Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
A BUBBLY and confident Suluman Chimbetu leans against a pillar at Alliance Francaise in Harare after his captivating performance last Friday.
He takes the opportunity to pose for “selfies” with fans following his debut at this upscale venue.
Clad in all white, he entertains everyone who crosses his path.
On this chilly night, Sulu presents a different persona from the one who once appeared forlorn, lacking new material on the music market.
Buoyed by the success of his eighth album “Tsapo”, which can be loosely translate to full package, he has attracted a wave of old fans eager to reconnect him.
His confidence is palpable, and his trademark smile has returned.
Everything about his character, self-esteem, and confidence has been restored—this is the Suluman we have been longing for.
Fans eagerly requesting songs from his new album, Tsapo, have further elevated his status.
New songs like “Tiite Tiite”, “Heartly” and “Perengende” top fans’ list of requests.
It took him five years to rebuild the confidence that had plummeted to an all-time low.
The absence of new material had significantly impacted his career, though he consistently worked towards addressing this challenge.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Sulu expressed his elation as fans braved the chilly night to watch him perform.
“It feels great that fans show up in numbers to support me despite the bad weather we experienced today,” he stressed. “I have been longing for this kind of warm reception for years, and I am glad that God has been faithful to me. I will cherish this for months to come, and I am blown away by the love shown here tonight.”
The Orchestra Dendera Kings leader, who turns 44 on May 27, described the hospitality he received as a game-changer.
“It’s hard to find loyal fans who have stood by me in both good and trying times. I always ask myself why fans love my music, as you can see tonight here at Alliance Francaise.
“I can’t rule out the fact that my new album has boosted my numbers, as was evident tonight,” he emphasised.
Sulu, who is currently working on visuals, noted that he is ready to meet his fans’ demands.
“To be honest with you, I will do my best to ensure that I continue giving my fans high-quality content wherever I go.
“Music defines me, and I can’t afford to let down my fans who have gone out of their way to support my hustle. It’s clear that fans love my music, and tonight’s attendance, vibe, and love were enough proof to silence my critics.
“This is all I have been longing for over the years when things were not okay for many of us in the creative sector,” he stated.
Now that his confidence has been restored, Sulu has vowed to continue giving fans more themed shows.
“We are going to revitalise the way we do business by holding shows with special themes. We can’t hold shows in the same manner we did 10 years ago.
“It’s clear that fans want us to up our game, and this is the right time for us to do so.”
Sulu, who has just released his eighth album, has struck gold once again.
True to the belief that the number eight is special, Sulu has fulfilled the myth surrounding the number.
In various cultures around the world, the number eight is associated with prosperity, power, abundance, and balance.
It symbolises immortality and eternity in other traditions. In Chinese numerology, the number eight is considered very lucky, linked to wealth and good fortune.
His fans can easily testify to the success he currently enjoys.
The Dendera exponent’s 14-track album has won the hearts of millions.
The crooner’s fortunes will certainly increase, as signs clearly indicate this trend.
The gamble he took by working with Knowledge Nkoma and Prince “Oskid” Tapfuma during the production process of this album has paid off.
“It was an amazing experience, and I can safely say we took our time working on it,” he added.
The tracklist of Sulu’s latest album includes “Timba,” “Hartley,” “Mweya,” “Homwe,” “Wakaipa,” “Ngirozi,” “Chihera,” “Perengende,” “Twuhanda,” “Nyoka,” “Stars,” “Ngwendere,” “Tiite Tiite,” and “Soul N Heart Instrumental.”
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 members Moffat Nyamupandu and Knowledge Nkoma, to assist in the production process.
His 2020 album “Entanglement” was the last project he gave fans.
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. It takes patience, dedication, and focus—qualities he has demonstrated over the past five years while working on this project.
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 is among the leading figures in the secular music scene, commanding a substantial following.
Having been in the industry for over two decades, his journey took a significant turn after the death of his father, Simon “Chopper” Chimbetu, who passed away on August 14, 2005.
His journey back to confidence not only revitalises his career but also reminds us of the joy that music brings to both artists and fans alike.
With renewed energy and enthusiasm, Sulu is poised to reclaim his place in the hearts of many.
