Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The long wait is over as Suluman Chimbetu will finally unveil his eighth album this weekend in Harare and Chegutu, respectively.
After a five-year album drought, which left some fans guessing while others seemed to lose patience, Sulu’s camp has decided to clear the air as he unveils the album.
Titled “Tsapo,” which can be loosely translated to “total package,” the album features 14 tracks, including “Timba,” “Hartley,” “Mweya,” “Homwe,” “Wakaipa,” “Ngirozi,” “Chihera,” “Perengende,” “Twuhanda,” “Nyoka,” “Stars,” “Ngwendere,” “Tiite Tiite,” and “Soul N Heart Instrumental.”
The Harare event is scheduled for Skyline River Resort (formerly Skyline Motel) on Friday, located after the Harare South Tollgate along Beatrice Road. On Saturday, TP Rukawo will host the launch in Chegutu.
Both iconic venues promise a historic launch, as Sulu aims to rekindle old memories.
“We are ready for the launch of my eighth album on Friday and Saturday,” he stated.
“This is an album we have been working on for years, and we finally decided to release it now due to popular demand from the fans. I know it has been a long wait since our last album, Entanglement, released around 2020,” he emphasised.
Sulu expressed gratitude to both old and new Dendera lovers for their patience, assuring them that the album is worth the wait.
He acknowledged his loyal fans, stating, “I know they have been eagerly anticipating this moment, and I assure them it will be released this weekend.”
“I have worked with Nodza (Knowledge Nkoma) and Oskid (Prince Tapfuma) during the production process of this album. “It was an amazing experience, and I can safely say we took our time working on it,” he added.
In pursuit of high-quality sound, Sulu enlisted Mokoomba lead guitarist Trust Samende and veteran rhythm guitarist Solo Makore for this project.
Seasoned drummer Obert Gomba, known for his contributions to Orchestra Mberikwazvo under the stewardship of Alick Macheso, lent his expertise, along with fellow drummers Carlton Mparutsa, Prince Kapatsa, and Strovas Shadaya.
He retained the core members of Orchestra Dendera Kings, including long-serving member Moffat Nyamupandu and Knowledge Nkoma, to assist in the production process.
His cousin, Douglas Chimbetu, who has become a permanent member of Sulu’s team after the disbandment of his own group, was also involved in creating this new album.
After a five-year hiatus, Sulu is determined to cement his authority as the heir to Dendera music.
“I can’t thank my loyal team enough for their cooperation in the making of this album that we are about to unveil. I have always believed in quality productions, and in our genre, it’s often better to delay launching an album to ensure it meets high standards,” he remarked.
He took the opportunity to address the five-year gap in album releases, which left fans speculating.
After several postponements, he finally reassured fans that the release of “Tsapo” was imminent.
“I know fans have been inquiring about that, but I can assure them it is finally here and ready to be unveiled.
“I am confident it will be embraced, and fans should prepare for it as we share it with the public.
“We are grateful to everyone involved in the production process, my team, and family for making this possible,” he said.
The big question now is whether Sulu’s eighth album, a lucky number, will strike gold.
True to the Chinese mythology surrounding the number eight, Sulu’s album−coming after careful diligence, collaborations and hard work−may well propel him back to the summit of the music scene.
Beyond his latest album, “Tsapo,” Sulu boasts a rich catalogue of works, including his debut project “Ndomusiya Nani?” released in 2007, “Non-Stop” (2010), “Syllabus” (2012), “Gunship” (2014), “Jamboree” (2016), and “Entanglement” (2020).
Sulu’s return after a five-year album drought signifies not just a comeback but a powerful resurgence, symbolising balance, prosperity, and infinity across various domains.
c
Mathew Masinge