Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
THE formidable musical duo of Ranga Sagombeto and Kelvin Chikore, popularly known as R and K African Sounds, are preparing to reclaim their place on the Zimbabwean music scene with a nine-track comeback album scheduled for release next month.
The Rusape-born musicians, who made waves in the 1990s with their infectious hit, Ndafunga Kaviri (Parts One and Two), alongside other memorable songs such as Christmas Paruzevha and Memo, have been working tirelessly in the studio to produce a project they hope will reconnect them with loyal followers, while introducing their music to a new generation.
The forthcoming album, whose title is yet to be announced, will feature four songs from each musician, with a ninth track completing the collection.
Among the songs expected to excite fans is Ndafunga Kaviri, titled Hoyi Hoyi, continuing a musical series that became synonymous with the duo’s popularity.
Other tracks on the project include Rangariraiwo, Pamureza, Ndambakuudzwa, Ndatadzei, Happy New Year, Chigaramatombo, Mria Kuhema and Ndawana Nyasha.
The album explores a variety of themes, ranging from domestic violence and love to marriage vows, the liberation war struggle, peace and unity, as well as tributes to mothers.
By tackling issues that resonate with everyday experiences, the musicians are seeking to combine the familiar sounds that endeared them to fans with messages that speak to contemporary society.
The project will also bring together some of the original band members who contributed to the duo’s previous hit albums, with several of them returning to provide guitar work.
Their earlier albums include, Mhemberero, Dama Rakanaka, Raramo, Kamusambo and Hona Panezuva, which helped cement their reputation among music lovers during their heyday in the 90s and mid-2000.
The production team, Makumbe Productions, is equally optimistic about the project, describing the work in progress as promising.
“Initial mixing of the song will be next week (mid-October). Mixing and Mastering will be complete by end of October. It has been such a long journey, and we are glad to have reached this far working with Zimbabwe’s finest artistes like this. It is promising to be a masterpiece once released. We are looking forward to a more mature and intact album,” said Makumbe.
In separate interviews with Weekender Entertainment, the artistes said they are determined to make a strong statement through the album, and confirmed that they are now fully based in Zimbabwe after spending several years in South Africa.
The experience remains a reminder of the popularity R and K African Sounds enjoyed, particularly in Manicaland, where their roots and musical journey began.
However, the road to success was not without its challenges.
The duo eventually left the country in the mid-2000s in search of better opportunities, a decision that temporarily took them away from the local music scene.
Reflecting on that period, Chikore said the move was driven by the need to improve their circumstances.
“Life became difficult. We went to South Africa in search of greener pastures. Relocation was inspired by our quest to change our lives. We are ready to conquer the music scene together, and we have a feeling that we will make it through. The album will be lit, and we are confident that we will conquer,” said Chikore.
Now back home, the artistes believe their shared history, experience and renewed determination will help them navigate the evolving music industry.
The comeback also represents an opportunity to reconnect with an audience that has grown and changed over the years, while preserving the musical identity that made R and K African Sounds a household name among their followers.
With recording work nearing completion and live shows planned for November, the duo is looking forward to a new chapter in their career.
“We are now fully based in Zimbabwe. We will be resuming live performances in November. We have been busy recording,” said Sagombeto.
Their return to the local music scene will be marked by live performances, giving fans an opportunity to reconnect with the musicians whose songs once dominated entertainment spots and social gatherings.
For Sagombeto, Mutare holds special memories, with the artiste recalling the overwhelming reception the duo received during one of their performances in the city.
“We performed at a council bar in Sakubva before announcing that we would perform at another council bar in Dangamvura. On the day of the show, my band members started playing before I came on stage. I remember that, as I approached the gate, someone recognised me, and I was mobbed by excited fans who carried me all the way to the stage. We were so popular that people embraced us until the following morning. I will never forget Mutare,” he said.
R and K African Sounds revive musical magic
