Online ReporterTrust Khosa
IN showbiz, the journey to the top can be long and arduous, but losing it all — fame and fortune — can happen overnight.
The dramatic twists and turns almost always produce compelling stories.
Navigating showbiz is undoubtedly tough.
But, once in a while, the creative industry gives us feel-good stories of seemingly washed-up entertainers who defy the odds by resurrecting their careers and reclaiming their place in the spotlight.
Could this be the case with seasoned sungura star Taruvinga “Sugar Sugar” Manjokota, whose fairy-tale return to the limelight has left the nation buzzing?
His current hit song from his latest album “Kusvika Ati Eke”, “Mudododo”, which has become a national anthem of sorts, is promising to be a runaway success.
The return
The 52-year-old Sugar Sugar presently feels like he is living in candy-land, he told the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub in a wide-ranging interview last week.
The goatee-bearded star admitted that he constantly pinches himself in disbelief that he is once again the talk of the town, thanks to “Mudododo” — a track that has taken on a life of its own.
For both old and new fans, “Mudododo” has come to represent something refreshing and irresistible, serving as a catchy phrase that has become pervasive street lingo in day-to-day conversations.
“I cannot believe that I launched my 14th album, ‘Kusvika Ati Eke’, carrying this song called ‘Mudododo’, on May 30, and now there is such positive feedback,” he said.
“I vividly remember the May 30 album launch because it was the same night my team, Arsenal FC, lost the UEFA Champions League final to PSG. For your information, the show was poorly attended in Mbare and flopped dismally.
“I had invited several musicians, but fans stayed away. A well-wisher consoled me with US$200 to help meet part of my expenses. I went back to my residence in Stoneridge and locked myself in my room, reflecting on where I was going wrong despite giving it my all.”
Out of the nine songs, the singer said, Gibson Makumbe did two, while Anthony Gasani of Gart Studios recorded seven, including the hit track “Mudododo”.
Focus
After reflecting on the setback, the Samaita Express bandleader remained positive.
“As musicians, we exchange notes and this gave me the confidence to soldier on. I decided that I should not give up, especially considering that 2026 marks my 39th year in the game,” he recalled.
“I started music when I was very young, shortly after finishing Grade Seven at Manjokota Primary School in Buhera. I was academically challenged but exceptional at football, where I played on the right wing. Being someone who was not gifted academically, music was supposed to be my fallback plan in case I got injured playing soccer, and it simply worked for me.”
Following his new-found status, Manjokota is now angling to get the most from his music career.
“I am definitely going to monetise this fame by charging promoters who intend to hire my services at least US$1 500,” he revealed.
“I used to charge very little money after my return from South Africa. By the way, some had written me off while others said I had died, which was compounded by my failure to hold regular shows back home.
“It was a tough period in my life, being pronounced dead while still alive, but there was nothing in my power I could do to stop people from spreading those falsehoods.”
Like many of his sungura peers who are yet to fully leverage social media to monetise their work, Manjokota is taking things step by step.
“I know I still have plenty to do as far as monetising my work is concerned, but I will get there,” he declared.
“I have my official pages online, but I am a poor man who was forgotten. I would like to thank all those who started the ‘Mudododo’ challenge on social media, including content creators.
“I was so encouraged that academics of repute have also endorsed it, which is a major plus for someone like me who ended at Grade Seven. I cannot thank God enough for this favour.
“God has been working wonders in my life, which is why I will always cherish Him for making me a man among men.”
Poverty and misfortune
The musician also conceded that he is yet to make real money from his new-found success.
“I am still using public transport, where some people from Harare mock me when they see me hiking.
“ I just appeal for well-wisher assistance because I am poor at the moment,” he admitted.
“Sometimes I live on food handouts from fans, and I will simply do my best if I get benefactors. Regarding shows, we are still performing, but mobility remains a challenge.”
Manjokota, whose regional tours were never short of controversy, once made headlines following an unfruitful tour of Mozambique around 2008.
“I am quite aware of that story when it was claimed that I was stranded in Mozambique. The truth of the matter is that I was very safe there. I spent a year and a half there and thoroughly enjoyed myself,” he recalled.
“I went there at the peak of piracy, when my music, as well as that of Paradzai Mesi and Gift Amuli, was being pirated on every corner. I decided to stay there and capitalise on that fame, but I was never stranded.
“I toured Mozambique extensively, where they treated me like one of their own. At one point, I was performing every day, but I eventually had to return home to reunite with my family.”
Upon his return, Manjokota was given a residential stand in Stoneridge by property mogul Philip Chiyangwa, but misfortune struck again.
“Around 2010, I launched an album where businessman Baba Chiyangwa gave me a residential stand as a reward for my good work,” he said.
“It was the same period that the late Madzibaba Nicholas Zakaria was also gifted one. Sadly, in my case, one of my children accidentally destroyed my title deeds after the flat we stayed in caught fire.
“I lost most of my belongings and could not recover the title deeds. I have been to Dr Chiyangwa’s company, Pinnacle, but I was told there had been changes in management, which meant I had to suffer again.”
Determined to move on, he lived in Chiredzi, hopping from place to place before eventually settling in South Africa for a time.
“It was never easy for me all these years despite my fame because it was misfortune after misfortune,” he reflected.
“I have never known the definition of good living even while my music was popular. I think my time has come now with the release of ‘Mudododo’, which has reminded people of how powerful and talented I am.”
Manjokota is one of the popular sungura musicians who need no introduction on home soil. Some of his well-known albums are “Zviri Mukati”, “Kutaura Taura”, “Chamungarwire”, “Kuchema Nekunakirwa” and “Strategy”.
His list of major hit singles includes “Mirosi”, “Juliana”, “Zvaonekwa”, “Ndakamuda Ndega” and now “Mudododo”.
After enduring years of trials and tribulations, 2026 could be the year when grace finally locates him, with “Mudododo” breathing vibrant new life into his career.
leeroy