Sundaymail Editor
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN Zimbabwe, a band leader is both the visionary and captain, navigating the often-turbulent waters of the music industry.
This multifaceted role demands commitment to the welfare and career development of each band member.
Leaders are expected to steer their groups towards success, even amidst significant challenges.
The band leader’s public persona profoundly influences the lives of their members, shaping their opportunities and experiences both on and off stage.
Over time, a deep bond, rooted in mutual trust and loyalty, typically forms between front-runners and their members.
This loyalty is crucial for music groups to weather both good and bad times.
However, when this loyalty is betrayed, it raises serious concerns about the group’s stability.
Factors such as greed, personal relationships and mismanagement have contributed to the disbandment of numerous ensembles.
Over the years, a disturbing trend has emerged: an increasing number of band leaders are abandoning their members in pursuit of perceived better opportunities, often migrating to the diaspora.
Others are abandoning music altogether.
While it is essential for band members to seek supplementary income through side hustles, not everyone succeeds in this area.
This week, we delve into stories of prominent Zimbabwean musicians who have left their bands in times of dire need.
Although some have later reunited, it is increasingly evident that many band leaders prioritise their own ambitions over the welfare of their members. Below is a list of band leaders who have deserted their teams when they were needed most.
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Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria
The sungura godfather is revered as a mentor who shaped the early careers of numerous musicians.
Known for his discipline and humility, he holds a significant place in local music.
However, his decision to leave Khiama Boys in 1997, abandoning music for a truck driving job, remains a point of contention. Fans still seek answers, especially concerning allegations that he locked away the band’s equipment, leaving his team stranded.
This forced two loyal members — Alick Macheso and Zakaria Zakaria — to form Orchestra Mberikwazvo.
While this venture proved successful, it followed a period of hardship for the duo.
For Macheso, this period of adversity became a catalyst for self-reflection and, ultimately, a career that eclipsed Madzibaba’s own.
Their well-documented feud highlights the impact of this betrayal, which ironically fuelled Macheso’s rise.
Despite this 1997 decision, Madzibaba’s legacy endures and his influence continues to inspire Zimbabwean musicians.
His complex relationship with his former band members serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between loyalty and personal ambition within the music industry.
The question remains: can a true band leader ever fully sever ties with their loyal members?
Lovemore Majaivana
This living legend has resided in the United States for over 20 years.
His abrupt departure from music, at what many considered his peak, left his band members and fans in a difficult position.
It is abundantly clear that it will take nothing short of a miracle to convince him to return to showbiz.
The question many have asked is how his supporting staff managed without him.
While they have undoubtedly found other paths, the loss of their leading figure was a significant blow.
Majaivana’s absence created a palpable void in local music.
Fans continue to fondly recall his electrifying performances.
The impact of his departure resonated deeply, affecting both his bandmates and audiences who adored his music.
Romeo Gasa
The 2007 Chibuku Road to Fame winner left for the United Kingdom in December 2023 to join his wife.
Though he returned briefly in July 2024 to record a new album, he ultimately chose to remain abroad.
His band, Extra Valembe, has struggled to adjust to his absence.
However, it appears Gasa had no choice but to put his family first.
Gasa’s decision — prioritising family — highlights the difficult choices musicians sometimes face.
Progress Chipfumo
He might fit into this list but his situation is more complex.
The Sounds of Motherland boss may be missing on home turf but he is in the UK receiving medical treatment.
His band members have struggled to make ends meet without him.
However, the only relief they have is that they expect him to return in August.
His health takes precedence and fans hope for his full recovery.
Jonathan Mgazi
The multi-talented instrumentalist has settled in the United States, leaving a void in Zimbabwean gospel music circles.
He served as both a session musician and a collaborator for many artistes.
In his case, it was a matter of trying to further his education in music production, which is a positive move.
Mgazi has been working with a number of Zimbabwean musicians in the US, which has become his new focus.
Dino Mudondo
The talented chanter, composer and entrepreneur returned home in 2023 after a five-year hiatus in South Africa, where he had been holed up.
He abandoned the Rasta Kwasa Family in search of greener pastures but reportedly ended up studying mining management, marketing and music production.
Mudondo left at a time when he had built a strong brand, supported by the Rasta Kwasa Family, but he later realised that home is always best.
When he left, his former band members were left to find alternative sources of incomes.
Munya Mataruse
The former Pakare Paye product is no doubt one of Zimbabwe’s finest exports.
After learning the ropes under the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s great tutelage, he assembled his band, known as Kazeveze, which had several productions from Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton.
It was an impressive outfit.
In 2015, after the death of Sam Mtukudzi, Mataruse moved to Canada, where he has settled in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
He has been making music and doing other jobs for survival.
His case is unique in that he has managed to assemble a band there, despite leaving some of his colleagues in Zimbabwe.
He returned in December last year for his wedding ceremony and reunited with some of his Pakare Paye alumni, like Watson Chidzomba Junior and Mbeu.
For Mataruse, it was a matter of prioritising growth and personal development.
Others
Others, like Portia Gwanzura, have established new lives in Europe after building successful careers in Zimbabwe.
Though she has stepped back from her active music career, she was among the pioneers of Zimbabwean band leaders to relocate overseas.
Her Hohodza Hot Band is reportedly now engaged in various activities in Leigh, United Kingdom, and has settled well.
Similarly, Decibel and Leonard Mapfumo appear to have successfully settled abroad.
While band leaders are entitled to make decisions for their survival, band members must be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. The Covid-19 lockdown was perhaps a lesson for both band leaders and their teams to ready for anything in life.
It is disheartening, however, when band leaders prioritise their own interests, neglecting the welfare of their colleagues.
Transparency, unity and mutual support are fundamental to the sustainability of any band.
As the music industry continues to evolve, it is vital for artistes to maintain strong connections with their roots while embracing new opportunities abroad.
Online Reporter