Online Reporter
Trust Khosa,
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
RISING Chimurenga musician Tatu Muluba is eagerly anticipating June 14, a day that marks both his 45th birthday and the launch of his debut album, titled “Hope Dzandarota”.
The event will take place at Alliance Francaise in Harare, where Muluba will celebrate not just his milestone birthday but also his flourishing career in music.
Though he began taking music professionally in his mid-40s, Muluba — whose real name is Victor Katsande — believes he has much to contribute to the creative sector.
He is not only exploring a new musical landscape but is also living out his dream, making the upcoming album launch a top priority.
The launch promises to be a remarkable celebration, featuring fellow musicians such as Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange, Cello Culture, Bernard Betera, Dereck Mpofu, Tafadzwa Mukaro, Telah Walani, Fungai Chinogaramombe and Clive “Mono” Mukundu.
Businessman Xavier Mawoneke will be the guest of honour at this event.
Co-produced by Knowledge Nkoma and Oscar Chamba of KOM Studios, the album features 12 tracks, namely: “Kuchemera Zvevamwe,” “Dai Kwaedza,” “Kumutsa Zvirere,” “Ndokusema,” “Kufa Kwangu,” “Tsotsi,” “Ndiani Achanyara,” “Rombe,” “Kurairwa NeDenga,” “Rudo Rwenyu,” “Dzoka,” and the title track “Hope Dzandarota.”
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Muluba described the upcoming launch and his birthday as a significant milestone in his career.
“This is not just a year that I open an account of how I am going to positively impact humanity — a realisation of a long-chased passion and a fulfilment of a long-held desire,” he said.
“It’s a declaration of intent to bring the prestigious Chimurenga Grammy Award to Zimbabwe via Zimbabwe House.
“By the way, there is now a special category of Chimurenga at the Grammys, which are held annually. It is my dream that Mukanya (Thomas Mapfumo) or any other musicians in this genre wins it and bring it to Zimbabwe,” he stressed.
“I just love music since it is a lifestyle. I can safely say my role model is Thomas Mapfumo. I am also on good terms with his nephew, Kurai Makore, who is a good friend of mine.”
Muluba, who recently performed at ZTN’s Africa Day celebrations, revealed that his music captures themes affecting contemporary society.
“The themes I sing about include hope and resilience, patriotism and family, as well as denouncing drug and substance abuse.”
With over 500 unrecorded songs, Muluba is determined to make an impression after this launch, where he has invited various musicians.
“We also want to have a diverse line-up, from youth to the elderly, featuring reggae, katekwe, Chimurenga, traditional, contemporary and gospel music, so everyone is welcome. This event is a “Triple Delight” since we are launching an album, celebrating my birthday, and re-uniting with all the people I have met in my life in memory of those we have lost.”
Reflecting on his source of inspiration, Muluba highlighted the tales of the Bantu people:
“I am inspired by the stories of the Bantu people who migrated from Guruuswa.
“I understand they passed through the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I retained the DRC meaning of “Tatu”, which is father, and “Maluba”, meaning words, so I am the father of words.
“I also heard that Guruuswa was not a place but a region covering Uganda and Rwanda — Gulu in Uganda and Uswa in Rwanda.”
The Mabvuku-bred crooner, who is multi-tasking, shared some of his avenues for income generation:
“I am a banker currently with Getbucks Microfinance Bank. I am also studying law with UNISA.
“I hold a Bachelor of Science in Media and Society Studies from Midlands State University and a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication Studies from the same institution.”
When asked how he manages to balance being a hardworking person engaged in music, studies and banking, he explained:
“The day has 24 hours, and we choose how to spend them — whether to sleep, work, party, or be productive. I always manage my time wisely.”
An avid reader and academic, Muluba attended Mabvuku Primary School and Tafara High School in Harare.
He completed his secondary education at Cranborne Boys High.
He also attended MSU in Gweru, the Institute of Bankers and the Institute of Credit Management at UZ.
Besides his love for music, he has a passion for football. However, he noted that it is hard for him to drop music.
“I am also a football enthusiast, so shout out to my DzeNhabvu pundits, with special mention to each one of them, as well as my learned colleagues in law on our WhatsApp group known as LLB Conversions Zimbabwe. Their support has been amazing,” he said.
Buoyed by his powerful songwriting technique and mastery of traditional instruments like the mbira, Muluba’s journey is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions.
With the upcoming launch of “Hope Dzandarota” and his 45th birthday, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the Chimurenga music scene and inspire others to follow their dreams.
