The ‘Chopper’ is landing

Brenda Phiri Arts Correspondent
It is all systems go this Sunday for the Simon Chimbetu commemoration gig slated for the Harare Gardens starting at noon and running until late featuring some of the heavy hitters on the music scene in the form of Jah Prayzah, sungura maestro Alick Macheso as well as gospel prodigy Mathias Mhere. The show will be part of the countrywide commemorative gigs in honour of the late legendary singer Simon Chimbetu, who was affectionately known to his fans as “Chopper”.
Proceeds from the gigs will be used for the refurbishment of the Simon Chimbetu Primary School in Chegutu which was built in honour of “Chopper”. Already, Chipaz Promotions have pledged to donate building material to the school.

Partson Chimbodza, the head of Chipaz Promotions, said he was touched by the plight of the children at the school and it was his wish to develop the school.
Mhere is expected to add diversity alongside Jah Prayzah and Macheso. Suluman is expected to lead the Chimbetus who include Allan, Saiwe and Douglas in what promises to be the gala of the season.

Peter “Young Igwe” Moyo will also spice up the gig and fans will see him perform some hits from his latest album “Mushonga”.
The album is proving to be a favourite among diehard Dhewa fans.

Dendera pioneer Simon Chimbetu died at the age of 50. The gigs come eight years after Chopper’s death and have now become an annual event throughout August, under the theme “Celebrating the life of a hero and music icon”.

Chimbetu was born on September 23, 1955 and attended Musengezi High School.
Chimbetu’s musical orientation was strongly influenced by his experiences as a black person in a racially polarised Rhodesia and Marxist ideals.
His musical career kicked off during the war of liberation, when he went to Tanzania for training. Simon would provide morale to liberation fighters through his music.

After independence Simon worked at a tobacco auction company but his passion for music did not wane.
He played regularly at different spots in Harare. He was one of the many Zimbabwean musicians who found their footing in various bands before pursuing a solo career.

He also teamed up with his sibling Naison, with whom he penned songs such as “Dr Nero” and “Nherera”.
With the band Marxist Brothers, formed by Simon together with his brothers Naison, Brian and Allan, they had a string of hits from the 1980s to the early 1990s.
Chimbetu realised greater success when he went solo, recording all-time classics like “Kuipa Chete”, “Ngoma Yanditora Moyo”, Mwana Wedangwe”, “One Way” and many others.