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Nyemudzai Kakore Entertainment Reporter
The late musician David Chiyangwa, affectionately known as “Mr Bulk”, was a versatile musician who easily crossed from jiti to gospel music. The talented entertainer brought an appeal to gospel music even to non-Christians by fusing the lyrics with a good beat.The man, who earned the nickname Mr Bulk because of his gigantic frame captured music followers’ attention through recordings and live performances.
His popular jiti hits of all times that caught the attention of music lovers include “Mujinga Regomo” and “Tribute to Peter Pamire”.
His crossover from jiti to gospel music was a transformation without hiccups.
Mr Bulk, a man from Zvimba grew up as a Christian and attended the Guta Rajehova sect and was once a pastor in his home area.
After his crossover he named his backing group the Angel Spirits, changing the name from The Bulk Spirits.
His first gospel single “Vakakomborerwa” was recorded in 1980. It was not a mega hit but managed to make a statement in the music industry.
Some years later his fans welcomed “Makuwerere”, “Tinunureiwo” (1988) and “Shoko” released in 1999.
After he had remade old gospel songs into danceable tunes, Mr Bulk’s fan base widened.
Church hymns such as “Tumai Mweya”, “Mucherechedzei” and “Tinosangana Kudenga” and “Tinoimba Hozana” were given a polished and fresh sound.
Some music critics argued that for Mr Bulk to sing jiti music before venturing into gospel was understood because he played with the likes of Cephas Mashakada and others whose music was grounded in the beat of the early 80s.
Jiti music catapulted bands such as The Four Brothers and the Bhundu Boys to fame.
In one of his interviews, Mr Bulk argued that “I am one of the first musicians to sing gospel. Unfortunately, my first gospel album did not get recognition because of poor airplay. During that time (early 80s) radio disc jockeys did a disservice to gospel. They did not take the music seriously,”
The Chiyangwa family boast popular figures like the late James popularly known as “Jimmy Jimalo” who was doubled as Mr Bulk’s manager and music promoter and Phillip.
In a recent interview, Phillip said about Mr Bulk: “My brother had passion for music which made him to be successful and we had a good working relationship. I looked to him as a father figure.”
Philip said although his brother ran many businesses his music came first and what strikes him most is the quality of videos he produced.
“David had many properties at Chikwanha (in Chitungwiza) and several houses which are now under the control of his children, but his music came first.”
Asked to comment on the revival of the Angel Spirits band Philip said band members move from one band to another and all Mr Bulk’s band members went to join other bands.
After the death of my brother’s wife who revived the band after David’s death the band collapsed, his band members joined other musicians,” he said.
He said David was the glue that kept the band intact and the death of his wife who managed to release an album in honour of his husband signalled the end of his legacy.
Philip said no one among Mr Bulk’s children has intentions of venturing into music as some of them are now married and are concentrating in running properties which were left by their father.
“I managed to send all his children to school and now they are adults who are running their father’s business. As a family we hope one of his children will take after their father in reviving his legacy,” he said.
Mr Bulky, who was diabetic died on February13, 2000.
At the time of his death he was survived by three wives and seven children.
Just after Mr Bulk’s death, the late Vice President Dr Simon Muzenda acknowledged a unique role which the musician played in the industry.
“I know how painful it is for a family to lose a brother and a father.
“However, the Chiyangwa family is not alone in mourning because David had endeared himself to many Zimbabweans through his gospel music, and many are mourning with you over this loss,” he said.
Online Reporter