Bongani Ndlovu
Prince Mushawevato Society Editor
The notion that children of arts legends are automatically destined to inherit their parents’ creative brilliance remains contested. History has shown that legacy alone does not guarantee success, and attempts to impose artistic succession have often fallen flat.
Yet in Zimbabwe’s rich cultural landscape, a number of enduring musical dynasties continue to defy that trend, and the Manatsa family is increasingly emerging as one of its most compelling examples.
Rooted in the legacy of the late music icon Zex Manatsa, the family’s influence continues to expand across generations. Today, attention is firmly fixed on two young performers whose rise on major stages is steadily reshaping perceptions of inherited talent: Ben Tinaye Manatsa (18) and Aaron Manatsa (21).
Ben, son of Selmor Mtukudzi and Tendai Manatsa, has quickly established himself as a gifted lead guitarist whose stage presence and technical ability belie his age. With his trademark afro comb tucked into his hair and a confident grip on the instrument, he delivers fluid, expressive guitar lines that have become a highlight of live performances with his family ensemble.
At recent shows, his performances have drawn admiration not only from audiences but also from within his own family, with light-hearted remarks from his mother Selmor Mtukudzi suggesting he is already a “threat” to his father, seasoned guitarist Tendai Manatsa. Beyond the humour, however, lies a growing musical synergy between father and son that has become central to the group’s evolving sound.
Ben’s journey into professional musicianship traces back to a defining childhood moment when he was just 11. During a family visit to his ailing grandfather, the legendary Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, the young Ben was encouraged to share his musical ambitions. When he expressed his desire to become a musician, he was invited to play one of Tuku’s guitars.
He first performed the classic “Todii”, and then surprised the family icon with an original composition. Deeply impressed, Mtukudzi gifted him the guitar, a moment that would shape his artistic path.
That early encouragement has since matured into a clear direction. Ben is now performing regularly at major events and is steadily building his reputation as a serious instrumentalist. While he remains committed to his family ensemble, he is also beginning to outline plans for independent projects in the future.
“I’m currently working with my parents, and it’s proving to be a great experience. In the long run, I’ll launch my own projects, but I’ll always remain part of the ensemble.”
He maintains that performing alongside his parents has accelerated his growth, exposing him to professional stages and diverse audiences at an early age.
Sharing the same creative lineage, Aaron Manatsa is also carving out his own space – this time behind the drum kit. The 21-year-old son of Green Manatsa, the son of Tendai’s elder brother, has become a standout performer, particularly through his work with Selmor Mtukudzi’s band, where his rhythmic precision and maturity have earned him growing recognition.
Aaron’s drumming style reflects both technical control and instinctive musicality, with many observers noting a depth that suggests years of experience. His ability to handle complex rhythms with ease has made him one of the most promising young percussionists within the family’s expanding musical network.
Beyond performance, Aaron is also developing as a composer and multi-instrumentalist, while maintaining a clear focus on academic progress. He is set to begin university studies in Computer Science, balancing education with an increasingly active music career.
“I have loved music for a long time and always wanted to play alongside my family. It’s exciting to be on the same stages I used to admire growing up. I will be balancing both music and studies.”
His father, Green Manatsa, confirmed that Aaron’s passion for drums emerged early in childhood and has remained consistent.
“Even as a toddler, he would go straight to the drums whenever he saw instruments. We support him fully, but education remains important. He will have to balance both,” he said.
Green added that while all his children show musical inclination, Aaron stands out for his natural command of rhythm and performance.
Together, Ben and Aaron represent a new wave within the Manatsa musical lineage — one that blends inherited artistry with individual identity. Their rise is not framed as a replication of legacy, but as an evolution of it, grounded in discipline, mentorship and opportunity.
