

In the album, he urges parents, teachers, industry leaders and fellow musicians to lead by example and guide young people towards better lives.

“In the past, we didn’t have issues with drugs, murder cases, or housebreaking. The question is, why now? That’s why I believe we should revisit our culture and redefine our music industry. It was once seen as a last resort, but now it’s a respected profession. That’s why, as a teacher, I’m involved in music. My message in my 2024 album is to advocate against drug use.”

Gumbo writes and performs his music in various local languages to reach a broader audience. His popular songs include “Ludo/Uthando” and “Sawhanga” which celebrate and promote respect for local culture.

Narrating his musical journey, Gumbo recounted starting to sing during his primary and secondary school years in Chiredzi, where he grew up and actively participated in the school choir.

He credits much of his success to his former teacher, Paul Lisenga, who is now a lecturer in Gweru. Lisenga introduced him to the Sunsplash Club in Chiredzi, where young musicians were mentored and trained. This club played a pivotal role in nurturing talents like Thompson Chauke, who later played for Simon Chimbetu and Alick Macheso.

After being posted as a teacher to Hwange District, Gumbo had the opportunity to connect with former members of Kwejani Band, who had rebranded as Game Reserve in Dete.

“The music they were playing resonated with my background and I immediately connected with it,” Gumbo recalled.
“That’s when I met Sizo and together, we embarked on our musical journey. We collaborated and produced our debut album with Jambezi Stars, titled Volume 1, in 2004. Since then, we have continued to collaborate on various projects.”

As head of the Music and Art department at Chamabondo Primary School, Gumbo has been using his talent to inspire students to pursue arts as a viable career path, aligned with the new education curriculum focusing on lifelong skills development.

Despite challenges like financial constraints for a permanent band and equipment, Gumbo remains committed to his music, supported by Jambezi Super Sounds.

His music continues to receive extensive airplay on radio stations, contributing to its popularity across the region. – @ncubeleon