daniel chigunwe
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Entertainment Editor
They were born on the same day, but in different years.
As fate would have it, sharing the same birthday became the umbilical cord that tied them together.
And, as if that is not enough, they were both bred in the sprawling suburb of Mbare.
When music called, one became a superstar and the other, his hype man.
When death called, one died, and the other remained, albeit in excruciating pain.
And the two both had twin brothers.
That is the untold story of the late Zimdancehall hero Saul Musaka, affectionately known as Soul Jah Love, and Super Yut real name Tatenda Madora.
Today, Super Yut turns 33 and Soul Jah Love would have turned 35, having been born on the same day.
“I miss him so much and it hasn’t been the same,” said Super Yut. “It is hard to celebrate my birthday because I am always reminded of Soul Jah Love.”
The birthday boy said he misses the limelight Soul Jah Love used to give him.
“Right now, it is like I don’t exist in the genre,” he said. “I miss everything about him, especially the limelight and opportunities he used to give me. I am still doing music. I am a backing vocalist, hype man as always, doing shows, but I am not getting the respect I used to have with my friend.”
Super Yut said he was continuing the legacy left by Soul Jah Love through the Conquering Next Generation.
“I have a lot of youngsters in our camp and have been promoting them, though it is hard,” he said. “Did you know I have a twin called Superstar, real name Tafadzwa, and Soul Jah Love also had a twin, John.”
Super Yut said he was not celebrating his birthday today, but there are plans for belated birthday commemorations.
“Today, like I said it is a dull moment for me though I have turned a year older,” he said. “We are having birthday commemorations on December 9 at Padziva Camp and Caravan, dubbed Soul Jah Love Memorial Concert in Dzivarasekwa.
“The memorial concert will also see Tocky Vibes performing because he also shares the same birthday month with Soul Jah Love. He was born on November 29. The event is in partnership with Jive Zimbabwe and Rockers Island.
“However, we have one issue. my friend was declared a liberation hero and he is now under the State, but as the Conquering Family we want to unveil his tombstone on February 16, 2024.”
Asked to chronicle how they met with Soul Jah Love, Super Yut said it was 13 years ago.
“It was in Mbare, 2010 at a place called Gaza,” he said. “We clicked and started working together in 2013 on all his music. Now Zimdancehall is no longer the same without him because the music style has changed.
“Now, it is more like bubblegum music. During the Soul Jah Love era, artistes were given pressure to release good music. Soul Jah Love could do freestyle on any rhythm and it was nice. It seems Zimdancehall artistes have relaxed and we yearn for those times.”
Super Yut said he was still based in Mbare at Gaza Spot.
“We salute and honour our ‘Street Father-Gaza Commander’, Diva ‘Musoja’, real name David Kandawasvika,” he said. “He was the one who made us who we are. He was the first to give Soul Jah Love shelter, and clothes and even promote his music, among other things. I am still in Gaza and will die there.”
Commenting on drug and substance abuse among ghetto youths, Super Yut said it was a major issue and something must be done.
“Here in Mbare, the issue of drug and substance abuse is worrisome,” he said. “There are awareness campaigns taking place, but somehow to others, they are falling on deaf ears. I think we need door-to-door campaigns, maybe this might help to curb the vice.”
Super Yut acknowledged Zimdancehall artistes releasing music centred on social problems, providing solutions.
“Mughetto munotoda kupusha nemusic. In the ghetto suburbs, music drives them and I am happy most of the ZImdancehall singers are singing about societal problems with solutions,” he said.
“We also cry for equal opportunities in the music sector. Promoters should also give us a chance like established singers. I know it is business, but this is how we get to be known and at the same time rise in music.”
Super Yut said for now, he was not selective when it came to collaborations or working with other artistes.
“I am more than welcome to every artistes who wants to work with me,” he said. “I just want to try new things as well.”
Online Reporter