Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
DENDERA music exponent Suluman Chimbetu says he was celebrating his 44th birthday with a heavy heart.
A voluntary social worker, counsellor, and artistic mentor, Sulu — as he is fondly known — revealed that his heart aches as the nation continues to lose young people to drugs and substance abuse.
Born on May 27, 1982, the Orchestra Dendera Kings musician, who has been working with vulnerable groups, including inmates under the Zimbabwean Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), has vowed to continue creating change as part of his birthday message.
“I am blessed to have lived all these years and raised my own family,” he said.
“It is a blessing that God continues to bless me this way, but I am supposed to change lives.
“My only worry is that I am celebrating this birthday with a heavy heart because of the threats of drug and substance abuse that we are all fighting as a nation.
“To be honest, collective efforts are needed as we fight this cancer that is upon us.”
With his influence as a musician and community builder, Sulu has challenged victims of drug and substance abuse to avoid relapse.
“We are making great strides in this area, and I will be glad if we can surely address this issue and continue changing the communities we live in.
“This is what we are calling for as we move towards addressing the problem.”
He also spoke highly about his family for supporting his vision as an artiste and entrepreneur.
“I thank my family, my kids, and my relatives because they have always supported my hustles from day one.
“This is the kind of support we require in life, and I will continue doing my best in my quest to keep the family name and legacy intact.
“I don’t want to be remembered as someone who failed to meet some of my goals, but I will always be there when needed.”
The consistent sungura musician said it was by God’s grace that he has managed to lead Orchestra Dendera Kings for over 20 years.
“To be honest, it can only be God and the ancestors shaping my career and making my dreams come true.
“Musically, we keep working hard, and that has been the case for years.”
A firm believer in hard work, Sulu has urged upcoming musicians to stay focused in their careers.
“There are no shortcuts in the creative sector, where sometimes things get tough.
“I always have mentorship sessions with upcoming musicians where we urge them not to cut corners.
“To be honest, cutting corners is a recipe for disaster, and that should be avoided.”
He added:
“Like I said earlier, I simply urge upcoming stars to remain committed to their work and avoid taking drugs as a way of boosting their confidence.
“We are simply working towards addressing this issue, which has also affected our sector.”
Musically, Sulu has shown consistency by releasing popular hits such as “Sean Timba,” “Njiva,” and “Phone,” among other tracks —building on the rich discography of his late father.
Coming from a rich musical family, Sulu knows what is expected of him, and he has been working hard.
A father of four, Sulu said he feels embraced as he celebrates the gift of life.
“Lastly, I am glad that God loves me, and I will continue to do my best to make sure I keep them entertained.
“In terms of celebrations, it is up to the fans to come up with something, but at home, we will definitely have something.
“As a role model, I want to use my influence to change people’s lives for the better.”
