adminEntertainment Reporter
SULUMAN Chimbetu is at a loss for words as Dendera music, pioneered by his late father Simon Chimbetu, continues to appeal to generations of fans.
The 40-year-old said he was determined to preserve the genre, 17 years after his father’s death.
Chopper died in 2005 after a short illness and Sulu took over the reins of the band.
Last weekend, Sulu stole the show at the JamAfro Festival held in Birmingham, UK.
And, being one of the closing acts at the fete, which featured an array of locals, including South African energy goddess Makhadzi, Sulu was at his usual best.
Following the rapturous reception that he received, Suluman played hit after hit at the event.
After wowing the crowd at the first leg of the tour held in Harare early this year, Sulu and his troops showed they still have the mojo to go places.
Speaking to H-Metro from Birmingham, shortly after the show, Sulu could not hide his elation.
“It feels good being appreciated by Zimbos resident overseas, along with other foreign nationals, who are not Zimbabweans.
“It means we are doing our best to ensure that we penetrate the international market, which has always been our wish.
“Over the years, we used to target Zimbabwean communities resident overseas each time we performed abroad.
“But, there is a huge shift from that because other nationals, including residents of the host nations, are now embracing us,” he said.
Added Sulu: “I would like to thank the event organisers who put on a good show and this could be an indicator that Zimbabwean music is penetrating the globe.
“Festival organiser, Boniface Jana of Negos Entertainment, has simply done the best for us and we will continue supporting him.”
The festival organiser was also over the moon.
“We did our homework and everything went according to plan. The turnout was impressive and it showed that Zimbabwean music has a huge appeal.
“Like we promised, we hope to take this festival to other countries,” Jana said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter