tawandamusarurwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
Rising sungura star Mark Ngwazi has a dark family secret.
They say blood is thicker than water, but when it comes to music, it seems siblings cannot easily gel — they almost become like water and oil.
The success of the Marondera-based Pengaudzoke, which was fronted by Daiton and Josphat Somanje, ultimately became the group’s curse.
The brothers acrimoniously parted ways after releasing the monster hit “Tsaona” at the turn of the millennium.
Their relationship soured to such an extent that up until the time Daiton breathed his last on April 7, 2015, they did not see eye to eye.
Although Josphat formed his own group, Somanje Stars, which produced numerous chart-topping hits such as “This Time” (also known as “Haulume”), “Sochisi Yemombe”, “Mukaranga” and “Hope Dzeumambo”, his promising solo career inexplicably took an about-turn. For some strange reason, he eventually left music altogether.
However, he is trying to reinvent himself.
It was also the same with the Chimbetu brothers, Simon and Naison, who, at one time, worked together as the Marxist Brothers.
The inclination of musical siblings to self-destruct when their fortunes are on the rise seems to be a common denominator for local music groups.
It is the same case with the Ngwazi brothers — Mark and Tendai (Tindo) — who worked together in the group Njanja Express close to a decade ago.
They, however, split in 2018, after greed got the better of one of the brothers.
While it is generally believed the two went their separate ways after Tendai (31) won the 2016 Harare provincial Chibuku Road to Fame competition with his new ensemble, Adequate Sounds, which he had formed whilst he was still working with his 35-year-old brother, sources told The Sunday Mail that this was not case.
“That is not the true story,” said a source close to the two brothers.
“They split because of Tindo’s greed and chicanery. He did something nasty, and it is amazing that his brother still managed to forgive him.”
Tindo reportedly joined Njanja Express, which had been formed by Mark, as a band member and manager after resigning from the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The duo worked together in composing and recording songs for the album “Charger Yetsono”.
However, along the way, Tindo allegedly stole the project and tried to release the album as his own.
Mark got wind of the plot through the grapevine and all hell broke loose.
A serious feud that threatened to divide the entire family ensued.
For some time, the siblings could not even stand being in the same room.
Elders were forced to intervene and the matter was later resolved after several meetings.
The family compelled the younger brother to hand over the project to Mark.
It might have solved the problem, but the hate and mistrust between the brothers continued.
As their working relationship became untenable, the two eventually split, with Tindo walking away with some of the Njanja Express band members, as well as the instruments.
Mark was grounded.
Against all the odds, he, however, managed to release “Charger Yetsono”.
“It is now water under the bridge,” Mark told The Sunday Mail.
“There is no more bad blood between us. I love my brother and wish him well. He is my blood brother and the best we can do is support each other in our different endeavours; our relationship is more important than anything else.
“I am still in the process of buying instruments. In fact, I cannot say I have much yet because this is a process, but, God willing, things will be fine soon.”
Prophet Madzibaba Moses (real name Lloyd Gwasira) is financially assisting Mark to put together the musical instruments he requires.
Despite professing to have mended their frayed relationship, the acrimony between the two is apparent.
They appear to have settled to trade barbs through song.
The song “Taurai Madzoka”, off Mark’s 2020 album “Chamugwegwedu Chamatindike”, which incidentally got public acclaim, is said to have been directed at his younger brother.
And a few weeks back, Tindo launched his fifth album titled “Charwadza”.
The latest offering has six tracks — “Musatipedzera Nguva”, “Maebwa”, “Mwene Weruva”, “Vane Rudo”, “Mubereki” and “Lindiwe”.
In some of the tracks, he seems to make reference to incidents that led to their fallout.
“There is nothing to do with my brother on this album. People are misinterpreting the title ‘Charwadza’ as a message directed at Mark. They are wrong! I am sure, when they listen to the album, they will have a better interpretation,” said Tindo.
“Our split in 2018 was not due to a fallout. It was a mutual decision to form two strong brands . . . Prior to our separation, we had worked together for three solid years.
“If you notice, whenever there is Mark, I will always be there; this is sign of our good relationship.”
He said his latest album was for his “detractors”.
“I want to prove those who doubt my capacity wrong with this album. I want them to realise that I am a music genius,” said Tindo.
“I cannot single out anyone. But whoever has done wrong to me will know that I am talking about him/her when they listen to the songs.”
Well-placed sources say Tindo, who is now desperate to ride on his relatively successful and popular brother’s coattails, is currently pushing to work on a joint project with him, but his sibling is understood to be reluctant.
Who can blame him?
It is often said once bitten, twice shy.
Online Reporter