malvernmugadzikwa
Dennis Chimanzi
HAS sungura musician Romeo Gasa and his band Extra Valembe’s dream come to a crashing end?
This is a question many music fans are asking after Romeo migrated to the United Kingdom in November last year, leaving behind his band.
Extra Valembe was formed in 2006.
A year later, it announced its arrival on the music scene by winning the 2007 editions of the Music Crossroads Zimbabwe and Chibuku Road to Fame.
The core of the group, which is fronted by Romeo, is made up of his four brothers — Talent, Obey, Ronald and Admire.
However, fortune has seemingly eluded the brothers since they dropped their debut album, “Sungura Kompressor”, in 2008.
Reports suggest that Romeo is now employed in the UK and has since abandoned music.
The artiste’s decision to migrate is said to have been influenced by the need to reunite with his wife, “Mai Ropa”, who allegedly left the country in 2022 following a domestic dispute.
The couple’s marriage was understood to have been on the brink of collapse.
“Romeo had left his matrimonial home to cohabit with a cougar(name withheld). The lady has some boutiques and was initially more like his sponsor before they became romantically involved. His wife learnt about the affair and opted to leave the country,” said a source who preferred anonymity.
“However, the singer’s family intervened, resulting in the collapse of Romeo and Mama Delicious’ relationship. The family encouraged him to follow Mai Ropa to mend their relationship.”
Romeo’s father, Webster, however, vehemently denied the allegations.
“People have the right and freedom to say whatever they want but that does not make what they say correct. Romeo does not have any marital problem with his wife. In fact, his wife is supporting his music career and helps fund some of his projects.”
Abandoned band
Since the singer’s departure, Extra Valembe has not been performing.
Most of the group’s members are now living from hand to mouth.
Nicholas Mhashu, Romeo’s publicist, said the future looks bleak.
“The band has been inactive since he (Romeo) left the country last year on November 18.
“We are not sure if he is returning or not because he has since found a job there,” said Mhashu.
His brothers and fellow band members shared their tales.
“I struggled to look after my family when he left last year because we did not have any gigs lined up. I solely depended on income from the band. The festive season was a nightmare for me. It was so bad that I had to rely on handouts from well-wishers,” said Admire, who is the group’s drummer.
Talent, a lead guitarist, said he could not do without music.
“I have other side hustles, but music runs in my blood. I cannot do without shows. Our father owns a farm in Chinhoyi, which we all have access to. However, I am a performer, not a farmer,” he said.
Ronald also shared his misery.
“After leaving school, the only job that I have known is music. I joined Extra Valembe when I was still 16. I am going through a difficult phase in my life and miss the good old days. I now mould bricks for a living,” he said.
Shepherd Chinyani Jnr, son of seasoned singer Shepherd Chinyani, indicated that he had tried his luck with other bands “but nothing positive seems to be coming out of it”.
Hope
Romeo’s father, however, said the musician will be back with a bang.
“He will be back in the country in a few months. The band will be bigger and stronger than ever. Romeo is investing in new instruments, as well as composing new songs.
“He is working to source funds to make the dream a success. I can assure you that when he returns all will be well. He is not permanently based there. He travelled with the kids since his wife had left them behind,” added the patriarch.
“I understand he will be in Zimbabwe on June 29 for Mark Ngwazi’s album launch.”
Repeated efforts to get a comment from Romeo were in vain as he was not reachable by the time of going to print.
Online Reporter